1 Chronicles Chapter 26 — The Gatekeepers and Treasurers
King David organizes the Levites into specific roles, including gatekeepers, treasury guardians, and administrative officers for Israel.
1For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
2Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
3Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh.
4Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,
5Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him.
6Sons were also born to Shemaiah his son, who ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor.
7The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose relatives were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah.
8All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom with their sons and their brothers, able men in strength for the service: sixty-two of Obed-Edom.
9Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, eighteen valiant men.
10Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him chief),
11Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. All the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.
12Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the LORD’s house.
13They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate.
14The lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
15To Obed-Edom southward; and to his sons the storehouse.
16To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watchman opposite watchman.
17Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the storehouse two and two.
18For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.
19These were the divisions of the doorkeepers; of the sons of the Korahites, and of the sons of Merari.
20Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of God’s house and over the treasures of the dedicated things.
21The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ households belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.
22The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of the LORD’s house.
23Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:
24Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler over the treasuries.
25His brothers: of Eliezer, Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son.
26This Shelomoth and his brothers were over all the treasuries of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the heads of the fathers’ households, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated.
27They dedicated some of the plunder won in battles to repair the LORD’s house.
28All that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, whoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomoth and of his brothers.
29Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.
30Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, one thousand seven hundred men of valor, had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the business of the LORD and for the service of the king.
31Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers’ households. They were sought for in the fortieth year of the reign of David, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer of Gilead.
32His relatives, men of valor, were two thousand seven hundred, heads of fathers’ households, whom King David made overseers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites, for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
1 Chronicles 26:5
“Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him.”
This verse highlights the divine blessing upon the family of Obed-Edom, resulting in many capable descendants for service.
1 Chronicles 26:12
“Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the LORD’s house.”
It defines the specific purpose and honor of the gatekeepers' ministry within the sanctuary.
1 Chronicles 26:27
“They dedicated some of the plunder won in battles to repair the LORD’s house.”
It demonstrates how military victories were used to practically support and maintain the place of worship.
Chapter Summary
1 Chronicles 26 details the organizational structures King David established for the Levites before the construction of the temple. The chapter begins by listing the divisions of the doorkeepers, primarily from the families of the Korahites and Merarites. Notable figures like Obed-Edom and his sons are highlighted for their strength and the blessing God placed on their household. Assignments for the four main gates and the storehouses were determined by casting lots, ensuring that duties were distributed fairly among all families regardless of their size or status. The narrative then transitions to the treasurers who managed the dedicated gifts and the spoils of war used for temple maintenance. Finally, the chapter identifies Levites appointed as officers and judges for 'outward business.' These leaders managed civil and religious affairs for the tribes of Israel, including those living east of the Jordan River, ensuring order throughout the kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
The gatekeepers were Levites from the families of the Korahites and the sons of Merari. They were chosen for their strength, wisdom, and reliability to guard the entrances and storehouses of the house of God.
The assignments for the East, North, South, and West gates were decided by casting lots. This process ensured an impartial distribution of duties among the various families, regardless of their status or age.
Treasurers managed the dedicated treasures of the house of God, including spoils of war and gifts from King David and other leaders like Samuel the seer. These resources were set aside for the repair and upkeep of the sanctuary.
These were Levites from the families of the Izharites and Hebronites who handled administrative and legal matters outside the temple. They served as overseers for the tribes of Israel, managing both religious and royal affairs for the king.
Study Note
The mention of 'Samuel the seer' and 'Saul the son of Kish' in verse 28 indicates that temple treasures had been accumulating through dedicated gifts since the early days of the Israelite monarchy.
Related Chapters
1 Chronicles 25
This previous chapter details David's organization of the musicians, another primary Levite division.
2 Samuel 6
This chapter provides the background on Obed-Edom, who is mentioned as a blessed gatekeeper in 1 Chronicles 26.
Numbers 3
Provides the original Torah instructions for Levite duties that David reorganized and expanded.
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