1 Chronicles 9:22

All these [which were] chosen to be porters in the gates [were] two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.

All these which were chosen {H1305} to be porters {H7778} in the gates {H5592} were two hundred {H3967} and twelve {H8147}{H6240}. These were reckoned by their genealogy {H3187} in their villages {H2691}, whom {H1992} David {H1732} and Samuel {H8050} the seer {H7200} did ordain {H3245} in their set office {H530}.

All these chosen to be gatekeepers numbered 212. Their genealogies were recorded in their towns; they had been appointed to their positions by David and Sh'mu'el the seer.

The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust.

All these that were chosen to be porters in the thresholds were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their office of trust.

Commentary

First Chronicles 9:22 provides a specific detail about the Levitical porters, or gatekeepers, who served in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It highlights their number, the method of their selection, and the authoritative figures who established their office.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles (chapters 9-10) that details the residents of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, specifically focusing on those who returned and resumed their roles in temple service. The Chronicler emphasizes the continuity of divine appointments and the importance of genealogical records for ensuring proper lineage for sacred duties. The mention of "David and Samuel the seer" links these post-exilic arrangements directly to the foundational period of Israel's organized worship, underscoring the ancient and divinely sanctioned nature of the porters' office. These gatekeepers were crucial for maintaining order, security, and the sacredness of the worship space, controlling access and managing offerings.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Administration: The meticulous counting and genealogical reckoning of the porters underscore God's desire for order and structure in His worship and among His people. Every role, from the priests to the porters, was precisely defined, reflecting a well-organized system of Levitical service.
  • Appointed Authority: The fact that "David and Samuel the seer did ordain" these porters highlights the divine authority behind their roles. Samuel, as God's prophet, and David, as the king chosen by God, established foundational structures for Israel's spiritual life.
  • Faithfulness in Service: While seemingly a humble role, the porters' duties were vital. They were responsible for the security and proper functioning of the Tabernacle/Temple gates, managing entry and even guarding the treasuries (as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:20-28). Their faithfulness ensured the sanctity and smooth operation of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "porters" comes from the Hebrew word ืฉึนืืขึฒืจึดื™ื (sho'arim), meaning "gatekeepers" or "doorkeepers." Their role was far more significant than simply opening and closing doors; they were custodians, often responsible for security, administrative tasks related to offerings, and maintaining the flow of people and goods into the sacred precincts. The word "ordain" translates from ื™ึธืกึทื“ (yasad), which means "to found," "to establish," or "to lay a foundation." This emphasizes that David and Samuel weren't just assigning temporary tasks but firmly establishing a permanent and essential office within the Levitical service.

Significance and Application

1 Chronicles 9:22 reminds us that God values every role within His household. No task is too small or insignificant if it contributes to the overall purpose of His kingdom. Just as the porters were divinely appointed and meticulously organized, so too are believers today called to various roles within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). This verse encourages us to embrace our specific callings with diligence and faithfulness, recognizing that our service, no matter how seemingly humble, is part of God's greater plan. It also highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in establishing order and guiding God's people in faithful service.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 9:9 (5 votes)

    (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for [he that is] now [called] a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

  • 1 Chronicles 23:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:32 (3 votes)

    And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy [place], and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:13 (3 votes)

    Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:21 (2 votes)

    And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, [even they shall be with thee] for all the service of the house of God: and [there shall be] with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people [will be] wholly at thy commandment.

  • Nehemiah 12:44 (2 votes)

    ยถ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: