1 Chronicles 9:26

For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

For these Levites {H3881}, the four {H702} chief {H1368} porters {H7778}, were in their set office {H530}, and were over the chambers {H3957} and treasuries {H214} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}.

For the four chief gatekeepers were on permanent duty; they were the L'vi'im in charge of accommodations and supplies in the house of God.

But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God.

for the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:26 provides a glimpse into the meticulous organization and dedicated service required for the functioning of the post-exilic Temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights the significant role of certain Levites beyond just priestly duties.

Context of 1 Chronicles 9:26

Chapter 9 of 1 Chronicles focuses on the genealogies and residency of those who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the re-establishment of community and Temple service. After listing various family lines, the chapter details the specific roles and responsibilities of the Levites and priests in the newly restored House of God. This verse identifies a crucial administrative function: "the four chief porters" among the Levites.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Order and Administration: The verse underscores the importance of a well-structured and orderly system for the Temple's operation. God's worship was not chaotic but carefully managed, reflecting His nature of order.
  • Responsibility and Stewardship: The Levites mentioned were entrusted with significant material assets. Being "over the chambers and treasuries" meant they managed the offerings, tithes, sacred vessels, and other resources vital for the Temple's upkeep and the support of the priesthood. This points to the biblical principle of faithful stewardship.
  • Dignity of All Service: Even roles that might seem less glamorous, like gatekeeping (porters) or managing finances, were considered "set office" โ€“ a divinely appointed and established position. This highlights that all service within God's house is valuable and necessary.

Linguistic Insights

The term "porters" comes from the Hebrew word sho'arim (ืฉึนืืขึฒืจึดื™ื), meaning "gatekeepers." While their primary function was to guard the entrances to the Temple courts, their role was much broader. They were responsible for maintaining order, controlling access, and sometimes even collecting offerings at the gates. The phrase "set office" (ื‘ึทึผืึฒืžึปื ึธื”, ba'amunah) implies that they were appointed "in faithfulness" or "in trust," emphasizing the integrity and reliability required for their crucial duties overseeing the Temple's "chambers" (storage rooms) and "treasuries" (ืื•ึนืฆึฐืจื•ึนืช, otzrot), where valuable items and funds were stored.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that every role within a community of faith, from the most visible to the behind-the-scenes administrative tasks, is vital for its healthy functioning. Just as the ancient Temple required dedicated Levites to manage its resources and maintain order, so too do modern churches and ministries rely on individuals who faithfully handle finances, manage facilities, provide security, and ensure smooth operations. It calls believers to embrace their roles with diligence and integrity, recognizing that all service rendered to God's people is ultimately service to Him, as emphasized in Colossians 3:23. The principle of sound administration and orderly conduct remains timeless.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 10:38

    And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

  • Nehemiah 10:39

    For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

  • Nehemiah 13:5

    And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded [to be given] to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

  • 2 Chronicles 31:5

    And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly.

  • 2 Chronicles 31:12

    And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated [things] faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite [was] ruler, and Shimei his brother [was] the next.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:20

    ยถ And of the Levites, Ahijah [was] over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:27

    Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.
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