1 Chronicles 26:6

KJV

Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they [were] mighty men of valour.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also unto Shemaiah {H8098} his son {H1121} were sons {H1121} born {H3205}, that ruled {H4474} throughout the house {H1004} of their father {H1}: for they were mighty men {H1368} of valour {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To his son Sh'ma'yah were born sons who ruled over their father's clan, because they were strong, brave men.

Berean Standard Bible

Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men.

American Standard Version

Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 26:6 highlights the lineage of Shemaiah, a son of Obed-Edom, emphasizing the exceptional competence and leadership qualities of his own sons. These descendants were not merely numerous but were divinely empowered and recognized as "mighty men of valour," entrusted with significant administrative and security responsibilities within the temple service, thereby continuing a legacy of faithful and effective service within their Levitical clan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 26 of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of Gatekeepers and Treasurers") meticulously details the divisions and duties of the Levite gatekeepers and treasurers, following the broader account of David's organization of temple service. Verses 1-19 specifically list the gatekeepers, their families, and their assigned posts. Our verse, [1 Chronicles 26:6](/1_chronicles/26-6 "1 Chronicles 26:6 - Shemaiah's Mighty Sons"), expands on the lineage of Obed-Edom, who was greatly blessed by God (as noted in [1 Chronicles 26:4-5](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4-5 - Obed-Edom's Sons")) with a large and capable family. Shemaiah, as one of Obed-Edom's sons, is noted here for his own capable offspring, who rose to positions of authority within their family's assigned roles, demonstrating the generational faithfulness and strength of this prominent Levitical line in maintaining the order and security of the sacred space.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is that of King David's reign, a time of significant organization and establishment of the temple worship system, even before the temple itself was built by Solomon. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for sacred service, which included not only priestly duties but also singing, teaching, and, as seen here, guarding and administering the temple precincts. Gatekeepers (or "doorkeepers") held crucial roles, responsible for security, controlling access, and managing temple treasuries. To be described as "mighty men of valour" (גִּבֹּרֵי חָ֑יִל, *gibborim chayil*) in this context implies not just physical strength or military prowess, but also administrative competence, moral integrity, courage in their duties, and overall capability essential for maintaining the sanctity and order of God's house. This status would have brought significant honor and trust within the Israelite community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles "The Book of 1 Chronicles - History of Israel and Judah"):
* **Divine Empowerment for Service:** The description of Shemaiah's sons as "mighty men of valour" underscores that their capability and fitness for leadership were not merely coincidental but part of God's equipping for their sacred duties. This principle is seen throughout Scripture, where God enables individuals for the tasks He calls them to, much like [He filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God for craftsmanship](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezalel Filled with the Spirit"). Their strength and competence were a divine blessing, enabling them to fulfill their specific roles in the Lord's service.
* **Competence and Responsibility:** The phrase "ruled throughout the house of their father" indicates that these men held positions of authority and managed the affairs of their clan effectively. Their "valour" extended beyond physical strength to include administrative skill, courage in their duties, and overall competence necessary for maintaining order and security at the temple gates. This highlights the importance of skill and diligence in spiritual service, echoing the call to [do all things heartily, as for the Lord](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord").
* **Generational Faithfulness:** This verse beautifully illustrates the passing down of spiritual legacy and service from one generation to the next. The continued blessing and capability within Obed-Edom's family highlight the importance of raising children in the service of God, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 22:6 about training a child in the way he should go](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child"). It demonstrates that God honors and perpetuates faithfulness across generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _gibborim'_):** This plural noun (גִּבֹּרִים) refers to strong men, warriors, or heroes. It often denotes individuals of great strength, courage, or power, whether in battle or in leadership. In this context, it signifies their robust capability and formidable presence, suitable for roles requiring strength and authority.
* **Valour (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This noun (חָ֑יִל) is exceptionally rich in meaning. While it can denote military strength or an army, it frequently encompasses a broader range of qualities including strength, wealth, capability, efficiency, moral virtue, and even excellence. It is the same word used to describe the "virtuous woman" (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל, *eshet chayil*) in [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - The Virtuous Woman"). Here, applied to Shemaiah's sons, it emphasizes their comprehensive competence, moral uprightness, and overall fitness for their significant leadership and administrative roles, extending beyond mere physical prowess.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born":** This clause establishes the continued lineage, specifically focusing on Shemaiah, one of Obed-Edom's sons. It highlights the blessing of progeny, a significant mark of divine favor in ancient Israel, and sets the stage for the description of the next generation's qualities.
* **"that ruled throughout the house of their father":** This phrase indicates that Shemaiah's sons were not merely present but held positions of authority and leadership within their family clan. "The house of their father" refers to the extended family unit or lineage, implying that these sons managed and governed the affairs related to their assigned Levitical duties, demonstrating administrative competence and effective oversight.
* **"for they [were] mighty men of valour":** This concluding clause provides the reason for their ability to rule effectively. The description "mighty men of valour" (גִּבֹּרֵי חָ֑יִל) serves as an affirmation of their exceptional qualities—strength, courage, competence, and moral integrity—which qualified them for their significant responsibilities in the temple service. It underscores that their leadership was rooted in genuine, God-given capability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Emphasis** is placed on the quality of Shemaiah's sons through the strong descriptive phrase "mighty men of valour," which serves as a powerful commendation. This phrase acts as a **Characterization** device, immediately painting a picture of capable and virtuous individuals. The verse also functions as part of a larger **Genealogy**, meticulously tracing the lineage of those appointed to sacred service, which is a common feature in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles "The Book of 1 Chronicles"). This genealogical record serves to legitimize their roles and highlight the continuation of a blessed line. Furthermore, there is an element of **Causality** implied by the word "for" (KJV), linking their inherent qualities ("mighty men of valour") directly to their ability to "rule throughout the house of their father," suggesting that their competence was the foundation of their leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical note in 1 Chronicles 26:6 carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous care in organizing His worship and His people, ensuring that those entrusted with sacred duties are not merely appointed but are divinely equipped and empowered for their tasks. The concept of "mighty men of valour" extends beyond physical prowess to encompass a holistic competence—moral, administrative, and spiritual—demonstrating that true strength in God's service is multifaceted. It highlights that God not only calls individuals but also provides the necessary gifts and abilities for them to fulfill their calling with excellence, perpetuating a legacy of faithfulness across generations.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Counsel on Leaders") - Moses is advised to select "able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness," to serve as leaders, echoing the qualities of competence and integrity.
* [Nehemiah 7:2](/nehemiah/7-2 "Nehemiah 7:2 - Hanani and Hananiah") - Hananiah is described as "a faithful man, and feared God above many," highlighting the importance of character in leadership, similar to the "valour" of Shemaiah's sons.
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts for Service") - Paul discusses diverse spiritual gifts given for service within the body of Christ, emphasizing that each person is equipped by God for their particular function, whether it be leadership, administration, or service.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Shemaiah's sons reminds us that God values and uses competence, integrity, and diligence in all forms of service, whether in prominent leadership or seemingly behind-the-scenes roles. Their "valour" was not just for battle but for faithful administration and guardianship of sacred space. This encourages believers today to cultivate their gifts and strengths, serving with excellence in whatever capacity God has called them, recognizing that all our abilities are from Him and are to be used for His glory. Furthermore, it highlights the profound blessing and impact of a family committed to the Lord's service, inspiring us to nurture a legacy of faith and devotion within our own households, understanding that God delights in multi-generational faithfulness and equips successive generations for His purposes. Our service, no matter how humble, contributes to the overall order and flourishing of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize God's empowerment in my own life and service?**
* **How can I cultivate "valour"—competence, integrity, and diligence—in my daily responsibilities, whether at home, work, or church?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building for future generations, and how can I intentionally pass on faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What does "mighty men of valour" mean in the context of temple gatekeepers, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In [1 Chronicles 26:6](/1_chronicles/26-6 "1 Chronicles 26:6 - Shemaiah's Mighty Sons"), the phrase "mighty men of valour" (Hebrew: גִּבֹּרֵי חָ֑יִל, *gibborim chayil*) signifies more than just physical strength. While *gibborim* suggests strong men or warriors, *chayil* is a rich term encompassing competence, efficiency, moral virtue, and overall capability. For temple gatekeepers, this meant they were not merely guards, but highly capable administrators, courageous in their duties, and possessing the integrity and skill necessary to manage the temple's security, access, and even its treasuries (as seen in [1 Chronicles 26:20-28](/1_chronicles/26-20 "1 Chronicles 26:20-28 - Treasurers of the Temple")). Their significance lies in demonstrating that God's service requires not only spiritual devotion but also practical excellence and strong character, as these qualities were essential for maintaining the sanctity and order of the Lord's house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:6 describes the earthly service of Levite gatekeepers, it subtly points to the ultimate "Mighty Man of Valour" in Jesus Christ. The competence and faithfulness of Shemaiah's sons in guarding the physical temple foreshadow the perfect and complete work of Christ, who is not merely a gatekeeper but the very "gate" and "door" to salvation ([John 10:7-9](/john/10-7 "John 10:7-9 - Jesus, the Door")). He is the true and ultimate guardian of God's people, the one who perfectly fulfills the role of protecting and providing access to God's presence. Unlike the temporary and limited service of the Levitical families, Christ's work establishes an eternal kingdom and a new covenant, where believers themselves become a spiritual temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), with Christ as its cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). His "valour" is demonstrated not in guarding a physical structure, but in conquering sin and death, securing eternal life for all who believe, and perfectly ruling over His spiritual house, the Church ([Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Christ Over God's House")).

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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 11:14

And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer [was] Zabdiel, the son of [one of] the great men.

2 Samuel 2:7

Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.

1 Chronicles 12:28

And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.

2 Chronicles 26:17

And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, [that were] valiant men:

1 Chronicles 26:8

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.

2 Timothy 2:3

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Judges 6:12

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD [is] with thee, thou mighty man of valour.