for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s house. They stayed around God’s house, because that duty was on them; and to their duty was its opening morning by morning. Certain of them were in charge of the vessels of service; for these were brought in by count, and these were taken out by count. Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the spices.
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The gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brothers (Shallum was the chief), who previously served in the king’s gate eastward. They were the gatekeepers for the camp of the children of Levi. Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers, of his father’s house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent. Their fathers had been over Yahweh’s camp, keepers of the entry. Phinehas the son of Eleazar was ruler over them in time past, and Yahweh was with him. Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper of the door of the Tent of Meeting. All these who were chosen to be gatekeepers in the thresholds were two hundred twelve. These were listed by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer ordained in their office of trust. So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of Yahweh’s house, even the house of the tent, as guards. On the four sides were the gatekeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south. Their brothers, in their villages, were to come in every seven days from time to time to be with them: for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s house. They stayed around God’s house, because that duty was on them; and to their duty was its opening morning by morning. Certain of them were in charge of the vessels of service; for these were brought in by count, and these were taken out by count. Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the spices.
Parallel Translations
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for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s house.
They stayed around God’s house, because that duty was on them; and to their duty was its opening morning by morning.
Certain of them were in charge of the vessels of service; for these were brought in by count, and these were taken out by count.
Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the spices.
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For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.
And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.
Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
Show all 3 translations
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for the four chief porters were in a set office. These were the Levites. They were also over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.
And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge thereof was upon them, and to them pertained the opening thereof morning by morning.
And certain of them had charge of the vessels of service; for by tale were they brought in and by tale were they taken out.
Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy vessels, and over the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
Cross-references (16)
- 1 Chronicles 23:30-32 (v27) and to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and likewise in the evening; and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the…
- 1 Chronicles 23:29 (v29) for the show bread also, and for the fine flour for a meal offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or…
- Nehemiah 12:44 (v28) On that day, men were appointed over the rooms for the treasures, for the wave offerings, for the first fruits, and for the tithes, to…
- Nehemiah 13:4-5 (v28) Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the rooms of the house of our God, being allied to Tobiah, had prepared for…
- Exodus 27:20 (v29) “You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
Show all 16 cross-references
- Exodus 30:23-38 (v29) “Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of…
- Numbers 23:25-27 (v28) Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.” But Balaam answered Balak, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘All that…
- 1 Samuel 3:15 (v27) Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of Yahweh’s house. Samuel was afraid to show Eli the vision.
- 1 Chronicles 26:20-27 (v26) Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of God’s house and over the treasures of the dedicated things. The sons of Ladan, the sons of…
- 1 Chronicles 26:22-26 (v28) The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of Yahweh’s house. Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the…
- 2 Chronicles 31:5-12 (v26) As soon as the commandment went out, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey, and of all…
- Ezra 8:25-30 (v28) and weighed to them the silver, the gold, and the vessels, even the offering for the house of our God, which the king, his counselors, his…
- Nehemiah 10:38-39 (v26) The priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes. The Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to…
- Nehemiah 13:5 (v26) had prepared for him a great room, where before they laid the meal offerings, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of the grain,…
- Malachi 1:10 (v27) “Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you,”…
- Romans 12:7 (v27) or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (16 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv26, 29 Or, opening of the doors.
Or, opening of the doors.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv26–27 Were in their set office, i. e. these were…
Were in their set office, i. e. these were constantly upon the place, and in the execution of their office, that so they might oversee and direct the inferior porters in their work. Or, as others render the words, agreeably to the Hebrew text, For these (i.e. their brethren, 1Ch 9:25) were under the charge, or committed to the trust of the
four chief porters, who also were Levites, as their brethren were; whereas the chief of all of them was a priest. Either way these words contain a reason of what was said, 1Ch 9:25, why the rest were to come to these, and to be with them.
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Treasuries; in which the sacred utensils, and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv26–29 And certain of them had the charge of the…
And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Which the priests used in sacrificing, and which the Levites brought to them, and returned again to their proper places.
And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Which the priests used in sacrificing, and which the Levites brought to them, and returned again to their proper places.
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1 Chronicles 9:29
ch1 9:29
ch1 9:29
ch1 9:29Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary,.... They were committed to their care; they delivered them out on occasion, and their business was to see that they were returned when they had done their use and service:
and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices; which were used in meat offerings, drink offerings, &c. see Ch1 26:20 under the second temple, Ahiah was over the libations or drink offerings (x).
(x) Ibid. (Misn. Shekalim, c. 5. sect. 1.)
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v26 Set office - These were constantly upon the place,…
Set office - These were constantly upon the place, in the execution of their office, that they might oversee the inferior porters in their work. Treasuries - In which the sacred utensils and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v26 1Ch 9:26-27. These Levites were in their set office…
1Ch 9:26-27. These Levites were in their set office — These were constantly upon the place, in the execution of their office, that they might oversee the inferior porters in their work. Were over the treasuries — In which the sacred utensils, and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept. They lodged round about the house of God — They were not permitted to dwell in the villages as their brethren were, but were obliged to constant residence in the place, because their office required it.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv26, 28 Rather, “For the four chief porters, who were themselves…
Rather, “For the four chief porters, who were themselves Levites, were in trust, who also had the charge of the chambers, etc.” A contrast seems intended between the four chief porters, whose charge was constant, and the remainder, who kept watch by turns.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On v26 To these. Hebrew, "for these Levites, (Sellum, &c.; ver.…
To these. Hebrew, "for these Levites, (Sellum, &c.; ver. 17) four chief porters were in their set office," for life, or as long as they were able to serve, and did not change every week like the rest. --- Lord: the apartments of the priests, and the storehouses, (Haydock) where all precious ornaments, wine, &c., were kept. (Calmet)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv28–29 28. The ministering vessels — As these seem to…
28. The ministering vessels — As these seem to be distinguished from the ordinary vessels of the sanctuary mentioned in the next verse, they are understood by Bertheau and Keil to be the peculiarly costly vessels; for example, “the golden cups for the libations, etc., which were brought from the treasure chamber only for a short time for use in the service.”
By tale — Or, by number. They were carefully numbered, both when brought in and taken out, lest any one of them should become lost or missing.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv26–29 26. For these Levites, the four chief porters, were…
26. For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office] R.V. For the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in a set office. It seems from this passage (and also from the structure of this chapter; cp. 1Ch_9:10; 1Ch_14:17) that the doorkeepers were not, as a body, Levites. Their leaders however, being Levites, were placed in positions of greater trust; cp. 1Ch_26:20-28. In 2Ch_34:9 Levites appear exercising the duties of doorkeepers, but this does not prove that all doorkeepers were Levites.
chambers] i.e. store-chambers in which tithes and sacred vessels were kept; cp. 2Ch_31:5; 2Ch_31:11-12; Neh_13:4-9. The chambers were probably built as outbuildings round the Court of the Temple; cp. 1Ch_23:28; 1Ch_28:12.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv26, 28, 29 (26) For these Levites, the four chief porters, were…
(26) For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office.—The Heb. says, or seems to say, “For in fixed position (or trust) were they, viz., the four heroes of the warders.” (See 1Ch_9:17 which apparently names four chief “porters.”) The temporary chiefs of the warder guilds abode in the Temple; the mass of their members was settled in the neighbouring villages, and occupied with pastoral pursuits.
And were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.—This statement belongs to the following verse. The preceding account of the porters or warders seems to terminate with the words. “For in fixed position are they, the four stalwart warders; they are the Levites;” that is, the Levites par excellence. And they were over the cells and over the treasuries of the house of God (viz., the warders); and they used to pass the night (1Ch_9:27) in the places round the house of God, for upon them was the ward, and they were over the opening (key) every morning—a brief recapitulation of the main duty of the Levitical warders. Some have proposed to alter the text of 1Ch_9:26 b, and to read, “And some of the Levites were over the cells,” &c, thus constituting a new paragraph, although 1Ch_9:27 obviously recurs to the warders. Probably the paragraph mark should be transferred to 1Ch_9:28. From this point to 1Ch_9:34 we have a review of the other special charges of the Levites.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv26, 28, 29 Ministers of the sanctuary.
Vers. 26-32.
Ministers of the sanctuary.
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The arrangements for the service of the Levites in the Lord"s house seem to have been made, or at all events settled, by Samuel and by David. The same arrangements, substantially, were adopted by Solomon, in connection with the first temple, and by Ezra and Nehemiah in the second temple erected by Zerubbabel. For the custody of the holy house, four chief warders were appointed, under whom were a hundred and sixty-eight porters, who, in turn, fulfilled their important and sacred office. These attendants had their homes in certain villages in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem. A course of twenty-four of them seem to have attended the sanctuary every week, commencing with the sabbath, and the turn of each course would come round once in seven weeks.
I OBSERVE THE VARIETY AND UNITY OF THE LEVITICAL SERVICE.
1. The variety. Some were entrusted with the duty of opening and closing the doors. Others had charge of the treasury, where coin, sacred vessels and vestments, etc., were kept in security. Others had the custody of the various vessels and instruments used in sacrificial services. Others made ready the sacrifices, manufactured the incense, or prepared the sacred cakes and shewbread.
2. The unity. One God appointed them all, by the same law and ordinance, to their several ministries. One sanctuary occupied their attention and called forth their activity. One nation and people were served by all the ministrations of the priests and Levites. One object was before them all to serve Jehovah, to obey his Law, to seek his favour.
II REMARK THE STRIKING FIGURE WHICH WE HAVE IN THESE MINISTRATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING AND DIVINE CHRIST.
1. There are "diversities of gifts" and trusts and services. According to theability and opportunity is the occupation.
2. Beneath all these diversities there is an admirable unity. It is "the oneSpirit" who qualifies and appoints all. There is one body, one temple, one brotherhood. And there is one aim the service and glory of the one God and Saviour.
PRACTICAL LESSONS.
1. Let each Christian fulfil his own vocation.
2. And, at the same time, regard with sympathy and affection his fellow-workers in the same service.
3. And ever look to the one end the service of his redeeming God. T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v27 And they lodged round about the house of God,…
1Ch_9:27
And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them
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The dominence of duty
I.
As to recognising the imperativeness of duty. The charge was upon them. Duty was the absolute and dominant thing to these gate-keepers. So should it be with us. Duty grows out of the relations in which we are placed.
1. Some of these relations are toward God. God puts us where we are.
2. Some of these relations, as with the Levite gate-keepers, are towards Gods house. The charge is upon us as Church-members to attend upon, give to, and work for the advancement of the Church to which we belong.
3. Some of these relations are toward our fellow-men. Israel depended on these Levites for certain service. Our family, Church, city, State, nation--all have claims upon us for duty.
II. Concerning the importance of adjusting ones life so as to be able to do duty. These Levites lodged round about the house of God. That is, they so adjusted their arrangements of living that they could do the duty that devolved upon them. They planned for it, provided for its certain accomplishment.
III. As to some of the ways in which duty is presented to us.
1. In ways of permanent obligation. In the case of these Levites we are told that the work pertained to them. It was a permanent thing, of unchanging obligation. One of the best ways for us to recognise the dominance of duty is by faithfulness in connection with those possibly prosaic, but unchanging and permanent, duties that pertain to us.
2. Others come in the way of regular recurrence. The opening thereof every morning pertained to them. Most of our duties are of this everyday, regular, recurring kind.
3. Duty is presented to us oftentimes in things apparently trivial Theirs was the opening and shutting of the gates: Not apparently a great thing; but it had as close and vital a relation to character as if it had seen great, As they did their work, lowly though it seemed, well or ill, they were morally well or ill. To most of us the work God gives does not seem great. But little things can be greatly done. By doing little things faithfully many a life has been made great. (G. B. F. Halleck, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v26 i.e. storehouses.
chambers
i.e. storehouses.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v27 The Charge of the Levites
The Charge of the Levites
v. 27. And they, the Levites in general, lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them, the large gates had to be opened every morning at a specified time.
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v. 28. And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, they were responsible for the precious vessels used for the sacrifices, that they should bring them in and out by tale, for of everything in the Temple treasuries a careful count was kept.
v. 29. Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the Sanctuary, all those used in the ordinary daily offerings, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices, all the materials used for incense, for meat and drink-offerings.
v. 30. And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices, a precious and singular oil, used exclusively for sacred purposes.
v. 31. And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the first-born of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans, literally, "was in trust over the baking in pans," Lev 2:5; Lev 6:14.
v. 32. And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath, Lev 24:6-8. So the entire worship was once more organized in line with the institution of the Lord.
v. 33. And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who, remaining in the chambers, were free, they were exclusively engaged in the liturgical part of the services and were therefore excused from other work; for they were employed in that work day and night; when not actually engaged in public worship, they were busy practising the difficult liturgical melodies.
v. 34. These chief fathers of the Levites, heads of the father-houses among the Levites, were chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem. The genealogy of Saul is here repeated, as an introduction to the historical section of the book, which opens with an account of the fall of Saul’s house.
v. 35. And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife’s name was Maachah;
v. 36. and his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,
v. 37. and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.
v. 38. And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem, over against their brethren.
v. 39. And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
v. 40. And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Merib-baal begat Micah.
v. 41. And the sons of Micah were Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz.
v. 42. And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;
v. 43. and Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah, his son, Eleasah, his son, Azel, his son.
v. 44. And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan; these were the sons of Azel. Cf 1Ch 8:28-38.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v28 Some of them
Some of them
"Some of the guards"
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they counted the articles when they were brought in and when they were taken out
This can be translated in active form. AT: "they counted the articles that people took out to use, and they counted the articles when people brought them back" (See: Active or Passive)
Some of them also were assigned to take care of
It is not clear who assigned these men, so if you have to translate in active form, use your language's most general way of doing so. AT: "The leaders also assigned some of them to take care of" or "Some of them also took care of" (See: Active or Passive)
translationWords
temple
holy
wine
oil
frankincense
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v28 9:28-32 various articles used in worship: See Exod 25:8–30:38.
9:28-32 various articles used in worship: See Exod 25:8–30:38.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.