1 Chronicles 15:18

And with them their brethren of the second [degree], Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

And with them their brethren {H251} of the second {H4932} degree, Zechariah {H2148}, Ben {H1122}, and Jaaziel {H3268}, and Shemiramoth {H8070}, and Jehiel {H3171}, and Unni {H6042}, Eliab {H446}, and Benaiah {H1141}, and Maaseiah {H4641}, and Mattithiah {H4993}, and Elipheleh {H466}, and Mikneiah {H4737}, and Obededom {H5654}, and Jeiel {H3273}, the porters {H7778}.

and with them their second-degree kinsmen Z'kharyahu, Ben, Ya'azi'el, Sh'miramot, Yechi'el, 'Uni, Eli'av, B'nayahu, Ma'aseiyahu, Mattityahu, Elif'lehu, Mikneyahu, with 'Oved-Edom and Ye'i'el the gatekeepers.

and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel.

and with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:18 is part of a detailed account describing King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. After the previous disastrous attempt (recorded in 1 Chronicles 13) where Uzzah died for touching the Ark, David recognized the need to follow God's specific instructions for its transport.

Context

This verse lists specific individuals who were appointed to serve as porters (gatekeepers) for the Ark's procession. These men, along with their brethren, were Levites, chosen for their roles in the sacred service. David had meticulously prepared for this event, ensuring that the Ark was carried by the Levites on poles, as commanded by the Mosaic Law, rather than on a cart. The "brethren of the second degree" likely refers to their specific rank or grouping within the Levite families, indicating an organized and hierarchical structure for the temple service.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Obedience: The detailed listing of names and roles underscores the importance of following God's prescribed order for sacred service. David's prior failure taught him the necessity of strict adherence to divine commands, particularly regarding the handling of the Ark, which represented God's presence.
  • Importance of Every Role: The inclusion of these "porters" highlights that every position, even those seemingly less prominent, was vital to the proper functioning of worship and the handling of sacred objects. Each individual named had a specific, God-ordained responsibility in this significant event.
  • Reverence in Worship: The meticulous planning, the specific appointment of individuals, and the adherence to ritual demonstrate the profound reverence due to God and His holy presence. This was not a casual undertaking but a solemn act of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "porters" (Hebrew: sho'arim) literally means "gatekeepers" or "doorkeepers." In the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, these individuals were responsible for controlling access, maintaining security, and ensuring order at the gates. Their role was crucial for the sanctity and smooth operation of the worship space, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring proper conduct.

Practical Application

This verse, though a list of names, offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Value of Every Service: Just as the porters had an essential role, every member of the body of Christ has a unique and valuable contribution to make, no matter how small or hidden it may seem. God sees and values all faithful service (1 Corinthians 12:27).
  • Obedience in Ministry: Approaching God's work with diligence and according to His principles, rather than human wisdom, is paramount. David's experience reminds us that God's ways are always best.
  • Preparation and Reverence: Engaging in spiritual service, whether in worship, ministry, or personal devotion, should be approached with careful preparation and a deep sense of reverence for God's holiness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 1 Chronicles 26:4 (3 votes)

    Moreover the sons of Obededom [were], Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,

  • 1 Chronicles 25:2 (2 votes)

    Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.

  • 1 Chronicles 25:6 (2 votes)

    All these [were] under the hands of their father for song [in] the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 (2 votes)

    And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah [to be] porters:

  • 1 Chronicles 26:8 (2 votes)

    All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, [were] threescore and two of Obededom.

  • 1 Chronicles 25:9 (2 votes)

    Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons [were] twelve:

  • 1 Chronicles 25:31 (2 votes)

    The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve.