1 Chronicles 9:19

KJV

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shallum {H7967} the son {H1121} of Kore {H6981}, the son {H1121} of Ebiasaph {H43}, the son {H1121} of Korah {H7141}, and his brethren {H251}, of the house {H1004} of his father {H1}, the Korahites {H7145}, were over the work {H4399} of the service {H5656}, keepers {H8104} of the gates {H5592} of the tabernacle {H168}: and their fathers {H1}, being over the host {H4264} of the LORD {H3068}, were keepers {H8104} of the entry {H3996}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalum the son of Kore the son of Evyasaf the son of Korach and his kinsmen from his father's clan the Korchim were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tent. Their ancestors had been in charge of the camp of ADONAI, keepers of the entryway.

Berean Standard Bible

Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of his father’s house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent: and their fathers had been over the camp of Jehovah, keepers of the entry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:19 meticulously details the specific, vital role of Shallum and his brethren, descendants of Korah, as dedicated gatekeepers of the tabernacle. This verse is part of a broader post-exilic account in Chronicles, emphasizing the meticulous re-establishment of divine worship and the organized service of the Levites, priests, and temple workers in Jerusalem, highlighting the enduring grace of God in restoring even those from a lineage marked by past rebellion to positions of sacred trust and responsibility within His house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical record that dominates the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. Following an extensive tracing of Israel's lineage from Adam through the tribes, chapter 9 shifts focus to the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and, more specifically, to the various classes of temple servants who resettled there. The Chronicler's primary aim is to underscore the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, particularly through the Davidic line and the re-establishment of proper worship. Verse 19 is part of a section (1 Chronicles 9:17-32) dedicated to the gatekeepers, highlighting their specific families, duties, and the historical continuity of their role from the tabernacle to the temple, reinforcing the idea of an ordered and divinely appointed system of service that was crucial for the restored community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for 1 Chronicles 9 is the period following the return of the exiles from Babylon, likely during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, approximately 538-445 BC. After decades of captivity, the community was tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem, its walls, and, most importantly, the temple and its services. This involved not only physical reconstruction but also a spiritual and administrative re-ordering of society according to Mosaic law. The meticulous listing of families and their roles, especially those related to the temple, reflects the critical importance placed on re-establishing proper worship and the Levitical order. The gatekeepers, though seemingly a humble role, were essential for maintaining the sanctity, security, and operational flow of the sacred precincts, controlling access and managing resources—a task of immense responsibility in a society deeply centered on temple worship.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 9:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it underscores **Divine Order and Faithful Service**, demonstrating God's desire for a well-organized and dedicated approach to worship, where every role, no matter how seemingly minor, is vital and divinely appointed. The detailed enumeration of gatekeepers' duties throughout the chapter, such as their responsibility for the chambers and treasures of the house of God, as seen in [1 Chronicles 9:26-32](/1_chronicles/9-26-32 "1 Chronicles 9:26-32 - Duties of the Gatekeepers"), emphasizes this. Second, the mention of the Korahites powerfully illustrates **Redemption and Restoration**. Despite their ancestor Korah's infamous rebellion against Moses and Aaron, detailed in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"), this branch of his lineage not only survived but was entrusted with crucial responsibilities in the tabernacle and temple, signifying God's grace and the possibility of a family's restoration to faithfulness and service. Finally, the verse highlights the **Importance of Overlooked Roles**. The "keepers of the gates" might not have held the priestly or prophetic prominence, yet their function was indispensable for the sanctity and security of God's house, echoing the sentiment that even a doorkeeper in God's house is blessed, as expressed in [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Better a Doorkeeper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Korahites (Hebrew, _Qorchîy'_):** This term (H7145) refers to the descendants of Korah (H7141), a Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron during the wilderness wanderings, resulting in divine judgment. However, not all of Korah's lineage perished; the biblical record explicitly states that "the sons of Korah did not die" ([Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Sons of Korah Did Not Die")). Their survival and subsequent prominence in various Levitical services, including temple musicians and gatekeepers, signify a powerful testament to divine grace, forgiveness, and the restoration of a lineage to faithful service despite a rebellious past.
* **Keepers (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** The root word (H8104) means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to." This highlights the active, diligent, and protective nature of the gatekeepers' role. They were not passive observers but active guardians responsible for the security, order, and sanctity of the sacred space, requiring vigilance and faithfulness in their duties.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** This word (H168) refers to a "tent" or "dwelling place," specifically the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among Israel before the construction of the Temple. The mention of the "tabernacle" in this post-exilic context, long after the Temple's construction, emphasizes the ancient and continuous nature of the gatekeepers' office, tracing their lineage and function back to the very origins of Israel's structured worship and God's dwelling among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah":** This detailed genealogy meticulously traces Shallum's lineage back to Korah, establishing his identity and tribal affiliation within the Levitical structure. The specific mention of his ancestry is crucial, as it immediately links him to a family with a complex and historically significant past, setting the stage for the powerful theme of restoration and God's enduring grace.
* **"and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle":** This clause identifies Shallum and his kinsmen as the designated personnel for a specific, important function. "The work of the service" (Hebrew: `mᵉlâʼkâh` H4399, `ʻăbôdâh` H5656) refers to their divinely appointed duties within the sacred complex, emphasizing that their role as "keepers of the gates" was a form of sacred ministry, not merely a secular guard duty. The mention of "tabernacle" rather than "temple" in this post-exilic context points to the continuity of their office, tracing its origins back to the earliest days of Israel's worship structure, reinforcing the ancient and divinely ordained nature of their calling.
* **"and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry":** This final clause provides historical depth, indicating that this specific role of gatekeeping was inherited and had been performed by their ancestors across generations. "Over the host of the LORD" (Hebrew: `machăneh` H4264, `Yᵉhôvâh` H3068) likely refers to the Levites' broader organizational role in the wilderness, where they were responsible for the movement, protection, and encampment of the tabernacle as Israel journeyed. This highlights a generational continuity of faithful service, suggesting that the Korahites had a long-standing tradition of guarding the sacred entry points, reinforcing their trustworthiness and established position within the divine order.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several **Literary Devices** in this verse to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Genealogy**, which is foundational to the book of Chronicles. By meticulously tracing Shallum's lineage back through Kore and Ebiasaph to Korah, the text establishes his identity, tribal affiliation, and, significantly, his connection to a controversial figure. This genealogical detail serves to powerfully highlight the theme of **Restoration** and **Divine Grace**, as descendants of a rebellious ancestor are shown to be in a position of trusted, sacred service. The **Repetition** of the phrase "keepers of the gates" (or "keepers of the entry") emphasizes the enduring importance and continuity of this specific role across generations. Furthermore, the very concept of "gates" and "entry" carries rich **Symbolism**, representing access to the sacred presence of God. The careful guardianship of these points underscores the holiness of God and the need for proper order and reverence in approaching Him, making the gatekeepers' role symbolically crucial for maintaining the sanctity and integrity of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:19 profoundly illustrates the Lord's redemptive grace and His meticulous ordering of worship. The fact that descendants of Korah, whose ancestor led a direct rebellion against God's appointed leadership, are found serving faithfully as gatekeepers speaks volumes about God's capacity for forgiveness and restoration across generations. It demonstrates that past sin, even grievous sin, does not eternally condemn a lineage, but through faithfulness and divine mercy, a new legacy of service can emerge. This verse also underscores the importance of every role within the community of faith, emphasizing that all service, whether prominent or seemingly peripheral, is vital to God's purposes and contributes to the integrity and sanctity of His house. It reminds us that God values faithful stewardship in all areas, recognizing and honoring those who diligently maintain order and facilitate access to His presence.

* [Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Sons of Korah Did Not Die")
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Better is One Day in Your Courts")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Call are Irrevocable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 9:19 offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's grace extends far beyond our past failures or the shortcomings of our heritage. Just as the Korahites were restored to a place of vital service, so too can individuals and families find redemption and purpose in God's kingdom, regardless of their history. This verse challenges us to embrace whatever role God has called us to, no matter how seemingly small or unnoticed, recognizing that every act of faithful service contributes to the greater work of the Lord. The diligence and integrity required of the gatekeepers remind us that our service to God and His church should be marked by excellence, responsibility, and a deep understanding of its sacred nature. We are called to be faithful stewards of the access points to God's presence, whether through evangelism, hospitality, or maintaining the sanctity of worship, ensuring that all who seek Him can do so in order and reverence, reflecting the holiness of God in our actions and attitudes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of the Korahites challenge your understanding of God's grace and forgiveness, particularly concerning generational sin or personal past failures?**
* **In what "gatekeeping" roles, whether visible or behind the scenes, do you currently serve within your church or community, and how can you approach these tasks with greater diligence and a sense of sacred purpose?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to value and appreciate the contributions of those whose service might be less prominent but equally essential to the functioning of the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are the descendants of Korah, who rebelled against Moses, serving in the temple?**

Answer: This is a powerful testament to God's redemptive grace and the principle that the sins of the fathers do not necessarily condemn the children. While Korah himself led a severe rebellion against God's appointed leadership, resulting in divine judgment upon him and his immediate followers, as recorded in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31-35 "Numbers 16:31-35 - The Earth Swallows Korah"), the biblical record explicitly states that "the sons of Korah did not die" ([Numbers 26:11](/numbers/26-11 "Numbers 26:11 - The Sons of Korah Did Not Die")). Their survival and subsequent faithful service, particularly as temple musicians (authors of several Psalms, e.g., [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As the Deer Pants")) and gatekeepers, demonstrate that God offers restoration and purpose to those who turn to Him in faithfulness, even from a lineage marked by past rebellion. It highlights the possibility of a new legacy built on obedience and devotion through divine mercy.

**What was the specific role and importance of a "gatekeeper" in the tabernacle/temple service?**

Answer: The role of a gatekeeper was far more significant than simply opening and closing doors. As "keepers of the gates" or "guardians of the thresholds," they were crucial for maintaining the sanctity, security, and order of the sacred precincts. Their responsibilities included regulating who could enter the various courts of the tabernacle or temple, ensuring that only those ritually clean and authorized were admitted. They also served as security, protecting the sacred treasures and provisions within the temple complex, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 9:26-29](/1_chronicles/9-26-29 "1 Chronicles 9:26-29 - Duties of the Gatekeepers"). Furthermore, they were responsible for the daily opening and closing, and often for the distribution of offerings and supplies. Their position was one of trust and immense responsibility, essential for the proper functioning of the entire worship system and for upholding the holiness of God's dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 9:19, with its focus on the gatekeepers and the restoration of the Korahites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The gatekeepers' role was to regulate access to God's presence, ensuring order and holiness. Yet, in Christ, the ultimate "gate" to God's presence is flung wide open. Jesus declares, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")). He is the one who provides direct, unhindered access to the Father, tearing down the veil that separated humanity from God at His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). Furthermore, the restoration of the Korahites, a lineage once marked by rebellion but now serving faithfully, powerfully foreshadows the redemption offered through Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, humanity, once alienated and rebellious against God ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - While We Were Still Sinners")), is reconciled and brought into a new covenant relationship, not merely as servants but as adopted children and co-heirs with Christ ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")). Jesus, the great High Priest who has passed through the heavens ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest")), not only grants access but also cleanses and sanctifies those who come to Him, enabling them to serve God in spirit and truth, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of all temple service and inviting all believers to be "gatekeepers" of His gospel, welcoming others into His kingdom.

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

Numbers 26:9

And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This [is that] Dathan and Abiram, [which were] famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:

Numbers 26:11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

1 Chronicles 26:13

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

1 Chronicles 26:19

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

2 Kings 11:9

And the captains over the hundreds did according to all [things] that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.

2 Chronicles 23:4

This [is] the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, [shall be] porters of the doors;

2 Chronicles 23:10

And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.