TRV
Translation
Study This Verse
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.
Copy as
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.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 26:9 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:9 meticulously records the family contingent of Meshelemiah, a prominent Levite doorkeeper, noting that he had eighteen "strong men"—his sons and brethren—dedicated to this vital service. This seemingly simple detail underscores the comprehensive and orderly organization of temple service under King David, highlighting the communal, hereditary nature of Levite duties and the requirement for individuals of both physical and moral fortitude to safeguard the sacred precincts and their valuable contents. The verse emphasizes God's valuing of all roles within His house, even those seemingly less prominent, and the importance of strength and faithfulness in carrying out divine assignments.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs Enumeration and Qualitative Description in this verse. The precise listing of "eighteen" individuals from Meshelemiah's family, along with the specific designation of "sons and brethren," is a clear form of Enumeration that highlights the meticulous organization and comprehensive nature of the temple service. This detailed accounting underscores the divine order established by King David. Furthermore, the description "strong men" serves as a Qualitative Description that emphasizes the caliber and capability of these individuals. It's not merely a headcount but a qualitative assessment, drawing attention to their suitability for the important role of guarding the sacred precincts. This qualitative emphasis elevates the doorkeepers from mere guards to individuals of significant character and competence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:9, though a seemingly minor detail, profoundly illustrates God's valuing of order, preparedness, and the communal nature of service within His kingdom. It demonstrates that every role, from the most visible priest to the gatekeeper, is essential for the proper functioning of divine worship. The strength mentioned is not just physical but speaks to the character and reliability required for sacred duties, reminding us that God seeks not just willing hands but faithful hearts. This verse sets a precedent for the meticulous and dedicated service expected in God's house, a principle that transcends the Old Testament temple and applies to the church today, where every member's contribution is vital.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, a brief record of an ancient family's service, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values every role within His kingdom, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes. Just as the doorkeepers were crucial for the security and sanctity of the temple, every contribution to the body of Christ is indispensable for its health and mission. We are called to use our God-given strengths—whether physical, intellectual, spiritual, or relational—with diligence and faithfulness in His service. The example of Meshelemiah's family also encourages us to consider the communal and generational aspects of faith. How can we, as families and communities, foster a legacy of dedication to God's work, passing on a spirit of service and commitment to the next generation? This verse subtly challenges us to embrace our specific callings with integrity and strength, understanding that our faithfulness in seemingly ordinary tasks contributes to God's extraordinary purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Meshelemiah and why is his family mentioned?
Answer: Meshelemiah (also called Shelemiah in 1 Chronicles 26:1) was a Levite doorkeeper, specifically from the Kohathite branch, whose family was chosen for the crucial role of guarding the gates of the tabernacle/temple and managing its treasuries. His family is mentioned to highlight the meticulous organization of temple service under King David, where specific families were assigned particular hereditary duties. The detailed enumeration of his "sons and brethren" underscores the communal and generational nature of Levite service, emphasizing that entire family units were dedicated to God's house.
What does "strong men" imply in this context?
Answer: The Hebrew term for "strong" here is chayil, which often denotes "force," "valor," or "strength." In the context of doorkeepers, it implies more than just physical strength. It suggests individuals of courage, moral fortitude, reliability, and competence. Their duties involved not only guarding the physical gates but also managing valuable temple treasures and maintaining order in sacred spaces. Therefore, "strong men" refers to their comprehensive capability and steadfast character, essential for such sensitive and responsible tasks.
Why is such a specific number ("eighteen") given?
Answer: The Chronicler is known for his meticulous record-keeping, particularly concerning the organization of the temple and its personnel. The specific number "eighteen" for Meshelemiah's contingent is part of this detailed enumeration, which highlights the precise and orderly administration of God's house. It demonstrates that every role and every individual's contribution was accounted for and valued in the divinely ordained system established by King David. It underscores the importance of order and accountability in sacred service, reflecting God's own character of precision and purpose.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:9 details the earthly organization of doorkeepers for a physical temple, it points forward to the ultimate order and security found in Christ. Jesus declared Himself the true "door" for the sheep, through whom all must enter to find salvation and abundant life. He is also the ultimate Temple, whose body was destroyed and raised in three days, becoming the new and living way to God. The "strong men" of Meshelemiah's family foreshadow the strength and capability found in believers who are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve in Christ's spiritual temple, the Church. Just as the gatekeepers ensured the sanctity and order of the Old Testament sanctuary, Christ, through His perfect sacrifice and ongoing intercession, ensures the eternal security and purity of His people. He perfectly fulfills the role of the ultimate Guardian, protecting His flock from all spiritual dangers, and He equips His followers with diverse gifts and strengths, not for a physical building, but for the building up of His body, the church, where every member, like Meshelemiah's family, has a vital, God-given role in the grand design of His kingdom.