1 Chronicles 15:23

And Berechiah and Elkanah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

And Berechiah {H1296} and Elkanah {H511} were doorkeepers {H7778} for the ark {H727}.

Berekhyahu and Elkanah were gatekeepers for the ark.

Berechiah and Elkanah were to be guardians of the ark.

And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

1 Chronicles 15 details King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, settling it in a tent he had prepared. This event followed a tragic initial attempt (recorded in 1 Chronicles 13) where Uzza died because the Ark was improperly transported on a cart instead of by Levites. Chapter 15 emphasizes David's meticulous adherence to God's instructions regarding the Ark's handling, specifically appointing Levites for various roles, including carrying the Ark, leading worship, and serving as guardians. Berechiah and Elkanah, mentioned here, were among the Levites assigned the crucial role of "doorkeepers" for the Ark, highlighting the organized and reverent approach to guarding this most sacred symbol of God's presence among His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reverence and Order: The appointment of specific individuals like Berechiah and Elkanah as doorkeepers underscores the importance of order, reverence, and careful stewardship when dealing with sacred things. God's commands require precise obedience.
  • Sacred Duty: Being a "doorkeeper" for the Ark was not a menial task but a position of significant trust and responsibility. It involved guarding the immediate access to the dwelling place of God's presence, ensuring security, purity, and proper entry. Every role, no matter how seemingly small, was vital in the service of the Lord.
  • Faithfulness in Service: The mention of these specific individuals highlights their faithfulness and the diligent execution of their assigned duties in the grand process of bringing the Ark to its designated place. Their names are preserved as a testament to their humble yet essential contribution.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "doorkeepers" is sho'arim (ืฉึนืืขึฒืจึดื™ื), which literally means "gatekeepers" or "guardians of the gate." This term implies more than just standing at a door; it signifies responsibility for controlling access, maintaining security, and overseeing the entry and exit of people. It was a respected and necessary role within the tabernacle and later the temple structure, emphasizing the importance of protecting the sanctity of the holy place.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  1. Value in Every Role: Just as Berechiah and Elkanah had a vital role, every position within the body of Christ is important. There are no insignificant tasks in God's kingdom. Whether visible or behind the scenes, faithful service is honored by God (Colossians 3:23).
  2. Guardianship of Spiritual Truths: Believers are called to be guardians of spiritual truths and the sanctity of God's presence in their lives and in the church. This involves protecting sound doctrine, upholding righteous living, and ensuring reverence in worship.
  3. Diligence and Faithfulness: The example of these doorkeepers encourages diligence and faithfulness in fulfilling our responsibilities, no matter how routine they may seem. It reminds us that even in humble service, we are serving the living God.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 9:21 (2 votes)

    [And] Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah [was] porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:23 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 84:10 (2 votes)

    For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

  • 2 Kings 22:4 (2 votes)

    Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:

  • 2 Kings 25:18 (2 votes)

    And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: