What number verse is 1 Chronicles 26:5 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 26:5 is the 11,083rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Chronicles 26:5 sits at position 11,083.

Translation

King James Version

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Ammiel ^H5988 the sixth ^H8345, Issachar ^H3485 the seventh ^H7637, Peulthai ^H6469 the eighth ^H8066: for God ^H430 blessed ^H1288 him.

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Complete Jewish Bible

'Ammi'el the sixth, Yissakhar the seventh, and Pe'ultai the eighth; for God blessed him.

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Berean Standard Bible

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom.

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American Standard Version

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him.

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World English Bible Messianic

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Ammiel the sixt, Issachar the seuenth, Peulthai the eight: for God had blessed him.

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Young's Literal Translation

Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth, for God hath blessed him.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 26:5 concludes the enumeration of Obed-Edom's sons who served as gatekeepers, specifically naming Ammiel, Issachar, and Peulthai. This verse attributes their prominent and numerous positions in the Levitical service directly to a profound divine blessing bestowed upon their family line, highlighting the enduring nature of God's favor and its generational impact, equipping descendants for vital roles within the sacred precincts of the Lord's house.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into a broader section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's comprehensive organization of the Levites in preparation for the future Temple. While chapters 23-24 delineate the divisions of the priests and chapter 25 focuses on the musicians, chapter 26 is specifically dedicated to the crucial roles of the gatekeepers and treasurers. Within this chapter, 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 exhaustively lists the various gatekeeping families, their assigned duties, and the specific gates they were to guard. Verse 5 serves as the culmination of the enumeration of Obed-Edom's sons, who are presented as exceptionally numerous and capable, directly linking their capacity for extensive service to a divine blessing. The preceding verse, 1 Chronicles 26:4, introduces the sons of Obed-Edom, and this verse completes that list, concluding with the powerful theological declaration of God's favor. This immediate literary context underscores the divine hand in the appointment and prosperity of those dedicated to serving God in an organized, structured manner.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for this verse is the reign of King David, a pivotal era characterized by extensive planning and preparation for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Although the Temple itself would not be built until Solomon's reign, David meticulously organized its future operations, including the detailed roles and divisions of the Levites. In ancient Israel, gatekeepers for sacred spaces like the Tabernacle and later the Temple held responsibilities far beyond mere security. They were vital custodians of order, purity, and controlled access, ensuring the sanctity of the divine presence and the security of sacred offerings and treasures. The mention of Obed-Edom carries immense historical weight: he was the Gittite in whose home the Ark of the Covenant resided for three months following Uzzah's tragic death (2 Samuel 6:10-11). During this period, God profoundly blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household. This verse in 1 Chronicles 26:5 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring and generational nature of that initial blessing, extending to his numerous descendants and enabling them to serve in vital capacities within the sacred precincts. This narrative powerfully illustrates a cultural understanding of generational blessing, where divine favor could be seen to flow through family lines, equipping them for specific purposes.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Hereditary Blessing and Divine Favor. The explicit declaration "for God blessed him" directly connects the remarkable numerical increase and vocational capacity of Obed-Edom's descendants to the initial blessing bestowed upon their ancestor. This demonstrates that God's favor is not always confined to an individual but can extend across generations, equipping descendants for significant service and prosperity within His kingdom. Secondly, the verse highlights Faithfulness and Service. The role of a gatekeeper was crucial, demanding trustworthiness, strength, and unwavering dedication to maintain the sanctity and security of God's house. The appointment of Peulthai, Ammiel, and Issachar, along with their brothers, to these important Levitical duties underscores the lasting impact of their family's faithfulness and God's recognition of it through continued enablement. This aligns with the broader Chronicler's emphasis on faithful obedience leading to blessing, as seen in passages like 2 Chronicles 15:2. Finally, the detailed genealogical lists and precise assignments throughout 1 Chronicles, including this verse, emphasize God's Organization and Order. They reveal God's meticulous nature and His desire for structured, orderly worship and service within His house. Every role, no matter how seemingly minor, was important in His grand design, and the divine blessing ensured the family's capacity and readiness to fulfill these divinely appointed roles.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Ammiel (Hebrew, עַמִּיאֵל, ʻAmmîyʼêl', H5988): Meaning "people of God," this name itself carries theological significance. It suggests a connection to God's covenant community and implies a divine relationship. For a gatekeeper, a member of the "people of God" responsible for guarding the sacred space, the name reinforces the identity and purpose of those serving within the divine household.
God (Hebrew, אֱלֹהִים, ʼĕlôhîym', H430): This plural noun, used here with a singular verb, refers specifically to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign Lord. Its use emphasizes that the blessing bestowed upon Obed-Edom and his family was not a mere stroke of luck or human achievement, but a direct, powerful, and authoritative act of the one true God. This highlights the divine origin and omnipotence behind the family's prosperity and their enablement for service.
blessed (Hebrew, בָּרַךְ, bârak', H1288): This primitive root verb signifies a multifaceted divine act. It implies a conferral of favor, empowerment, and endowment that leads to fruitfulness, abundance, and well-being. In this context, the blessing upon Obed-Edom and his descendants was comprehensive, encompassing not only numerical increase (as evidenced by the many sons listed in 1 Chronicles 26:4) but also the spiritual and vocational enablement of being chosen, equipped, and empowered for sacred service in the Tabernacle/Temple. It denotes a divine enablement for the specific duties of gatekeeping, which required strength, reliability, and spiritual discernment.

Verse Breakdown

"Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth:" This clause continues the meticulous enumeration of Obed-Edom's sons, specifically those who were appointed to the significant roles of gatekeepers. The numerical designations ("the sixth," "the seventh," "the eighth") serve to indicate their precise order of birth among the sons listed in the preceding verses, underscoring the remarkable breadth of Obed-Edom's progeny. This detailed listing also highlights the meticulous record-keeping inherent in the Levitical assignments, emphasizing that these individuals were not merely part of a general class but held specific, recognized positions within the highly ordered structure of the temple service.
"for God blessed him." This powerful concluding phrase serves as the theological rationale and ultimate explanation for the preceding list of sons and their prominent roles. The pronoun "him" refers directly back to Obed-Edom, the father, indicating that the extraordinary number and evident capability of his sons, which enabled them to fill numerous and important roles as gatekeepers, was a direct and enduring consequence of God's prior blessing upon Obed-Edom himself. This declaration underscores the profound generational nature of God's favor and how divine blessing can manifest in the equipping and empowering of descendants for significant service within God's house, emphasizing that their appointment was not merely human organization but divinely ordained and empowered.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices. Most prominently, it is a part of an extended Genealogy, a common and crucial feature throughout the book of Chronicles. Genealogies establish identity, legitimacy, and divine purpose within family lines, demonstrating continuity and God's faithfulness across generations. The precise enumeration of sons ("the sixth," "the seventh," "the eighth") exemplifies Precision and Order, reflecting the meticulous organization of the Temple service under King David and the Chronicler's emphasis on divine design. The phrase "for God blessed him" functions as a concise Explanation or Justification, providing the theological reason for the family's prominence and capacity for service. This also serves as a form of Emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the divine origin of their success and service rather than merely their human capabilities or organizational prowess.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The profound declaration that "God blessed him" in 1 Chronicles 26:5 resonates with a deep and enduring theological truth about the nature of divine favor and its far-reaching impact. It illustrates that God's blessings are not always solely material or immediate but can profoundly manifest as empowerment for service, generational fruitfulness, and the sacred calling to specific duties within His kingdom. This verse connects powerfully to the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, demonstrating how His promises and favor can extend across generations, meticulously equipping individuals and families for their appointed roles in His grand redemptive plan. It serves as a potent reminder that true blessing often involves being divinely positioned and enabled to serve God in meaningful ways, reflecting His meticulous care for His people and His profound desire for order and sanctity in worship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 26:5 offers a powerful and enduring reminder that God's blessings are multifaceted and can extend far beyond our immediate circumstances, impacting future generations in profound and unforeseen ways. The inspiring story of Obed-Edom and his blessed descendants serving faithfully as gatekeepers challenges us to deeply consider the lasting spiritual legacy of our own faithfulness. Our obedience, diligent stewardship of God's gifts, and unwavering devotion to Him today can create a rich spiritual inheritance that empowers our children and grandchildren for service and divine purpose in His kingdom. This verse also teaches us that true blessing is often found not in worldly prominence, but in being divinely equipped and called to serve God, regardless of the perceived status or visibility of the role. Just as God recognized and blessed Obed-Edom's household for their faithful and reverent care of the Ark, He continues to bless those who faithfully steward what He entrusts to them, empowering them for every good work and service in His kingdom. We are therefore called to live lives of integrity, devotion, and intentional discipleship, knowing that our faithfulness can have an eternal ripple effect, shaping the spiritual trajectory of generations to come.

Questions for Reflection

How does the concept of generational blessing in this verse challenge or affirm your current understanding of God's faithfulness?
In what specific ways might God be "blessing" you or your family today, not just materially, but in equipping you for spiritual service and purpose?
What kind of spiritual legacy are you intentionally building and praying for those who will come after you?
How does the "gatekeeper" role, though seemingly mundane, highlight the profound importance of faithfulness in all areas of service to God, regardless of their visibility?

FAQ

Who was Obed-Edom, and why was his family so specifically blessed?

Answer: Obed-Edom was a Gittite (likely from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city, though his exact tribal affiliation is debated) in whose house the Ark of the Covenant was placed for three months after Uzzah's death (2 Samuel 6:10). During this period, God "blessed Obed-Edom and all his household" (2 Samuel 6:11). This blessing was so evident and profound that King David heard of it and was subsequently encouraged to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. The specific manifestation of this blessing on his family, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:5 and 1 Chronicles 26:4, included their remarkable numerical increase (eight sons, many capable men) and their subsequent appointment to significant and highly responsible roles as gatekeepers and treasurers in the Temple. This demonstrates God's abundant favor for their faithful stewardship and deep reverence for His holy presence.

What was the role of a "gatekeeper" in ancient Israel, and why was it important?

Answer: In ancient Israel, particularly for the Tabernacle and later the Temple, gatekeepers were far more than simple guards. They were essential personnel responsible for maintaining order, security, and the sanctity of the sacred precincts. Their comprehensive duties included controlling access to the Temple courts, ensuring that only authorized and ritually pure individuals entered, guarding the Temple treasures and offerings, opening and closing the gates at appointed times, and maintaining cleanliness and decorum within the sacred areas. This was a highly trusted and vital role, demanding strength, vigilance, and spiritual integrity, as they served as the first line of defense against defilement and disorder in God's holy house. Their importance is underscored by the detailed lists of their divisions and assignments found throughout the books of Chronicles.

Does God still bless families across generations today, as seen with Obed-Edom's descendants?

Answer: Yes, the principle of generational blessing, while often understood with a New Covenant emphasis, still profoundly applies. While the Old Testament frequently highlighted physical and material prosperity as manifestations of blessing, the New Testament primarily emphasizes the spiritual blessings in Christ that extend to all who believe. God remains eternally faithful to His promises, and the spiritual legacy of faithful parents, grandparents, and ancestors can profoundly impact their descendants, leading them to faith, equipping them for service, and positioning them to receive God's ongoing favor and grace. This is not a guarantee of material wealth or an exemption from personal responsibility, but rather the ongoing work of God's grace through the influence of godly living, fervent prayer, and intentional discipleship passed down through families, as beautifully articulated in passages like Ephesians 1:3 and Psalm 103:17-18.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

1 Chronicles 26:5, with its profound emphasis on divine blessing leading to abundant and faithful service, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Obed-Edom's family was blessed because they faithfully housed the Ark, the very tangible symbol of God's holy presence among His people. In the New Covenant, believers are blessed beyond measure because we are in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's presence, the ultimate revelation of the divine, and the true "Ark" of the New Covenant. The blessing poured out upon Obed-Edom's family, enabling them to serve as diligent gatekeepers, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual blessings poured out on all who are united with Christ, empowering them for kingdom service that transcends the physical Temple. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved" (John 10:9). He is the one who opens the way to God, having perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered the ultimate, singular sacrifice for sin. Through His redemptive work, we are not merely assigned a gate, but are made part of a royal priesthood and a holy nation, called to proclaim His excellencies to the world (1 Peter 2:9). The "blessing" we receive in Christ is comprehensive and eternal, encompassing every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3), enabling us to serve God not out of obligation or fear, but out of a Spirit-empowered response to His boundless grace, participating actively in the building of His eternal spiritual Temple, the Church (Ephesians 2:21-22).

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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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