1 Chronicles 26:16

To Shuppim and Hosah [the lot came forth] westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

To Shuppim {H8206} and Hosah {H2621} the lot came forth westward {H4628}, with the gate {H8179} Shallecheth {H7996}, by the causeway {H4546} of the going up {H5927}, ward {H4929} against {H5980} ward {H4929}.

Shupim and Hosah were allotted the west gate and the Shallekhet Gate at the highway that goes up, with corresponding guards.

The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch.

To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goeth up, watch against watch.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:16 is a precise detail within the broader account of King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical services for the future Temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically describes the assignment of certain gatekeepers to a particular access point of the Temple complex.

Context

This verse is part of 1 Chronicles chapter 26, which outlines the specific duties and assignments of the gatekeepers (porters) for the house of the Lord. These were Levites chosen to guard the entrances, maintain order, and regulate access to the sacred precincts. The selection process, as indicated in previous verses (1 Chronicles 26:13), involved casting lots, signifying divine guidance in the allocation of these important responsibilities. The "westward" direction and "gate Shallecheth" point to a specific geographical location within the temple grounds, likely a significant entrance or exit point for the public or for supplies.

Key Themes

  • Order and Administration: David's foresight in establishing a detailed and organized system for temple service, even before the Temple was built, highlights the biblical emphasis on order and proper administration in spiritual matters.
  • Divine Appointment: The use of lots (as seen in Proverbs 16:33) underscores the belief that God was overseeing the assignment of duties, ensuring each person was placed where they were meant to serve.
  • Faithfulness in Specific Roles: Even seemingly mundane tasks like guarding gates were vital for the functioning of the Temple. This emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in all assigned duties, no matter how small.
  • Security and Access: The gatekeepers played a crucial role in protecting the sanctity of the Temple and controlling who entered and exited, ensuring both security and appropriate access to God's house.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Shallecheth" (Hebrew: שַׁלֶּכֶת, Shallekheth) literally means "casting down" or "felling." While its exact significance for a gate name is debated, it might refer to a place where refuse was cast out, or perhaps to a gate near a place where trees were felled. The phrase "causeway of the going up" (Hebrew: מְסִלָּה מַעֲלָה, mesillah ma'alah) describes an elevated road or ramp, indicating a prominent and possibly uphill path leading to the Temple area. "Ward against ward" (Hebrew: מִשְׁמָר לְעֻמַּת מִשְׁמָר, mishmar l'ummat mishmar) suggests a system of alternating shifts or corresponding duties, where one watch or guard team was positioned opposite or in conjunction with another, ensuring continuous coverage and accountability.

Practical Application

This verse, though specific to ancient Temple administration, offers timeless principles. It reminds believers that every role within the body of Christ is important, whether prominent or behind the scenes. Just as the gatekeepers ensured order and access in the Temple, so too are believers called to serve faithfully in their God-given positions, recognizing that God sovereignly places us where we can best contribute to His work (1 Corinthians 12:18). It highlights the value of structured service and the understanding that divine order brings blessing and effectiveness to communal endeavors.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 26:10 (2 votes)

    Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for [though] he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)

  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 (2 votes)

    Among these [were] the divisions of the porters, [even] among the chief men, [having] wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 10:5 (2 votes)

    And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

  • 1 Chronicles 25:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they cast lots, ward against [ward], as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

  • Nehemiah 12:24 (2 votes)

    And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:4 (2 votes)

    And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.