1 Chronicles 9:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:26 offers a profound glimpse into the meticulous organization and dedicated service vital for the functioning of the post-exilic Temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights the significant and multifaceted responsibilities of a select group of Levites, designated as "chief porters," who were entrusted with critical administrative oversight of the Temple's physical infrastructure, including its various chambers and valuable treasuries. Their "set office" underscores the divinely appointed and highly valued nature of their roles, emphasizing the paramount importance of order, faithfulness, and diligent stewardship in the sacred worship of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9 serves as a crucial transition within the Chronicler's sweeping narrative. Following the extensive genealogies of Israel, tracing their lineage from Adam through the post-exilic community (chapters 1-8), this chapter pivots to detail the re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem, with particular emphasis on those involved in the restored Temple service. Verses 1-9 enumerate the inhabitants of Jerusalem, while verses 10-13 specifically list the priests. The bulk of the chapter, from verse 14 onwards, is dedicated to the Levites, meticulously outlining their diverse duties, which included roles as musicians, gatekeepers, and various administrators. Verse 26 is therefore strategically situated within this comprehensive listing of Temple personnel, providing a granular look into the administrative and custodial functions of the "chief porters." This detailed account underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda: to emphasize the unbroken continuity of divine worship and the proper, orderly functioning of the Temple as the center of Israel's spiritual life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for 1 Chronicles 9:26 is the challenging yet hopeful post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, primarily during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. This era was defined by the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and, more significantly, the Second Temple, which had been completed around 516 BC, as recorded in [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Second Temple"). The returning community faced the daunting challenge of re-establishing a society centered on the Mosaic Law and Temple worship, striving to correct the deviations that had led to the seventy-year exile. In this context, the Levites, as the tribe set apart for sacred service, played an indispensable role. The "porters" were far more than mere security guards; their function was deeply integrated into the Temple's sacred order. They controlled access to various courts, maintained ritual purity by regulating who entered and what was brought in, managed offerings, and oversaw the Temple's valuable assets. Their "set office" reflects the highly structured and divinely ordained nature of Temple operations, which were critical for maintaining the purity, sanctity, and integrity of worship in a society striving for strict adherence to God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, deeply embedded within 1 Chronicles 9, contributes significantly to several overarching themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it highlights the profound theme of **Order and Administration** in divine worship. The meticulous assignment of specific roles, even those seemingly mundane like gatekeeping and treasury management, demonstrates that God's worship is not chaotic but meticulously structured, reflecting His own orderly nature (compare [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order, Not Disorder")). Secondly, it underscores the vital theme of **Responsibility and Stewardship**. The Levites were entrusted with the sacred and valuable resources of the "house of God," including offerings, tithes, and sacred vessels. Their oversight of "chambers and treasuries" speaks directly to the biblical principle of faithful management of resources, a concept powerfully echoed in the New Testament parables of stewardship (e.g., [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")). Finally, the verse elevates the **Dignity of All Service** within God's house. Even roles that might appear less prominent, such as gatekeeping, are described as a "set office," implying a divinely appointed and essential function. This emphasizes that every contribution to God's work, regardless of its visibility, is valuable and necessary for the holistic functioning of the community of faith, a principle foundational to the body of Christ metaphor found in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Porters (Hebrew, _shôwʻêr'_):** From H7778, this term refers to a "janitor, doorkeeper, or porter." In the context of the Temple, these individuals were not mere guards but held positions of significant trust and authority. Their responsibilities extended beyond simply controlling access; they were integral to maintaining the sacred boundaries, ensuring ritual purity, and regulating the flow of people and offerings into the various courts of the Temple. Their role was crucial for the orderly and reverent conduct of worship.
* **Set office (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** From H530, this word denotes "firmness, security, or morally, fidelity; faith(-ful, -ly, -ness), stability, steady, truly, truth, verily." The phrase "in their set office" therefore means they served "in faithfulness" or "with integrity." This highlights that their appointment was based on their proven reliability and trustworthiness. It underscores that their administrative and custodial duties were not merely logistical but carried a profound spiritual dimension, requiring a character of integrity commensurate with the sacredness of the Temple and its resources.
* **Treasuries (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, this term signifies "a depository; armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y)." In the Temple context, these were not just ordinary storage rooms but secure facilities within the complex where valuable items such as gold, silver, sacred vessels, and monetary offerings were kept. The porters' oversight of these treasuries highlights their critical role in managing the material wealth dedicated to God's service, underscoring the immense responsibility and trust placed upon them for the protection and proper use of these sacred assets.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For these Levites, the four chief porters":** This clause precisely identifies the specific group of individuals in focus. They are Levites, members of the tribe divinely set apart for Temple service, and specifically designated as "porters" or gatekeepers. The addition of "chief" indicates a leadership position among the porters, implying significant authority and responsibility over their colleagues and the overall gatekeeping operations. The number "four" suggests a structured, organized system for managing the Temple's numerous entrances and associated duties, perhaps corresponding to the four cardinal directions or main gates.
* **"were in [their] set office":** This phrase emphasizes the divinely appointed and established nature of their roles. It signifies that their positions were not arbitrary or temporary but were fixed and recognized as integral to the Temple's operation and the broader divine order. The underlying Hebrew (בַּאֲמֻנָה, _ba'amunah_, derived from _ʼĕmûwnâh_) further highlights that their appointment was based on their integrity, reliability, and faithfulness, essential qualities for those entrusted with such sacred and sensitive duties.
* **"and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God":** This final clause specifies the core administrative responsibility of these chief porters. "Chambers" (לִשְׁכּוֹת, _lishkot_) refers to various rooms within the Temple complex used for storage, priestly functions, or even lodging for Temple personnel. "Treasuries" (אוֹצְרוֹת, _otzrot_) denotes the secure vaults where the Temple's valuable assets, offerings, and sacred items were stored. Their oversight of these areas signifies a comprehensive administrative role, encompassing security, inventory management, and the proper disbursement of Temple resources, demonstrating their crucial function in the overall financial and material stewardship of God's sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in [1 Chronicles 9:26](/1_chronicles/9-26 "1 Chronicles 9:26 - The Chief Porters' Office") employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and theological depth. One prominent device is **Enumeration**, as the entire chapter is essentially a meticulous list of individuals and their specific roles within the re-established Jerusalem community and Temple service. This detailed listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the restoration and the divine importance of every assigned function. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through detail; by singling out the "four chief porters" and detailing their specific responsibilities over "chambers and treasuries," the text elevates the significance of what might otherwise be perceived as a mundane administrative task. This detailed focus underscores the Chronicler's theological point that all service in the "house of God" is vital and divinely sanctioned. Furthermore, the phrase "house of God" functions as a **Metonymy**, where the physical structure of the Temple stands for the entire system of worship, the manifest presence of God, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. By detailing the management of its physical components, the text implicitly speaks to the spiritual order and sanctity of the divine-human encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 9:26](/1_chronicles/9-26 "1 Chronicles 9:26 - The Chief Porters' Office") profoundly illustrates God's nature as a God of order and His expectation of faithful stewardship from His people. The detailed organization of the Temple staff, even down to the specific administrative duties of the chief porters, underscores that divine worship is not haphazard but requires meticulous planning, integrity, and dedicated service. This principle extends beyond the ancient Temple, teaching us that the effective functioning of any spiritual community, and indeed the stewardship of the gifts and resources God provides, demands diligence and trustworthiness. The Levites' role as overseers of the "chambers and treasuries" highlights that material resources, when dedicated to God, are sacred and must be managed with the utmost care and accountability. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that every role, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is vital for the health and spiritual vitality of God's work.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - The Parable of the Talents: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous organization of the Temple, as seen in [1 Chronicles 9:26](/1_chronicles/9-26 "1 Chronicles 9:26 - The Chief Porters' Office"), offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church today. It reminds us that God values order, diligence, and faithfulness in all aspects of our service to Him, not just in the most visible or "spiritual" roles. The "chief porters" were entrusted with significant material assets—the "chambers and treasuries"—demonstrating that stewardship of resources, whether financial, physical, or even gifts and talents, is a sacred trust. This calls us to examine our own lives: Are we faithful in the "set office" God has given us, whether in our homes, workplaces, or within the church community? Do we approach seemingly mundane tasks with the same integrity and dedication as we would more prominent ones, recognizing that all service rendered to God's people is ultimately service to Him? The verse encourages us to embrace our unique contributions, understanding that every role, from the most public to the most hidden, is essential for the flourishing of God's kingdom and the effective witness of His church in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chambers and treasuries" (resources, responsibilities, gifts) has God entrusted to your care, and how faithfully are you stewarding them?**
* **How does the concept of "set office" (a divinely appointed and trusted role) influence your perspective on your current responsibilities, both within and outside the church?**
* **In what ways can your church or community of faith better recognize and affirm the dignity and importance of all types of service, especially those that are administrative or behind-the-scenes?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "chief porters" being "over the chambers and treasuries"?**

Answer: The significance lies in the immense trust and responsibility placed upon them within the sacred context of the Temple. The "chambers" (Hebrew, _lishkot_) were various rooms within the Temple complex, used for storage, priestly functions, or even lodging for Temple personnel. The "treasuries" (Hebrew, _otzrot_) were secure vaults where the Temple's valuable assets—gold, silver, sacred vessels, and monetary offerings—were stored. Being "over" these areas meant the chief porters were responsible for their security, inventory, and proper management. This indicates a critical administrative and financial role, ensuring the proper use and protection of the resources dedicated to God's service. It highlights that the Temple's operations required not just ritual purity but also sound, trustworthy administration, a principle that applies to the management of resources within any faith community today, as seen in passages like [Luke 12:42](/luke/12-42 "Luke 12:42 - The Faithful and Wise Manager").

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of order in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse strongly reinforces the biblical theme that God is a God of order, not chaos. The detailed enumeration of roles and responsibilities within the Temple staff, particularly the specific administrative duties of the chief porters, underscores the necessity of structure and organization in divine worship and community life. From the orderly creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") to the detailed instructions for the tabernacle and Temple, God consistently reveals Himself as one who establishes order. This principle is explicitly stated in the New Testament, such as in [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is Not a God of Confusion") and [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order"), where Paul instructs the church to conduct its affairs "decently and in order." The careful management of the "chambers and treasuries" by the chief porters is a tangible example of this divine expectation for order and good governance within His house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 9:26](/1_chronicles/9-26 "1 Chronicles 9:26 - The Chief Porters' Office") describes a specific administrative role within the Old Testament Temple, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Gate" or "Door" through whom all must enter to find salvation and access to God, declaring, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). He is also the true "Treasury" of all wisdom and knowledge, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures")). Furthermore, Jesus cleansed the physical Temple, foreshadowing the establishment of a new spiritual Temple—His body, the Church ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the New Temple")). In this new Temple, believers are "living stones" built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), and the Holy Spirit dwells within them, making them God's temple ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The "chambers and treasuries" of the Old Testament Temple find their spiritual counterpart in the abundant grace, spiritual gifts, and material resources entrusted to the Church for the advancement of God's kingdom. Just as the chief porters faithfully managed the physical assets of the Temple, believers are now called to be faithful stewards of the manifold grace of God ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewards of God's Grace")) and to use their gifts for the common good, building up the body of Christ ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). Thus, the principles of order, faithfulness, and diligent stewardship exemplified by the Levites in [1 Chronicles 9:26](/1_chronicles/9-26 "1 Chronicles 9:26 - The Chief Porters' Office") are transformed and elevated in Christ, calling His followers to serve Him with integrity in every aspect of their lives within the new covenant community.

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

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

¶ 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.