261 For the courses of the gatekeepers: of the Korhites 'is' Meshelemiah son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph; 2 and to Meshelemiah 'are' sons, Zechariah the first-born, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh. 4 And to Obed-Edom 'are' sons, Shemaiah the first-born, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth, 5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth, for God hath blessed him. 6 And to Shemaiah his son have sons been born, who are ruling throughout the house of their father, for they 'are' mighty of valour. 7 Sons of Shemaiah 'are' Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad; his brethren 'are' sons of valour, Elihu and Semachiah, 8 all these 'are' of the sons of Obed-Edom; they, and their sons, and their brethren, men of valour with might for service, 'are' sixty and two of Obed-Edom. 9 And to Meshelemiah 'are' sons and brethren, sons of valour, eighteen; 10 and to Hosah, of the sons of Merari, 'are' sons: Shimri the head (though he was not first-born, yet his father setteth him for head), 11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah 'are' thirteen. 12 According to these 'are' the courses of the gatekeepers; to the heads of the mighty ones 'are' charges over-against their brethren, to minister in the house of Jehovah, 13 and they cause to fall lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for gate and gate. 14 And the lot falleth eastward to Shelemiah; and 'for' Zechariah his son—a counsellor with understanding—they cause to fall lots, and his lot goeth out northward: 15 to Obed-Edom southward, and to his sons, the house of the gatherings; 16 to Shuppim and to Hosah to the west, with the gate Shallecheth, in the highway, the ascent, charge over-against charge; 17 to the east the Levites 'are' six; to the north daily four, to the south daily four, and to the gatherings two by two, 18 at Parbar, to the west, 'are' four at the highway, two at Parbar. 19 These are the courses of the gatekeepers, of the sons of the Korhite, and of the sons of Merari.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:1-19
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.