1 Chronicles 9:17

And the porters [were], Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum [was] the chief;

And the porters {H7778} were, Shallum {H7967}, and Akkub {H6126}, and Talmon {H2929}, and Ahiman {H289}, and their brethren {H251}: Shallum {H7967} was the chief {H7218};

The gatekeepers: Shalum, 'Akuv, Talmon, Achiman and their kinsmen; Shalum was the chief.

These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives.

And the porters: Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren (Shallum was the chief),

Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:17 serves as a detailed registry, specifically naming key individuals who served as porters (gatekeepers) for the Jerusalem Temple during the significant period following the Babylonian exile. This verse is part of a broader account in 1 Chronicles 9 that meticulously lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem and those responsible for various aspects of the restored temple service.

Context

Chapter 9 of 1 Chronicles is a crucial genealogical and administrative record, detailing the families and individuals who returned from Babylonian captivity to resettle Jerusalem and re-establish the routines of sacred worship. The meticulous listing of temple personnel, including the porters, highlights the post-exilic community's commitment to rebuilding not just physical structures but also the organized spiritual life of the nation. The porters were a specialized group of Levites, whose duties were essential for the security, sanctity, and orderly flow of activity within the Temple precincts. Their re-establishment is also noted in other historical accounts of the return, such as in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization in Worship: The precise naming of individuals like Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, and Ahiman, and the designation of Shallum as "the chief," underscores the importance of structure, clear roles, and leadership within the sacred service of God. This meticulous record reflects God's desire for an orderly and well-managed house of worship.
  • Faithfulness in Duty: The role of a porter or gatekeeper, though seemingly humble, was vital for the Temple's security and purity. These individuals were responsible for guarding the entrances, admitting the ritually clean, and maintaining reverence. Their faithful execution of these duties was integral to the sanctity of the holy place. This dedication echoes the sentiment of the psalmist who preferred to be a humble doorkeeper in the house of God.
  • Restoration and Continuity: After the devastation of the exile, the detailed enumeration of temple servants like these porters signifies the successful re-establishment of Jewish religious life and the continuity of God's covenant with His people. It demonstrates a profound commitment to rebuilding the spiritual infrastructure of Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The term "porters" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew word sho'arim (שֹׁגֲרִים), which literally translates to "gatekeepers." This term precisely defines their primary function: to guard and manage the gates of the Temple complex. Their duties extended beyond simple security to include ensuring that only those authorized and ritually clean entered, thereby preserving the sacredness of the sanctuary.

Practical Application

While 1 Chronicles 9:17 might appear to be a simple list of names, it offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Every Role Matters: This verse reminds us that no task within God's kingdom is insignificant. Just as the porters played a crucial role in the Temple, every member of the body of Christ has a vital part to play, contributing to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:27). Faithfulness in seemingly small duties contributes significantly to the overall mission.
  • Importance of Order and Structure: God is characterized by order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). This historical account underscores the value of organization, clear responsibilities, and dedicated leadership within churches and communities of faith to ensure effective and reverent service.
  • Commitment to Spiritual Foundations: Just as the post-exilic community diligently re-established its spiritual services and personnel, believers are called to prioritize and maintain the spiritual disciplines and structures that support their personal faith and corporate worship.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 23:5

    Moreover four thousand [were] porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, [said David], to praise [therewith].

  • Nehemiah 11:19

    Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, [were] an hundred seventy and two.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:1

    ΒΆ Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites [was] Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:32

    And his brethren, men of valour, [were] two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.
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