1 Chronicles 26:3

KJV

Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Elam {H5867} the fifth {H2549}, Jehohanan {H3076} the sixth {H8345}, Elioenai {H454} the seventh {H7637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Eilam the fifth, Y'hochanan the sixth and Ely'ho'einai the seventh.

Berean Standard Bible

Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh.

American Standard Version

Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:3 is a concise verse found within a larger genealogical and administrative record, meticulously detailing three individuals—Elam, Jehohanan, and Elioenai—who were designated as gatekeepers for the tabernacle, and later, the temple service during King David's reign. This verse, part of a comprehensive roster of Levites assigned to various duties, underscores the divine emphasis on order, faithful service, and the precise organization of worship within ancient Israel, highlighting that even seemingly minor roles were meticulously recorded and valued in God's economy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 26, a chapter dedicated to the divisions of the gatekeepers and treasurers among the Levites. The broader context of 1 Chronicles is a theological history, tracing the lineage of Israel from Adam, focusing heavily on the Davidic line, the establishment of the monarchy, and the preparations for the temple. Chapters 23-26 specifically detail David's organization of the Levites into various service groups: priests, musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers. Verse 3 continues the enumeration of the sons of Meshelemiah (also called Shelemiah in [1 Chronicles 26:1](/1_chronicles/26-1 "1 Chronicles 26:1 - Gatekeepers' Divisions")), who was a prominent gatekeeper from the Korahite lineage. The meticulous listing of names and their assigned posts throughout [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of Gatekeepers and Treasurers") emphasizes the highly structured and divinely ordained nature of temple service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC), Israel was transitioning from a tribal confederacy to a more centralized monarchy. David, a man after God's own heart, was deeply committed to organizing the religious life of the nation in preparation for the permanent temple, which his son Solomon would ultimately build. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for sacred service, and within their ranks, specific families were assigned roles such as gatekeepers, musicians, and treasurers. Gatekeepers were not merely guards; they controlled access to the sacred precincts, maintained order, and were responsible for the security and integrity of the temple treasury. Their roles were crucial for upholding the sanctity of the worship space, reflecting a culture where sacred boundaries and ceremonial purity were paramount. The detailed record-keeping in Chronicles reflects the administrative sophistication and the importance placed on lineage and inherited responsibilities in ancient Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of Gatekeepers and Treasurers"), including verse 3, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, **Order and Organization** is paramount; David's careful arrangements for temple service, even before the temple's construction, demonstrate a divine preference for structure and intentionality in worship and communal life. Second, **Faithful Service** is highlighted, as every individual, regardless of the perceived prominence of their role, is named and recorded, emphasizing that all contributions to God's work are valued and remembered. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that God sees and rewards faithfulness in all tasks, great or small, as seen in [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Parable of the Talents"). Third, **Hereditary Responsibility and Continuity** is evident, as these roles were often passed down through families, ensuring a consistent and dedicated workforce for generations, underscoring the importance of intergenerational faithfulness and legacy in serving God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehohanan (Hebrew, _Yəhôḥānān'_):** This common biblical name means "the LORD is gracious" or "Yahweh has been gracious." The name itself serves as a miniature theological statement, reflecting the parents' (or the community's) acknowledgment of God's benevolence. In the context of a gatekeeper, it subtly reminds the reader that even in the seemingly mundane tasks of temple administration, the underlying reality is God's grace enabling and sustaining the service.
* **Elioenai (Hebrew, _ʾĔlîhôʿênay'_):** Meaning "unto the LORD are my eyes" or "my eyes are toward the LORD," this name conveys a profound sense of dependence, hope, and unwavering focus on God. For a gatekeeper, whose role involved constant vigilance and dedication to the sacred space, such a name could symbolize the spiritual posture required for their duties—a constant awareness of God's presence and purpose. It speaks to a life lived with an upward gaze, trusting in divine provision and guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Elam the fifth":** This phrase identifies Elam as the fifth son or descendant in a specific lineage or division of gatekeepers. The numerical designation highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the ordered structure of the Levitical service. It implies a known sequence and established hierarchy, ensuring that each individual's place and role within the larger system was clearly defined.
* **"Jehohanan the sixth":** Following the pattern, Jehohanan is identified as the sixth in this sequence. The repetition of the numerical identifier ("the fifth," "the sixth") reinforces the theme of precise enumeration and organization. Each name is not merely a label but an assigned position within a divinely sanctioned framework for worship and administration.
* **"Elioenai the seventh":** Completing the list in this verse, Elioenai is designated as the seventh. This final entry in the sequence within the verse further solidifies the impression of a comprehensive and exhaustive record. The consistent pattern of name followed by ordinal number emphasizes the administrative detail and the importance of every individual's specific placement within the larger body of temple servants.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 26:3, and indeed throughout much of the surrounding chapters, is **Enumeration**. This involves the systematic listing of names and their corresponding numerical or hierarchical positions. The precise and repetitive use of ordinal numbers ("the fifth," "the sixth," "the seventh") serves to emphasize **Order** and **Precision** in the divine administration of the temple service. While seemingly dry, this detailed listing also functions as a form of **Validation**, affirming the legitimacy and importance of each individual's role within the sacred structure. It implicitly communicates that God's plan for worship is not chaotic but meticulously organized, with every part and person having a designated place and purpose. The very act of recording these names in sacred scripture also suggests a form of **Memorialization**, ensuring that these faithful servants, even in their seemingly less prominent roles, are remembered and honored for their contribution to God's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:3, though brief, powerfully conveys the biblical emphasis on order, accountability, and the value of every individual's contribution to God's kingdom. It teaches that God is a God of order, who delights in structured and purposeful service, whether in the grand acts of worship or the seemingly mundane tasks of administration. The meticulous recording of names, even those of gatekeepers, underscores the divine recognition of faithfulness in all callings. This principle extends beyond ancient temple service, reminding us that every member of God's people is endowed with gifts and called to serve in ways that contribute to the flourishing of the community and the glory of God. There are no insignificant roles in God's economy; every act of service, done in faithfulness, is seen and valued by Him.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "The Body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Gifts for Service")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Gifts for the Church's Growth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse from 1 Chronicles 26:3 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges our often-human tendency to categorize roles as "important" or "unimportant" based on visibility or perceived impact. Instead, it highlights God's perspective, where every function within His house, from the most public to the most behind-the-scenes, is vital and worthy of divine record. We are reminded that faithfulness, not fame, is the currency of God's kingdom. Whether we are called to lead, teach, serve, or simply maintain order, our diligent and dedicated service contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique calling with humility and excellence, knowing that our names, like Elam, Jehohanan, and Elioenai, are known and valued by the One we serve, and our contributions, however small they may seem, are part of a grander, divine design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in this verse challenge my perception of "important" vs. "unimportant" roles in the church or in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of order and intentionality in my service to God, whether in my family, community, or church?**
* **Considering the meaning of names like "Jehohanan" ("the LORD is gracious") and "Elioenai" ("my eyes are toward the LORD"), how can my life and service reflect a deeper dependence on God's grace and a constant focus on Him?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names and numbers, even for seemingly minor roles like gatekeepers?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists, such as the one in 1 Chronicles 26:3, serves several crucial purposes. First, it underscores the divine emphasis on **order and organization** within God's people and His worship. The meticulous structure of the Levitical service was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, reflecting God's character as a God of precision and purpose. Second, these lists provide **historical and administrative legitimacy**, confirming the lineage and assigned roles of those serving in the temple, which was vital for maintaining purity and proper function. Third, and perhaps most pastorally significant, these enumerations demonstrate God's **attentiveness to every individual** and His valuation of all faithful service. Even those in seemingly less prominent roles, like gatekeepers, are named and remembered in Scripture, signifying that no act of service for God's kingdom is insignificant or overlooked. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where every member of the body of Christ is essential ([1 Corinthians 12:22](/1_corinthians/12-22 "The Essentiality of Every Member")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:3 speaks of the ordered service of Levites in the Old Covenant, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual depth in Christ. The meticulous organization of the temple, with its gatekeepers and various functionaries, foreshadowed the perfect order and divine purpose found in the person and work of Jesus. He is the ultimate Gatekeeper, the one through whom all access to God is granted, declaring, "[I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved](/john/10-9 "Jesus, the Door")." Furthermore, the value placed on every individual gatekeeper in the Old Testament anticipates the New Covenant reality where every believer, through Christ, becomes a priest in God's kingdom ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood")). In Christ, the focus shifts from hereditary lineage and physical temple service to a spiritual priesthood of all believers, where every member of His body is uniquely gifted and called to serve for the building up of the church ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Gifts for Building Up the Body")). The names recorded in Chronicles, signifying God's grace and a gaze fixed on Him, find their truest expression in those who are "in Christ," whose lives are a testament to His grace and whose eyes are fixed on "Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Looking to Jesus")). Thus, the ancient record of faithful gatekeepers points forward to the comprehensive and perfectly ordered service of God's people under the headship of Christ, where every member's contribution is eternally valued.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.