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Translation
In the KJVVerse 11,081 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26 verses 1–19
1 ¶ Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
2 And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.
4 Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,
5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.
6 Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they were mighty men of valour.
7 The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.
8 All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom.
9 And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.
10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)
11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.
12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.
14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
15 To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.
16 To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.
17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.
18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.
19 These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.
Observe, I. There were porters appointed to attend the temple, who guarded all the avenues that let to it, opened and shut all the outer gates and attended at them, not only for the state, but for service, to direct and instruct those who were going to worship in the courts of the sanctuary in the decorum they were to observe, to encourage those that were timorous, to send back the strangers and unclean, and to guard against thieves and others that were enemies to the house of God. In allusion to this office, ministers are said to have the keys to the kingdom of heaven committed to them (Mat 16:19), that they may admit, and exclude, according to the law of Christ.
II. Of several of those that were called to this service, it is taken notice of that they were mighty men of valour (Ch1 26:6), strong men (Ch1 26:7), able men (Ch1 26:8), and one of them that he was a wise counsellor (Ch1 26:14), who probably, when he had used this office of a deacon well and given proofs of more than ordinary wisdom, purchased to himself a good degree, and was preferred from the gate to the council-board, Ti1 3:13. As for those that excelled in strength of body, and courage and resolution of mind, they were thereby qualified for the post assigned them; for whatever service God calls men to he either finds them fit or makes them so.
III. The sons of Obed-edom were employed in this office, sixty-two of that family. This was he that entertained the ark with reverence and cheerfulness; and see how he was rewarded for it. 1. He had eight sons (Ch1 26:5), for God blessed him. The increase and building up of families are owing to the divine blessing; and a great blessing it is to a family to have many children, when like these they are able for, and eminent in, the service of God. 2. His sons were preferred to places of trust in the sanctuary. They had faithfully attended the ark in their own house, and now were called to attend it in God's house. He that is trusty in little shall be trusted with more. He that keeps God's ordinances in his own tent is fit to have the custody of them in God's tabernacle, Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:5. I have kept thy law, says David, and this I had because I kept thy precepts, Psa 119:55, Psa 119:56.
IV. It is said of one here that though he was not the first-born his father made him the chief (Ch1 26:10), either because he was very excellent, or because the elder son was very weak. He was made chief, perhaps not in inheriting the estate (for that was forbidden by the law, Deu 21:16, Deu 21:17), but in this service, which required personal qualifications.
V. The porters, as the singers, had their post assigned them by lot, so many at such a gate, and so many at such a one, that every one might know his post and make it good, Ch1 26:13. It is not said that they were cast into twenty-four courses, as before; but here are the names of about twenty-four (Ch1 26:1-11), and the posts assigned are twenty-four, Ch1 26:17, Ch1 26:18. We have therefore reason to think they were distributed into as many companies. Happy are those who dwell in God's house: for, as they are well fed, well taught, and well employed, so they are well guarded. Men attended at the gates of the temple, but angels attend at the gates of the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:12.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:3 meticulously records three individuals—Elam, Jehohanan, and Elioenai—as designated gatekeepers within the Levitical divisions organized by King David for the service of the tabernacle, and later, the temple. This concise verse, embedded within a larger administrative roster, underscores the profound biblical emphasis on divine order, faithful service, and the precise organization of sacred worship in ancient Israel, highlighting that even seemingly minor roles were meticulously recorded and highly valued within God's economy.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 26:3, and indeed throughout much of the surrounding chapters in Chronicles, 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, divine appointment, 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 profound form of Memorialization, ensuring that these faithful servants, even in their seemingly less prominent roles, are remembered and honored for their integral contribution to God's house and His kingdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:3, though brief in its content, powerfully conveys the enduring biblical emphasis on divine order, accountability, and the inherent value of every individual's contribution to God's kingdom. It teaches us that God is a God of order, who delights in structured and purposeful service, whether in the grand acts of corporate worship or the seemingly mundane tasks of administration and maintenance. The meticulous recording of names, even those of gatekeepers, underscores the divine recognition of faithfulness in all callings and the truth that no service rendered for Him goes unnoticed or unvalued. This principle extends far beyond ancient temple service, reminding us that every member of God's people is endowed with unique gifts and called to serve in ways that contribute to the flourishing of the community and the ultimate glory of God. There are truly no insignificant roles in God's economy; every act of service, done in faithfulness and with a heart surrendered to Him, is seen and deeply valued by the Almighty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse from 1 Chronicles 26:3 offers profound and transformative insights for contemporary believers. It challenges our often-human tendency to categorize roles as "important" or "unimportant" based on visibility, prestige, or perceived impact. Instead, it powerfully highlights God's perspective, where every function within His house, from the most public and celebrated to the most behind-the-scenes and seemingly mundane, is vital, indispensable, and worthy of divine record. We are profoundly reminded that faithfulness, not fame or human recognition, is the true currency of God's kingdom. Whether we are called to lead, teach, serve, administer, or simply maintain order and welcome, our diligent and dedicated service, offered with a heart of worship, contributes directly to the overall health, effectiveness, and spiritual vitality of the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique calling with humility, excellence, and a deep sense of purpose, knowing that our names, like Elam, Jehohanan, and Elioenai, are known and cherished by the One we serve, and our contributions, however small they may seem in human eyes, are an integral part of a grander, divine design that brings glory to God.
Questions for Reflection
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 found in 1 Chronicles 26:3, serves several crucial and multifaceted purposes within the biblical narrative. First, it profoundly 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, purpose, and intentionality. Second, these lists provide vital historical and administrative legitimacy, confirming the lineage, assigned roles, and proper function of those serving in the temple, which was essential for maintaining ceremonial purity and operational integrity. Third, and perhaps most pastorally significant, these enumerations powerfully demonstrate God's attentiveness to every individual and His profound valuation of all faithful service. Even those in seemingly less prominent roles, like gatekeepers, are named and remembered in sacred Scripture, signifying that no act of service for God's kingdom, however small or hidden, is insignificant or overlooked by Him. This principle is beautifully echoed in the New Testament, where every member of the body of Christ is declared essential and indispensable (see 1 Corinthians 12:22).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:3 speaks of the ordered service of Levites in the Old Covenant temple, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual depth in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous organization of the ancient temple, with its gatekeepers and various functionaries, served as a powerful foreshadowing of the perfect order, divine purpose, and ultimate access found in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate Gatekeeper, the very one through whom all access to God is granted, declaring, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." He is the one who opens the way to the Father, a way that was previously guarded and restricted. Furthermore, the value placed on every individual gatekeeper in the Old Testament anticipates the glorious New Covenant reality where every believer, through their union with Christ, becomes a priest in God's kingdom (1 Peter 2:9). 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 by the Holy Spirit and called to serve for the building up of the church and the glory of God (Ephesians 4:11-16). The names recorded in Chronicles, signifying God's grace ("Jehohanan") and a gaze fixed on Him ("Elioenai"), find their truest and most profound expression in those who are "in Christ," whose lives are a testament to His saving grace and whose eyes are fixed steadfastly on "Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Thus, the ancient record of faithful gatekeepers points forward to the comprehensive, perfectly ordered, and eternally valued service of God's redeemed people under the glorious headship of Christ, our Lord and Savior.