1 Chronicles 9:18

Who hitherto [waited] in the king's gate eastward: they [were] porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

Who hitherto waited in the king's {H4428} gate {H8179} eastward {H4217}: they were porters {H7778} in the companies {H4264} of the children {H1121} of Levi {H3878}.

Previously they had guarded the king's gate to the east; they were gatekeepers for the camp of the descendants of Levi.

Shallum was their chief; he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites.

who hitherto waited in the king’s gate eastward: they were the porters for the camp of the children of Levi.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:18 details the specific role of certain Levites—the porters—who were responsible for guarding and managing the 'king's gate eastward' in the Temple complex. This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles that focuses on the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the various priestly and Levitical roles after the return from Babylonian exile, emphasizing the re-establishment of organized worship and service to God.

Context

Chapter 9 of 1 Chronicles serves as a crucial link between the extensive genealogies of the preceding chapters and the historical narrative that follows. It lists the families who resettled in Jerusalem after the return from exile, highlighting the roles of priests, Levites, porters, and other Temple servants. Verse 18 specifically identifies a group of porters, led by Shallum (mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:17), whose duty was at the significant east gate of the Temple. This meticulous record underscores the importance of order and dedicated service in the restored community and the Temple, reflecting a desire to re-establish the covenant relationship with God as outlined in the law.

Key Themes

  • Faithful Service: The porters, though seemingly performing a humble task, were vital to the functioning and security of the Temple. Their consistent presence "hitherto" (meaning "until now" or "continually") speaks to their unwavering dedication. This highlights that all forms of service in God's house, no matter how small, are significant.
  • Order and Administration: The detailed assignment of specific Levites to particular gates and duties emphasizes the divine design for order in worship and the administration of God's sanctuary. The porters managed access, ensured sanctity, and were part of the broader system that facilitated the proper functioning of the Temple.
  • Levitical Responsibility: This verse reaffirms the unique role of the children of Levi in the service of the Lord. Their duties extended beyond priestly functions to include practical, logistical, and security roles, all essential for maintaining the sacred space.

Linguistic Insights

The term "porters" comes from the Hebrew word sho'arim (שֹׁעֲרִים), which literally means "gatekeepers." Their role was far more encompassing than simply opening and closing doors. They were responsible for security, preventing unauthorized access, maintaining order, and sometimes even overseeing offerings and Temple treasuries (1 Chronicles 26:20). The mention of the "king's gate eastward" is significant, as the East Gate often held symbolic importance and was a primary entrance to the Temple courts, sometimes even associated with royal access or specific ceremonial entries.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 9:18 reminds us that every role within the community of faith is valuable and contributes to the overall mission. Just as the porters faithfully guarded the Temple gate, so too are believers called to be diligent in their assigned tasks, whether prominent or behind-the-scenes. This verse encourages us to value faithfulness in seemingly ordinary service, recognizing that God sees and honors all efforts made for His glory. It underscores the importance of maintaining order and integrity in our places of worship and service, reflecting the divine character of organization and purpose.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 46:1

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

  • Ezekiel 46:2

    And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:12

    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.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:19

    These [are] the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.

  • Ezekiel 44:2

    Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.

  • Ezekiel 44:3

    [It is] for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

  • 2 Kings 11:19

    And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.
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