TRV
Translation
King James Version
So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards.
Complete Jewish Bible
They and their descendants supervised the gates of the house of ADONAI, that is, the house of the tent, by periods of duty.
Berean Standard Bible
So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent.
American Standard Version
So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of Jehovah, even the house of the tent, by wards.
World English Bible Messianic
So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the LORD’s house, even the house of the tent, by wards.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So they and their children had the ouersight of the gates of the house of the Lord, euen of the house of the Tabernacle by wardes.
Young's Literal Translation
And they and their sons are over the gates of the house of Jehovah, even of the house of the tent, by watches.
In the KJVVerse 10,639 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9 verses 14–34
14 ¶ And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
15 And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;
16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
17 And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;
18 Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.
19 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.
20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.
21 And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
22 All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.
23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards.
24 In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
25 And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.
26 For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
27 And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.
28 And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.
29 Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
30 And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.
31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.
32 And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath.
33 And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night.
34 These chief fathers of the Levites were chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem.
We have here a further account of the good posture which the affairs of religion were put into immediately upon the return of the people out of Babylon. They had smarted for their former neglect of ordinances and under the late want of ordinances. Both these considerations made them very zealous and forward in setting up the worship of God among them; so they began their worship of God at the right end. Instances hereof we have here.
I. Before the house of the Lord was built they had the house of the tabernacle, a plain and movable tent, which they made use of in the mean time. Those that cannot yet reach to have a temple must not be without a tabernacle, but be thankful for that and make the best of it. Never let God's work be left undone for want of a place to do it in.
II. In allotting to the priests and Levites their respective employments, they had an eye to the model that was drawn up by David, and Samuel the seer, Ch1 9:22. Samuel, in his time, had drawn the scheme of it, and laid the foundation, though the ark was then in obscurity, and David afterwards finished it, and both acted by immediate direction from God. Or David, as soon as he was anointed had this matter in his mind and consulted Samuel about it, though he was then in his troubles, and the plan was formed in concert between them. This perhaps had been little regarded for many ages; but now, after a long interruption, it was revived. In dividing the work, they observed these ancient land-marks.
III. The most of them dwelt at Jerusalem (Ch1 9:34), yet there were some that dwelt in the villages (Ch1 9:16, Ch1 9:22), because, it may be, there was not yet room for them in Jerusalem. However they were employed in the service of the tabernacle (Ch1 9:25): They were to come after seven days from time to time. They had their week's attendance in their turns.
IV. Many of the Levites were employed as porters at the gates of the house of God, four chief porters (Ch1 9:26), and, under them, others, to the number of 212, Ch1 9:22. They had the oversight of the gates (Ch1 9:23), were keepers of the thresholds, as in the margin (Ch1 9:19), and keepers of the entry. This seemed a mean office; and yet David would rather have it than dwell in the tents of wickedness, Psa 84:10. Their office was, 1. To open the doors of God's house every morning (Ch1 9:27) and shut them at night. 2. To keep off the unclean, and hinder those from thrusting in that were forbidden by the law. 3. To direct and introduce into the courts of the Lord those that came thither to worship, and to show them where to go and what to do, that they might not incur punishment. This required care, and diligence, and constant attendance. Ministers have work to do of this kind.
V. Here is one Phinehas, a son of Eleazar, that is said to be a ruler over them in time past (Ch1 9:20), not the famous high priest of that name, but (as is supposed) an eminent Levite, of whom it is here said that the Lord was with him, or (as the Chaldee reads it) the Word of the Lord was his helper - the eternal Word, who is Jehovah, the mighty one on whom help is laid.
VI. It is said of some of them that, because the charge was upon them, they lodged round about the house of God, Ch1 9:27. It is good for ministers to be near their work, that they may give themselves wholly to it. The Levites pitched about the tabernacle when they marched through the wilderness. Then they were porters in one sense, bearing the burdens of the sanctuary, now porters in another sense, attending the gates and the doors - in both instances keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
VII. Every one knew his charge. Some were entrusted with the plate, the ministering vessels, to bring them in and out by tale, Ch1 9:28. Others were appointed to prepare the fine flour, wine, oil, etc., Ch1 9:29. Others, that were priests, made up the holy anointing oil, Ch1 9:30. Others took care of the meat-offerings, Ch1 9:31. Others of the show-bread, Ch1 9:32. As in other great houses, so in God's house, the work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place and makes a business of it. God is the God of order: but that which is every body's work will be nobody's work.
VIII. The singers were employed in that work day and night, Ch1 9:33. They were the chief fathers of the Levites that made a business of it, not mean singing-men, that made a trade of it. They remained in the chambers of the temple, that they might closely and constantly attend it, and were therefore excused from all other services. It should seem, some companies were continually singing, at least at stated hours, both day and night. Thus was God continually praised, as it is fit he should be who is continually doing good. Thus devout people might, at any hour, have assistance in their devotion. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Rev 4:8. Blessed are those that dwell in thy house; they will be still praising thee.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–34. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
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.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:23 meticulously details the hereditary and structured responsibility of the Levite gatekeepers, specifying that they and their descendants were entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of the entrances to the "house of the LORD," clarified as the "house of the tabernacle." This verse underscores the divine emphasis on order, security, and dedicated service through organized shifts or "wards," highlighting the continuous and sacred lineage tasked with maintaining the sanctity of God's dwelling place.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler's choice of language in 1 Chronicles 9:23 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its theological message. The most prominent is Merism, evident in the phrase "the house of the LORD, [namely], the house of the tabernacle." By explicitly linking the permanent Temple to the portable Tabernacle, the text creates a sense of comprehensive continuity across historical periods, emphasizing that God's presence and the sacred nature of His dwelling are unbroken from the wilderness period through the post-exilic era. This serves to affirm the legitimacy and enduring significance of the rebuilt Temple for the returning community. There is also an element of Emphasis through Detail, as the meticulous listing of duties ("oversight of the gates") and the specific mention of "by wards" underscore the profound importance of order, diligence, and dedicated, systematic service within the sacred space. The "gates" themselves can be seen as an instance of Metonymy, where the part (the gates) stands for the whole system of access control, security, and maintenance of the sanctity of the entire Temple complex. This concise phrasing efficiently conveys the breadth and depth of the gatekeepers' responsibilities.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The hereditary oversight of the gates of God's house, as described in 1 Chronicles 9:23, speaks deeply to the theological understanding of God's inherent holiness, the necessity of ordered and pure worship, and the concept of access to the divine presence. The gatekeepers' role was not merely functional; it was a sacred trust, ensuring the sanctity of the physical space where God met with His people. This meticulous order reflects God's own character, who is a God of perfect order, not chaos or confusion. The continuity from Tabernacle to Temple underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant presence and His unwavering desire to dwell among His people, while also highlighting the evolving nature of that dwelling place. Ultimately, this Old Testament emphasis on controlled access and physical purity foreshadows a greater spiritual reality, where true access to God is granted not through physical barriers, but through spiritual means.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The diligent and hereditary service of the gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 9:23 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. Just as these Levites were entrusted with the vital task of guarding the physical sanctity and order of God's dwelling, Christians are called to be vigilant stewards of spiritual purity and order. This applies not only to our personal lives, ensuring our hearts are a pure dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, but also to the corporate life of the church, which is the spiritual body of Christ. Every role within the body of Christ, no matter how seemingly mundane or behind-the-scenes, is vital and requires the same faithfulness, diligence, and commitment demonstrated by the gatekeepers. The concept of "wards" or organized service reminds us of the importance of structure, planning, and mutual accountability in ministry, ensuring that all things are done "decently and in order" for the glory of God and the edification of the saints. We are all called to contribute to the sanctity and proper functioning of God's spiritual house.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the "house of the tabernacle" mentioned alongside the "house of the LORD" in this verse?
Answer: The mention of the "house of the tabernacle" alongside the "house of the LORD" (referring to the Temple) is a deliberate literary and theological device employed by the Chronicler. It emphasizes the profound continuity of God's presence and the sacred nature of His dwelling place among His people. The Temple was the permanent, settled successor to the portable Tabernacle of the wilderness wanderings. By explicitly linking the two, the text affirms that the post-exilic Temple, though rebuilt, was not a new or disconnected institution, but a direct continuation of the divinely ordained place where God met with Israel, thereby reinforcing its legitimacy and sacred significance for the returning community and grounding their current worship in the rich history of God's covenant faithfulness from the time of Moses.
What was the broader significance of the gatekeepers' role beyond simply guarding the physical gates?
Answer: The gatekeepers' role was far more comprehensive than that of mere security guards. Their "oversight" encompassed maintaining the sacred order, ensuring ritual purity, and controlling access to the holy precincts of the Temple. They were responsible for preventing unauthorized entry, managing the flow of worshippers and offerings, and upholding the decorum necessary for proper worship. They were, in essence, guardians of the sanctity of God's dwelling, protecting it from defilement and ensuring that all activities within its bounds honored God. Their duties were integral to the functioning of the Temple as the center of Israel's spiritual life, reflecting God's demand for holiness and order in His presence, as seen in various Levitical laws regarding access and purity (e.g., Leviticus 10:10).
Does this verse imply that sacred service is only for certain families or individuals today?
Answer: In the Old Covenant, particularly for the Levites and priests, many roles related to the Tabernacle and Temple service were indeed hereditary, as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:23. This ensured the preservation of specific knowledge, rituals, and the sacred lineage. However, with the advent of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the nature of sacred service has been profoundly transformed. The New Testament teaches the "priesthood of all believers," meaning that all who are in Christ have direct access to God and are called to serve Him (as described in 1 Peter 2:9). While specific leadership and ministry gifts are given to some for the equipping of the saints (e.g., Ephesians 4:11-12), the fundamental call to serve God and be a "gatekeeper" of spiritual purity and order applies to every believer, regardless of family lineage.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The diligent and hereditary service of the Levite gatekeepers, overseeing access to the "house of the LORD" and maintaining its sanctity, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, the gates of the Temple represented a necessary barrier, a controlled point of entry to a holy God, emphasizing humanity's separation due to sin. However, Jesus declares Himself to be the ultimate "gate" or "door" through whom all may enter into a saving relationship with God, proclaiming, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" (John 10:9). His sacrificial death on the cross tore the Temple veil, symbolizing the removal of all barriers to God's presence, granting direct and bold access to the Father for all who believe (Hebrews 10:19-20). Furthermore, Christ is the true "oversight" and eternal Guardian of the New Covenant "house of the LORD," which is His Church, the spiritual Temple made of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). He perfectly maintains its purity, ensures its security against the very gates of hell (Matthew 16:18), and guarantees that all who enter through Him are truly part of God's holy dwelling. Thus, the meticulous, hereditary, and organized service of the Old Testament gatekeepers points forward to Christ, who eternally and perfectly fulfills their role by providing open, secure, and holy access to God for all His people.