Nehemiah 12:25

Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, [were] porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.

Mattaniah {H4983}, and Bakbukiah {H1229}, Obadiah {H5662}, Meshullam {H4918}, Talmon {H2929}, Akkub {H6126}, were porters {H7778} keeping {H8104} the ward {H4929} at the thresholds {H624} of the gates {H8179}.

Mattanyah, Bakbukyah, 'Ovadyah, Meshulam, Talmon and 'Akuv were the gatekeepers who guarded the supplies kept at the gates.

Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates.

Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the watch at the store-houses of the gates.

Commentary

Context of Nehemiah 12:25

Nehemiah 12 details the joyous dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem, a monumental achievement after years of desolation and opposition. Following the completion of the physical structure, Nehemiah meticulously organized the sacred services and personnel for the temple. This chapter lists various groups involved in the spiritual life of the restored community, including priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers (porters). Verse 25 specifically names several individuals – Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub – who held the significant position of porters, or gatekeepers, responsible for security and access control at the temple gates.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Order and Organization: The detailed lists in Nehemiah 12, including this verse, highlight the importance of structured service and defined roles within the community and for temple worship. This reflects a divine pattern of order, ensuring smooth and effective operation.
  • Faithfulness in Specific Roles: The porters were not priests or prophets, but their role was crucial for the temple's security and sanctity. This verse underscores the value of every assigned task, no matter how seemingly ordinary, when performed with dedication. Their responsibility was to "keep the ward," implying vigilance and diligence.
  • Community Service: The rebuilding of the walls and the subsequent organization of temple service involved the participation of many individuals, each contributing their unique skills and positions. This verse exemplifies the collective effort required for the spiritual and physical well-being of the post-exilic Jewish community.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "porters" is sho'arim (שֹׁגֲרִים), which literally means "gatekeepers." This was a vital and respected position in ancient cities and temples. These individuals were responsible not only for opening and closing gates but also for security, controlling who entered and exited, and often managing treasury and storehouses associated with the gates. Their role was one of trust and constant vigilance, ensuring the safety and integrity of the sacred space.

Related Scriptures

The role of gatekeepers is frequently mentioned in other parts of the Old Testament, often emphasizing their Levite lineage and important duties. For instance, 1 Chronicles 9:23 details the specific duties of the gatekeepers of the house of the Lord. The broader theme of order in divine service is also echoed in the New Testament, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40, which states that "all things be done decently and in order."

Practical Application

Nehemiah 12:25 reminds us that every function within God's work is significant. Just as the porters were essential for the security and proper functioning of the temple, so too are all roles within the church or community, no matter how humble they may seem. This verse encourages us to embrace our specific callings with faithfulness and diligence, recognizing that our contributions, when done for the Lord, are valuable. It highlights the principle that faithfulness in little things can lead to greater responsibilities and blessings.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 23:32 (2 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 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.

  • Nehemiah 12:8 (2 votes)

    Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, [and] Mattaniah, [which was] over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

  • Nehemiah 12:9 (2 votes)

    Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, [were] over against them in the watches.

  • Isaiah 21:8 (2 votes)

    And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:

  • Nehemiah 11:17 (2 votes)

    And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

  • Nehemiah 11:19 (2 votes)

    Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, [were] an hundred seventy and two.