13 And they cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers' houses, for every gate. 14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah; and they cast lots for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, and his lot came out northward; 15 to Obed-Edom southward; and to his sons the storehouse. 16 To Shuppim and Hosah westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the ascent, watch against watch. 17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and in the storehouse two [and] two. 18 At the portico westward, four at the causeway, two at the portico. 19 These are the divisions of the doorkeepers among the sons of the Korahites and among the sons of Merari.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13-19
Chapter Contents
The offices of the Levites.
The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strength and valour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures. Much was expended daily upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps; quantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. From those sacred treasuries, the unsearchable riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied; and receiving from his fulness, we must give him the glory, and endeavour to dispose of our abilities and substance according to his will. We have an account of those employed as officers and judges. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and must not be neglected. None of the Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; one duty was enough to engage the whole man. Wisdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are requisite or useful for every station.