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1This is a list of the divisions of the gatekeepers. From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph.
2The sons of Meshelemiah: Zechariah (first), Jediael (second), Zebadiah (third), Jathniel (fourth),
3Elam (fifth), Jehohanan (sixth), and Eliehoenai (seventh).
4The sons of Obed-edom: Shemaiah (first), Jehozabad (second), Joah (third), Sacar (fourth), Nethanel (fifth),
5Ammiel (sixth), Issachar (seventh), and Peullethai (eighth), for God had blessed Obed-edom.
6Shemaiah, Obed-edom's son, had sons who were capable leaders and had great authority in their father's family
7The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad. His relatives, Elihu and Semakiah, were also capable men.
8All these descendants of Obed-edom, plus their sons and grandsons, a total of sixty-two, were capable men, well qualified for their service.
9Meshelemiah's eighteen sons and brothers were also capable men.
10Hosah, one of the sons of Merari, made Shimri as leader among his sons, though he was not the firstborn.
11His other sons included Hilkiah (second), Tebaliah (third), and Zechariah (fourth). The total of Hosah's sons and relatives was thirteen.
12These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their family leaders, served in the house of the Lord, just like their brothers.
13Every gate was assigned by lot to different families, the least important equal to the most important.
14The lot for the east gate fell to Meshelemiah.a Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor with insight, and the lot for the north gate fell to him.
15The lot for the south gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouse fell to his sons.
16Shuppim and Hosah received the west gate and the gate of Shallecheth on the road that leads up. They were always guarded.b
17There were six Levites on duty every day at the east gate, four at the north gate, four at the south gate, and two at a time at the storehouse.
18Six were on duty every day at the west gate, four at the main road, and two at the courtyard.
19These were the divisions of the gatekeepers from the sons of Korah and the sons of Merari.
20Other Levites under Ahijah were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the what had been dedicated to God.
21From the sons of Ladan, who were the descendants of the Gershonites through Ladan, and were the family leaders of Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.
22The sons of Jehieli, Zetham and his brother Joel, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord.
23From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:
24Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom, son of Moses, who was the chief officer in charge of the treasuries.
25His relatives by Eliezer were Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zicri, and Shelomoth.
26Shelomoth and his relatives were in charge of all the treasuries for all that had been dedicated by King David, by the family leaders who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders.
27They dedicated a part of the plunder they had won in battle to help maintain the house of the Lord.
28Shelomoth and his relatives also looked after the gifts dedicated to the Lord by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah. All the dedicated gifts were the responsibility of Shelomoth and his relatives.
29From the Izharites: Kenaniah and his sons were given outside duties as officials and judges over Israel.
30From the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, were put in charge of the Israel west of the Jordan, responsible for everything involving the Lord's work and the king's service.
31Also from the Hebronites came Jerijah, the leader of the Hebronites according to the family genealogies. In the fortieth year of David's reign the records were examined, and men of great ability were discovered at Jazer in Gilead.
32Among the relatives of Jerijah were 2,700 capable men who were family leaders. King David put them in charge of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were responsible for everything involving the Lord's work and the king's service.
Footnotes:
14 aSee 26:2. The Hebrew here reads “Shelemiah.”
16 bLiterally, “guard of like guard.” The meaning is uncertain.
The Spoils of Spiritual Warfare
By David Wilkerson7.8K49:48GEN 14:121CH 26:27HEB 7:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the spoils of spiritual warfare. He emphasizes that God's eternal purposes are being fulfilled and that believers are more than conquerors in their battles. The sermon uses the story of the siege of Samaria and the four lepers to illustrate this point. The lepers, facing certain death, venture into the enemy camp and discover an abundance of spoils, including gold and garments. This serves as a reminder that God promises victory and abundance to His people in their spiritual battles.
In Chains, Yet Free
By Richard Wurmbrand5.5K46:15Prison1CH 26:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of visiting a Christian family who had experienced poverty and rejection. The children in the family had made a pact not to tell their mother when they were hungry because she had nothing to give them. The speaker emphasizes that even in times of poverty and rejection, one can still make beautiful melodies for the Lord. He encourages listeners to see their own smallness and lack as an opportunity to praise God and make a great impact. The sermon also includes a story of a wealthy man who prioritizes material possessions over giving time and resources to God.
The Spoil of Battle (1 Chronicles 26:27)
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 32:241CH 17:91CH 26:27MAT 16:18HEB 12:11JAS 1:21PE 2:5REV 2:17T. Austin-Sparks preaches on how the House of the Lord is built from the spoils of battle, emphasizing that the Lord uses conflicts and struggles to construct His spiritual House. He highlights the importance of both the numerical aspect, gathering people into the House, and the spiritual and moral aspect, shaping the character of the House to reflect the nature of Christ. Through various battles - whether over truth, vocation, or positions taken - believers are refined, strengthened, and equipped with spiritual power to fulfill their divine purpose.
For the Courses of the Doorkeepers.
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual VigilancePurity of Heart1CH 26:1PSA 24:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of doorkeepers in both the physical and spiritual realms, highlighting their responsibility to maintain the sanctity of the House of God and the temple of the heart. He notes that just as doorkeepers were needed to manage access to the temple, we must also guard our hearts against disloyal and evil thoughts that can lead to alienation from God. Meyer encourages the church to welcome all, while also ensuring that its holiness is preserved through careful oversight. The sermon calls for vigilance in our inner lives, urging believers to submit their thoughts to the Spirit's scrutiny to maintain a pure relationship with God.
Christian Sickness
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual GrowthSuffering1CH 26:27PSA 34:18ISA 40:31ROM 8:282CO 1:42CO 12:9PHP 4:192TI 2:12JAS 1:21PE 5:10Watchman Nee emphasizes that the experiences of Christians, including their sufferings and limitations, can greatly enrich the Church. He shares the story of a sister in Christ who, despite being bedridden and deaf for decades, found purpose in prayer, contributing to the spiritual wealth of the community. Her afflictions transformed her into a source of strength and support for others, illustrating that even in distress, God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes. Nee encourages gratitude for those whose struggles lead to the enrichment of the Church.
Victorious Suffering
By Charles E. Cowman01CH 26:27PSA 40:32CO 12:9PHP 2:171PE 4:13Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding spiritual force through the pain and trials we face, likening it to the physical force stored in coal mines. He emphasizes that the spoils won from our trials are preparing us to become strong leaders, guiding others through their own trials. Cowman highlights the importance of victorious suffering in helping others, contrasting it with whining and murmuring. He draws inspiration from Paul's attitude of victorious praise in the face of trials, encouraging listeners to find strength in all circumstances.
"The Fruit of Conflict"
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthThe Purpose of Conflict1CH 26:27PSA 34:19ISA 40:31ROM 8:372CO 4:17EPH 6:122TI 2:3HEB 12:1JAS 1:21PE 1:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that conflicts and battles are divinely allowed to strengthen and maintain the house of the Lord, highlighting that these struggles are essential for preserving spiritual purity and health. He explains that the spoils gained from these battles contribute to the ongoing repair and consolidation of God's work, suggesting that true value and growth come through enduring trials. The preacher encourages believers to view their conflicts not as losses but as opportunities for spiritual gain, asserting that the enemy's attacks can ultimately yield blessings for the church. The message underscores the importance of faith in recognizing the divine purpose behind struggles and the growth that arises from them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- John Gill
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Tyndale
Introduction
The divisions of the porters, Ch1 26:1-12. The gates assigned to them, Ch1 26:13-19. Those who were over the treasures, Ch1 26:20-28. Different officers, Ch1 26:29-32.
Verse 1
The divisions of the porters - There were four classes of these, each of which belonged to one of the four gates of the temple, which opened to the four cardinal points of heaven. The eastern gate fell to Shelemiah; the northern, to Zechariah, Ch1 26:14; the southern, to Obed-edom, Ch1 26:15; the western, to Shuppim and Hosah, Ch1 26:16. These several persons were captains of these porter-bands or door-keepers at the different gates. There were probably a thousand men under each of these captains; as we find, from Ch1 23:5, that there were four thousand in all.
Verse 5
For God blessed him - "That is, Obed-edom; because of the ark of the Lord which was in his house; and to him was given the honor that he should see his children and grand-children, even fourscore and two, masters of the Levites." - T. In Ch1 26:8, we have only sixty-two mentioned.
Verse 6
They were mighty men of valor - They were not only porters or door-keepers in the ordinary sense of the word, but they were a military guard for the gates: and perhaps in this sense alone we are to understand their office.
Verse 12
The rest of this chapter, with the whole of the 28th, is wanting both in the Syriac and Arabic.
Verse 13
They cast lots - for every gate - None of these captains or their companies were permitted to choose which gate they would guard, but each took his appointment by lot.
Verse 15
The house of Asuppim - The house of the collections; the place where either the supplies of the porters, or the offerings made for the use of the priests and Levites, were laid up.
Verse 16
The gate Shallecheth - The gate of the projections: probably that through which all the offal of the temple was carried out.
Verse 17
Eastward were six Levites - It is supposed that there were more guards set at this eastern gate, because it was more frequented than the others. At each of the other gates were only four; at this, six.
Verse 20
The treasures of the house of God - Where the money was kept, which was to be expended in oblations for the temple. - Jarchi.
Verse 24
Shebuel the son of Gershom - "Shebuel, that is, Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, who returned to God [שבואל shebuel]. And David, seeing him expert in money matters, constituted him chief treasurer." - T.
Verse 27
The spoils won in battles did they dedicate - It seems these were intended for its repairs. This custom prevailed amongst almost all the people of the earth. All who acknowledged any supreme Being, believed that victory could only come through him; and therefore thought it quite rational to give him a share of the spoils. Proofs of this exist in all ancient histories: thus Virgil: - Irruimus ferro, et divos, ipsumque vocamus In partem praedamque Jovem. Aen. iii., ver. 222. "With weapons we the welcome prey invade: Then call the gods for partners of our feast, And Jove himself, the chief invited guest." Dryden. On this passage Servius observes: Ipsum vocamus. Ipsum regem deorum, cui de praeda debetur aliquid: nam Romanis moris fuit, ut bella gessuri de parte praedae aliquid numinibus pollicerentur: adeo ut Romae fuerit unum templum Jovis Praedatoris: non quod praedae praeest, sed quod ei ex praeda aliquid debeatur. "Jupiter himself, the king of the gods, to whom a portion of the prey was due: for it was a custom among the Romans, when entering on a war, to promise some part of the prey to their deities. And there was a temple at Rome dedicated to Jupiter Praedator, not because he presided over the prey, but because a part of the prey was due to him."
Verse 29
Outward business - Work done without the city; cutting of timber, hewing stones, ploughing the fields belonging to the sanctuary. - Jarchi.
Verse 30
In all the business of the Lord - Every thing that concerned ecclesiastical matters. In the service of the king - Every thing that concerned civil affairs: see also Ch1 26:32. Thus courts of ecclesiastical and civil judicature were established in the land; and due care taken to preserve and insure the peace of the Church, and the safety of the state; without which the public welfare could neither be secured nor promoted. Whatever affects religion in any country, must affect the state or government of that country: true religion alone can dispose men to civil obedience. Therefore, it is the interest of every state to protect and encourage religion. It would certainly be ruinous to true religion, to make the state dependent on the Church; nor should the Church be dependent on the state. Let them mutually support each other; and let the state rule by the laws, and the Church live by the Bible.
Introduction
DIVISIONS OF THE PORTERS. (Ch1 26:1-12) Concerning the divisions of the porters--There were four thousand (Ch1 23:6), all taken from the families of the Kohathites and Merarites (Ch1 26:14), divided into twenty-four courses--as the priests and musicians. Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph--Seven sons of Meshelemiah are mentioned (Ch1 26:2), whereas eighteen are given (Ch1 26:9), but in this latter number his relatives are included.
Verse 5
God blessed him--that is, Obed-edom. The occasion of the blessing was his faithful custody of the ark (Sa2 6:11-12). The nature of the blessing (Psa 127:5) consisted in the great increase of progeny by which his house was distinguished; seventy-two descendants are reckoned.
Verse 6
mighty men of valour--The circumstance of physical strength is prominently noticed in this chapter, as the office of the porters required them not only to act as sentinels of the sacred edifice and its precious furniture against attacks of plunderers or popular insurrection--to be, in fact, a military guard--but, after the temple was built, to open and shut the gates, which were extraordinarily large and ponderous.
Verse 10
Simri the chief . . . though . . . not the first-born--probably because the family entitled to the right of primogeniture had died out, or because there were none of the existing families which could claim that right.
Verse 12
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men--These were charged with the duty of superintending the watches, being heads of the twenty-four courses of porters.
Verse 13
THE GATES ASSIGNED BY LOT. (Ch1 26:13-19) they cast lots--Their departments of duty, such as the gates they should attend to, were allotted in the same manner as those of the other Levitical bodies, and the names of the chiefs or captains are given, with the respective gates assigned them.
Verse 15
the house of Asuppim--or, "collections," probably a storehouse, where were kept the grain, wine, and other offerings for the sustenance of the priests.
Verse 16
the gate Shallecheth--probably the rubbish gate, through which all the accumulated filth and sweepings of the temple and its courts were poured out. by the causeway of the going up--probably the ascending road which was cast up or raised from the deep valley between Mount Zion and Moriah, for the royal egress to the place of worship (Ch2 9:4). ward against ward--Some refer these words to Shuppim and Hosah, whose duty it was to watch both the western gate and the gate Shallecheth, which was opposite, while others take it as a general statement applicable to all the guards, and intended to intimate that they were posted at regular distances from each other, or that they all mounted and relieved guard at the same time in uniform order.
Verse 17
Eastward were six Levites--because the gate there was the most frequented. There were four at the north gate; four at the south, at the storehouse which was adjoining the south, and which had two entrance gates, one leading in a southwesterly direction to the city, and the other direct west, two porters each. At the Parbar towards the west, there were six men posted--four at the causeway or ascent (Ch1 26:16), and two at Parbar, amounting to twenty-four in all, who were kept daily on guard.
Verse 18
Parbar--is, perhaps, the same as Parvar ("suburbs," Kg2 23:11), and if so, this gate might be so called as leading to the suburbs [CALMET].
Verse 20
LEVITES THAT HAD CHARGE OF THE TREASURES. (Ch1 26:20-28) of the Levites, Ahijah--The heading of this section is altogether strange as it stands, for it looks as if the sacred historian were going to commence a new subject different from the preceding. Besides, "Ahijah, whose name occurs after" the Levites, is not mentioned in the previous lists. It is totally unknown and is introduced abruptly without further information; and lastly, Ahijah must have united in his own person those very offices of which the occupants are named in the verses that follow. The reading is incorrect. The Septuagint has this very suitable heading, "And their Levitical brethren over the treasures," &c. [BERTHEAU]. The names of those who had charge of the treasure chambers at their respective wards are given, with a general description of the precious things committed to their trust. Those treasures were immense, consisting of the accumulated spoils of Israelitish victories, as well as of voluntary contributions made by David and the representatives of the people.
Verse 29
OFFICERS AND JUDGES. (Ch1 26:29-32) officers and judges--The word rendered "officers" is the term which signifies scribes or secretaries, so that the Levitical class here described were magistrates, who, attended by their clerks, exercised judicial functions; there were six thousand of them (Ch1 23:4), who probably acted like their brethren on the principle of rotation, and these were divided into three classes--one (Ch1 26:29) for the outward business over Israel; one (Ch1 26:30), consisting of seventeen hundred, for the west of Jordan "in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the king"; and the third (Ch1 26:31-32), consisting of twenty-seven hundred, "rulers for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king." Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 27
Introduction
We have here an account of the business of the Levites. That tribe had made but a very small figure all the time of the judges, till Eli and Samuel appeared. But when David revived religion the Levites were, of all men, in the greatest reputation. And happy it was that they had Levites who were men of sense, fit to support the honour of their tribe. We have here an account, I. Of the Levites that were appointed to be porters (v. 1-19). II. Of those that were appointed to be treasurers and storekeepers (Ch1 26:20-28). III. Of those that were officers and judges in the country, and were entrusted with the administration of public affairs (Ch1 26:29-32).
Verse 1
Observe, I. There were porters appointed to attend the temple, who guarded all the avenues that let to it, opened and shut all the outer gates and attended at them, not only for the state, but for service, to direct and instruct those who were going to worship in the courts of the sanctuary in the decorum they were to observe, to encourage those that were timorous, to send back the strangers and unclean, and to guard against thieves and others that were enemies to the house of God. In allusion to this office, ministers are said to have the keys to the kingdom of heaven committed to them (Mat 16:19), that they may admit, and exclude, according to the law of Christ. II. Of several of those that were called to this service, it is taken notice of that they were mighty men of valour (Ch1 26:6), strong men (Ch1 26:7), able men (Ch1 26:8), and one of them that he was a wise counsellor (Ch1 26:14), who probably, when he had used this office of a deacon well and given proofs of more than ordinary wisdom, purchased to himself a good degree, and was preferred from the gate to the council-board, Ti1 3:13. As for those that excelled in strength of body, and courage and resolution of mind, they were thereby qualified for the post assigned them; for whatever service God calls men to he either finds them fit or makes them so. III. The sons of Obed-edom were employed in this office, sixty-two of that family. This was he that entertained the ark with reverence and cheerfulness; and see how he was rewarded for it. 1. He had eight sons (Ch1 26:5), for God blessed him. The increase and building up of families are owing to the divine blessing; and a great blessing it is to a family to have many children, when like these they are able for, and eminent in, the service of God. 2. His sons were preferred to places of trust in the sanctuary. They had faithfully attended the ark in their own house, and now were called to attend it in God's house. He that is trusty in little shall be trusted with more. He that keeps God's ordinances in his own tent is fit to have the custody of them in God's tabernacle, Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:5. I have kept thy law, says David, and this I had because I kept thy precepts, Psa 119:55, Psa 119:56. IV. It is said of one here that though he was not the first-born his father made him the chief (Ch1 26:10), either because he was very excellent, or because the elder son was very weak. He was made chief, perhaps not in inheriting the estate (for that was forbidden by the law, Deu 21:16, Deu 21:17), but in this service, which required personal qualifications. V. The porters, as the singers, had their post assigned them by lot, so many at such a gate, and so many at such a one, that every one might know his post and make it good, Ch1 26:13. It is not said that they were cast into twenty-four courses, as before; but here are the names of about twenty-four (Ch1 26:1-11), and the posts assigned are twenty-four, Ch1 26:17, Ch1 26:18. We have therefore reason to think they were distributed into as many companies. Happy are those who dwell in God's house: for, as they are well fed, well taught, and well employed, so they are well guarded. Men attended at the gates of the temple, but angels attend at the gates of the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:12.
Verse 20
Observe, 1. There were treasures of the house of God. A great house cannot be well kept without stores of all manner of provisions. Much was expended daily upon the altar - flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, besides the lamps; quantities of these were to be kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. And, because money answers all things, doubtless they had an abundance of it, which was received from the people's offerings, wherewith they bought in what they had occasion for. And perhaps much was laid up for an exigence. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. In Christ, the true temple, are hid treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and unsearchable riches. 2. There were treasures of dedicated things, dedicated mostly out of the spoils won in battle (Ch1 26:27), as a grateful acknowledgment of the divine protection. Abraham gave Melchisedec the tenth of the spoils Heb 7:4. In Moses's time the officers of the army, when they returned victorious, brought of their spoils an oblation to the Lord, Num 31:50. Of late this pious custom had been revived; and not only Samuel and David, but Saul, and Abner, and Joab, had dedicated of their spoils to the honour and support of the house of God, Ch1 26:28. Note, The more God bestows upon us the more he expects from us in works of piety and charity. Great successes call for proportionable returns. When we look over our estates we should consider, "Here are convenient things, rich things, it may be, and fine things; but where are the dedicated things?" Men of war must honour God with their spoils. 3. These treasures had treasurers, those that were over them (Ch1 26:20, Ch1 26:26), whose business it was to keep them, that neither moth nor rust might corrupt them, nor thieves break through and steal, to give out as there was occasion and to see that they were not wasted, embezzled, or alienated to the common use; and it is probable that they kept accounts of all that was brought in and how it was laid out.
Verse 29
All the offices of the house of God being well provided with Levites, we have here an account of those that were employed as officers and judges in the outward business, which must not be neglected, no, not for the temple itself. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church as truly as the ministry is. And here we are told, 1. That the Levites were employed in the administration of justice in concurrence with the princes and elders of the several tribes, who could not be supposed to understand the law so well as the Levites, who made it their business to study it. None of those Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; either one was enough to engage the whole man or it was presumption to undertake both. 2. Their charge was both in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the kings, Ch1 26:30 and again Ch1 26:32. They managed the affairs of the country, as well ecclesiastical as civil, took care both of God's tithes and the king's taxes, punished offences committed immediately against God and his honour and those against the government and the public peace, guarded both against idolatry and against injustice, and took care to put the laws in execution against both. Some, it is likely, applied themselves to the affairs of religion, others to secular affairs; and so, between both, God and the king were well served. It is happy with a kingdom when its civil and sacred interests are thus interwoven and jointly minded and advanced. 3. There were more Levites employed as judges with the two tribes and a half on the other side of Jordan than with all the rest of the tribes; there were 2700; whereas as the west side of Jordan there were 1700, Ch1 26:30, Ch1 26:32. Either those remote tribes were not so well furnished as the rest with judges of their own, or because they, lying furthest from Jerusalem and on the borders of the neighbouring nations, were most in danger of being infected with idolatry, and most needed the help of Levites to prevent it. The frontiers must be well guarded. 4. This is said to be done (as were all the foregoing settlements) in the fortieth year of the reign of David (Ch1 26:31), that is, the last year of his reign. We should be so much the more industrious to do good as we can see the day approaching. If we live to enjoy the fruit of our labours, grudge it not to those that shall come after us.
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 26 In this chapter we have a further account of the disposition and distribution of the Levites, to serve in other offices, as of porters at the several gates of the temple, for which they cast lots, Ch1 26:1 of others, as over the treasures of the house of the Lord, Ch1 26:20, and of others that were appointed judges in the land, to administer justice to the people, Ch1 26:29.
Verse 1
Concerning the divisions of the porters,.... Or doorkeepers, whose business it was to open and shut the doors of the temple, to keep all impure and improper persons from entering into it, or any of the vessels being carried out of it, and to prevent tumults and riots about it; these, as it seems, David divided into a like number of classes, as the singers, to take their turns in waiting: of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph; not Asaph the singer, who was a Gershonite, but the same with Eliasaph, Ch1 6:23 a Korhite.
Verse 2
And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn,.... And six more, who are mentioned in their order: Jediael, Zebadiah, and Jathniel, Elam, Jehohanan, and Elioenai.
Verse 4
Moreover, the sons of Obededom,.... The same at whose house the ark was, before it was brought by David to Zion; his sons were porters also, as himself, Ch1 15:24, mention is made of eight sons of his, according to their birth: Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sacar, Nethaneel, Ammiel, Issachar, Peulthai; for God blessed him; as with wealth and riches, so with a numerous offspring, and that because of his entertainment of the ark at his house; the great increase of his family is aggravated by the Jews (q) beyond all credit, that all in his family brought eight at a birth; the Targum here makes them eighty two in all. (q) Hieron. Trad. Heb. in 2. Reg. fol. 77. M.
Verse 6
Also unto Shemaiah his son,.... His firstborn, Ch1 26:4. were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father; were heads of families, eminent and principal men: for they were mighty men of valour; which their office sometimes required them to be, to guard the temple at night as well as day from thieves and robbers, and to hinder resolute men entering in, unfit for it, and seize on rioters, and quell tumults raised.
Verse 7
The sons of Shemaiah,.... The same before mentioned, the firstborn of Obededom: Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, and Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men; Elihu and Semachiah; which may rather denote their valour and courage, as before, though strength of body was needful, particularly to open and shut the doors of the temple, which, Josephus (r) says, required the assistance of twenty men. (r) Contr. Apion. l. 2. sect. 9.
Verse 8
All these of the sons of Obededom,.... And grandsons: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service; men of fortitude of mind and strength of body, as before observed: were sixty two of Obededom: that sprung from him, which the Jews (s) account for in an extravagant manner, as the effect of miraculous births. (s) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 63. 2. & 64. 1.
Verse 9
And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen,.... He had seven sons, Ch1 26:1 and therefore must have eleven brethren or kinsmen. and therefore must have eleven brethren or kinsmen. 1 Chronicles 26:10 ch1 26:10 ch1 26:10 ch1 26:10Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons,.... Who was a fellow porter of Obededom's at the ark, Ch1 16:38. Simri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief); the firstborn being unfit for service, either through want of an intellectual capacity, or of strength of body, or through some defect or another; according to the Syriac version, he was dead; so some understand the words, he, the father, had no firstborn remaining or living.
Verse 10
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. Four sons, and nine brethren or kinsmen. Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. Four sons, and nine brethren or kinsmen. 1 Chronicles 26:12 ch1 26:12 ch1 26:12 ch1 26:12Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men,.... These before named were the principal men of the porters, among which was a division or distribution of them into classes or courses, in which they served weekly in turn: having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the Lord; meaning either to watch in, as on the north against the south, and the east against the west, and "vice versa". The Jews say (t), the priests kept ward in three places in the house of the sanctuary; in the house of Abtines, in the house of Nitzotz, and in the house of Moked; and the Levites in twenty one places, five at the five gates of the mountain of the house, four at the four corners of it within, five at the five gates of the court, four at the four corners of it without, one at the chamber of the offering, one at the chamber of the vail, and another behind the house of atonement, the holy of holies; but rather the sense is, that they had wards or courses answerable to those of the priests, and the other Levites, the singers, and were distributed into twenty four classes or courses as they, which are thus reckoned by Kimchi; at the east six, at the north four, at the south four, at Asuppim two and two, which were four, at the west four, and at Parbar two; lo, twenty four; see Ch1 26:17. (t) Misn. Middot, c. 1. sect. 1.
Verse 11
And they cast lots,.... To determine at which gate each should stand, who at this gate, and who at the other, &c. as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate; meaning, not little ones and grown persons in a family, but the smaller and poorer families, and the larger and richer ones, had their places assigned them at the several gates, as the lot directed; they did not go according to the dignity and precedence of their families, but according to lot.
Verse 12
And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah,.... The same with Meshelemiah, Ch1 26:1 he by lot was placed at the eastern gate, called afterwards the gate Shushan, the city Shushan being portrayed upon it (u): then for Zechariah his son (a wise counsellor); and who was his firstborn, Ch1 26:2 a man of great parts and learning: for they were not mean persons that were employed in this office, nor was the office a mean one, like that of our porters; but men of considerable rank and figure, and of knowledge and learning, were in it; some of them were judges, Ch1 26:29 and their places were places of great trust, they had much treasure committed to them, as appears by Ch1 26:20, they cast lots, and his lot came out northward; where was a gate in later times, called Teri or Tedi, which differed from other gates in this, that it had no threshold, only one stone was laid upon another, and was not commonly used (w). (u) Ib. (Misn. Middot, c. 1.), sect. 3. (w) Misn. Middot, ib. (c. 1. sect. 3.) & c. 2. sect. 3.
Verse 13
To Obededom southward,.... Where were two gates in later times, called the gates of Huldah (x): and to his sons, the house of Asuppim; the word has the signification of gathering, hence some take it to be a council house, where the sanhedrim or elders gathered together, and sat; and others, rather a treasure house, where things of value were collected and laid up, since Obededom had the charge of gold and silver, and the vessels of the house, Ch2 25:24, but Dr. Lightfoot (y) is of opinion, that"Asuppim were two gates in the western wall, which stood most south, or nearest to Jerusalem; "and the house of Asuppim" was a large piece of building that ran between them, which was a treasury, or various rooms for treasuring or laying up something for the use of the temple;''though L'Empereur thinks (z) it was the chamber Korban, which is not so probable. (x) Ib. (Misn. Middot), c. 1. sect. 3. (y) Prospect of the Temple, ch. 5. sect. 3. (z) Not. in Middot, c. 1. sect. 1. No. 5.
Verse 14
To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward,.... Of Shuppim no mention is before made; of Hosah, see Ch1 26:10 their lot was to be placed at the gates on the western wall, where were four; the two more southward being assigned to the sons of Obededom, whose lot also was southward, are taken notice of under the division in the preceding verse; Parbar was another, Ch1 26:18, and another follows here: with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up; this gate was in later times called Coponius, from the name of a Roman commander, in the times of Herod, who might give it this name on his account; it might have the name of Shallecheth either from "sending out", or carrying out the filth of the temple through it; or rather from "casting up the causeway", as here expressed, which was the going up, or ascent, Solomon made, by which he went up to the temple, Kg1 20:5 and which agrees with the description Josephus (a) gives of one of the gates on the western wall, that it led to the royal palace, the valley between being filled up for the passage; on each side of which causeway, it is said, grew oaks and teil trees, see Isa 6:13 which served both to keep up the causeway, and to make a fine, pleasant, shady walk for the king to pass through to the temple; all which are observed by Dr. Lightfoot (b): ward against ward; for as the gates answered one another, so the wards or watches at them. (a) Antiqu. l. 15. c. 11. sect. 5. (b) Ut supra, (Prospect of the Temple), c. 5. sect. 1.
Verse 15
Eastward were six Levites,.... The eastern gate, being the way of entrance into the temple, required more porters: northward four a day; in the daytime, or every day, where was the gate Teri or Tedi, Ch1 26:14, southward four a day: at the two gates of Huldah, Ch1 26:15 and toward Asuppim two and two; which were two gates, two at each gate, Ch1 26:15.
Verse 16
At Parbar westward,.... A gate at the western wall; the Jewish writers generally interpret it an outward place, but Dr. Lightfoot (c) thinks it is the same with Parvar, which signifies suburbs, Kg2 23:11, and which agrees with the description Josephus (d) gives of one of the western gates, that it led to the suburbs: four at the causeway; by which was the gate Shallecheth, Ch1 26:16. and two at Parbar; the gate before mentioned. (c) Ib. (Prospect of the Temple, ch. 5.) sect. 2. (d) Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 15. c. 11. sect. 5.)
Verse 17
These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari. For among those Levites which descended from Kore, a grandson of Kohath, and which sprung from Merar, a brother of Kohath, the porters only wore; see Ch1 26:1. . 1 Chronicles 26:20 ch1 26:20 ch1 26:20 ch1 26:20And of the Levites,.... The rest of the Levites, as the Gershonites, Amramites, Izharites, and Hebronites, Ch1 26:21. Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God; as the tithes, vessels, vestments, wine, and oil, and other things; such an one was Phinehas at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian, who being taken, showed and delivered the priests' garments, and many other precious things and sacred ornaments under his care (e): and over the treasures of the dedicated things; voluntarily devoted for sacrifices and repairs of the temple; and this Ahijah had the care of each of those at first, which afterwards were divided, and put under the care of different persons. (e) Joseph. de Bell. Jud. l. 6. c. 8. sect. 3.
Verse 18
As concerning the sons of Laadan,.... The same with Libni, see Ch1 23:7. the sons of the Gershonite Laadan; so called, to distinguish him from another Laadan, as Kimchi thinks: chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite; that sprung from him: were Jehieli; and his sons next mentioned.
Verse 19
The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother,.... Both sons of Jehieli: which were over the treasures of the house of the Lord; that part of the trust which before was committed to Ahijah, which concerned provisions for sacred uses, before observed.
Verse 20
Of the Amramites and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites. Who sprang from the four sons of Kohath, Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, Exo 6:18 with respect to the concerns they severally had in the trust of the treasures, the account follows, all but the Uzzielites, who are not after mentioned. with respect to the concerns they severally had in the trust of the treasures, the account follows, all but the Uzzielites, who are not after mentioned. 1 Chronicles 26:24 ch1 26:24 ch1 26:24 ch1 26:24And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures. This is the first time that any of the posterity of Moses are taken notice of, as being in any office of honour, authority, and trust; by the Targum he is said to be Jonathan, spoken of in Jdg 18:30 but very wrongly; this man, according to Jarchi and Kimchi, had all the treasures and treasurers under him.
Verse 21
And his brethren by Eliezer,.... His kinsmen that descended from Eliezer, the brother of Gershom, the ancestor of Shebuel, whose descent from him in succession were Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zichri, and Shelomith.
Verse 22
Which Shelomith,.... The last mentioned in the lineage from Eliezer, the younger son of Moses: and his brethren; or kinsmen: were over all the treasures of the dedicated things; which had been devoted for the service of God, and of the temple particularly: which David the king had dedicated; out of the spoils he took in war, see Sa2 8:11, the chief fathers; princes of tribes, and heads of families: the captains over thousands and hundreds; in the several tribes of the kingdom, and were concerned in the administration of justice to the people: and the captains of the host, had dedicated; of the army, out of the spoils in victory that came to their share, see Num 31:48 as follows.
Verse 23
Out of the spoils won in battle did they dedicate to maintain the house of the Lord. When it should be built; for as yet it was not; both to repair it when necessary, and to provide sacrifices for it; or to confirm, strengthen, and animate the heart of the king to build it, so some, and put it into the power of his hands to do it; so the Romans dedicated the best of their spoil, and laid it up in the temple of Jupiter Feretrius, after the example of Romulus, their first king (f); yea, sometimes out of the spoil they erected temples, as Tarquinius Superbus (g) did; or repaired and ornamented them, as the temple at Delphos, and others (h). (f) Vid. Valtrinum de re militar. Roman. l. 7. c. 21. (g) Flori Hist. l. 1. c. 7. (h) Vid. Strabo, Geograph. l. 6. p. 190. Liv. Hist. l. 10. c. 46.
Verse 24
And all that Samuel the seer,.... Or prophet, won in battle with the Philistines: and Saul the son of Kish; in his wars with the Moabites, Edomites, Amalekites, and Philistines: and Abner the son of Ner: the general of his army, who as such had his share in the spoils: and Joab the son of Zeruiah; the general of David's army, who fought with the Ammonites, Syrians, and others; all of whom had dedicated more or less towards the building of the temple, and the support of it, it being known by them all that God would have a place to put his name in: and whosoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren: this man had a great trust committed to him, with his brethren; some, before mentioned, are said to be over the treasures, some over one part, and some over another; but this man was over all of them, he had the superintendency of the whole.
Verse 25
Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel,.... Which was done out of the temple, and out of Jerusalem, in the several parts of the country: for officers and judges; to administer justice and judgment, and to take care that the laws of God were observed, both with respect to things civil and religious, and delinquents punished; which is a better sense than what Jarchi and Kimchi put upon this: outward business, as if it lay in taking care to have timber cut down in the forest, and stones dug and hewed in the mountains, for the building of the temple; and that the lands were ploughed, and the vineyards, gardens, and orchards, dressed, which were devoted to sacred uses.
Verse 26
And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred,.... And supposing the Izharites in the preceding verse to be 1600, these, with those on the other side Jordan, 2700, Ch1 26:32 make up just the 6000 officers and judges, Ch1 23:4 these were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward: in those parts of the land which were on this side Jordan, to the west of it, yet nearer to it than those meant by Israel in the preceding verse; it may respect those that dwelt more remote from Jordan, though on this side also, towards the Mediterranean sea: in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the king; in things divine and civil, what appertained to the worship of God, and the support of civil government, and to take care that all the laws were observed, moral, ceremonial, and judicial, and that both the Lord was feared, and the king honoured, and both had what was due unto them.
Verse 27
Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites,.... The posterity of Hebron, the son of Kohath: according to the generations of his fathers; a principal man in the families that descended from his ancestors: in the fortieth year of the reign of David; which was the last year of his reign, in which year all the above things were done; the distribution of the priests into their classes and courses, and so of the Levites, singers, and porters; as well as the appointment of those several judges and officers employed in divers parts of the land: and particularly in this year those Hebronites were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour, at Jazer of Gilead; a city on the other side Jordan, which belonged to the tribe of Gad, see Num 21:32.
Verse 28
And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers,.... That is, the brethren or kinsmen of Jerijah the Hebronite were so many principal men in their families, and men of fortitude and courage: whom King David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh; all which lay on the other side Jordan; and being so remote from the seat of civil government, and of the worship of God, they were in greater danger of revolting, both from their obedience to their king, and duty to their God; land therefore so large a number was appointed over them, to instruct them and keep them in their duty to both, as follows: for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king; to see that they kept close to the pure worship and service of God; and were faithful and loyal subjects of the king. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 27
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 26 In this chapter we have a further account of the disposition and distribution of the Levites, to serve in other offices, as of porters at the several gates of the temple, for which they cast lots, Ch1 26:1 of others, as over the treasures of the house of the Lord, Ch1 26:20, and of others that were appointed judges in the land, to administer justice to the people, Ch1 26:29.
Verse 1
Concerning the divisions of the porters,.... Or doorkeepers, whose business it was to open and shut the doors of the temple, to keep all impure and improper persons from entering into it, or any of the vessels being carried out of it, and to prevent tumults and riots about it; these, as it seems, David divided into a like number of classes, as the singers, to take their turns in waiting: of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph; not Asaph the singer, who was a Gershonite, but the same with Eliasaph, Ch1 6:23 a Korhite.
Verse 2
And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn,.... And six more, who are mentioned in their order: Jediael, Zebadiah, and Jathniel, Elam, Jehohanan, and Elioenai.
Verse 4
Moreover, the sons of Obededom,.... The same at whose house the ark was, before it was brought by David to Zion; his sons were porters also, as himself, Ch1 15:24, mention is made of eight sons of his, according to their birth: Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sacar, Nethaneel, Ammiel, Issachar, Peulthai; for God blessed him; as with wealth and riches, so with a numerous offspring, and that because of his entertainment of the ark at his house; the great increase of his family is aggravated by the Jews (q) beyond all credit, that all in his family brought eight at a birth; the Targum here makes them eighty two in all. (q) Hieron. Trad. Heb. in 2. Reg. fol. 77. M.
Verse 6
Also unto Shemaiah his son,.... His firstborn, Ch1 26:4. were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father; were heads of families, eminent and principal men: for they were mighty men of valour; which their office sometimes required them to be, to guard the temple at night as well as day from thieves and robbers, and to hinder resolute men entering in, unfit for it, and seize on rioters, and quell tumults raised.
Verse 7
The sons of Shemaiah,.... The same before mentioned, the firstborn of Obededom: Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, and Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men; Elihu and Semachiah; which may rather denote their valour and courage, as before, though strength of body was needful, particularly to open and shut the doors of the temple, which, Josephus (r) says, required the assistance of twenty men. (r) Contr. Apion. l. 2. sect. 9.
Verse 8
All these of the sons of Obededom,.... And grandsons: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service; men of fortitude of mind and strength of body, as before observed: were sixty two of Obededom: that sprung from him, which the Jews (s) account for in an extravagant manner, as the effect of miraculous births. (s) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 63. 2. & 64. 1.
Verse 9
And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen,.... He had seven sons, Ch1 26:1 and therefore must have eleven brethren or kinsmen. and therefore must have eleven brethren or kinsmen. 1 Chronicles 26:10 ch1 26:10 ch1 26:10 ch1 26:10Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons,.... Who was a fellow porter of Obededom's at the ark, Ch1 16:38. Simri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief); the firstborn being unfit for service, either through want of an intellectual capacity, or of strength of body, or through some defect or another; according to the Syriac version, he was dead; so some understand the words, he, the father, had no firstborn remaining or living.
Verse 10
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. Four sons, and nine brethren or kinsmen. Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. Four sons, and nine brethren or kinsmen. 1 Chronicles 26:12 ch1 26:12 ch1 26:12 ch1 26:12Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men,.... These before named were the principal men of the porters, among which was a division or distribution of them into classes or courses, in which they served weekly in turn: having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the Lord; meaning either to watch in, as on the north against the south, and the east against the west, and "vice versa". The Jews say (t), the priests kept ward in three places in the house of the sanctuary; in the house of Abtines, in the house of Nitzotz, and in the house of Moked; and the Levites in twenty one places, five at the five gates of the mountain of the house, four at the four corners of it within, five at the five gates of the court, four at the four corners of it without, one at the chamber of the offering, one at the chamber of the vail, and another behind the house of atonement, the holy of holies; but rather the sense is, that they had wards or courses answerable to those of the priests, and the other Levites, the singers, and were distributed into twenty four classes or courses as they, which are thus reckoned by Kimchi; at the east six, at the north four, at the south four, at Asuppim two and two, which were four, at the west four, and at Parbar two; lo, twenty four; see Ch1 26:17. (t) Misn. Middot, c. 1. sect. 1.
Verse 11
And they cast lots,.... To determine at which gate each should stand, who at this gate, and who at the other, &c. as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate; meaning, not little ones and grown persons in a family, but the smaller and poorer families, and the larger and richer ones, had their places assigned them at the several gates, as the lot directed; they did not go according to the dignity and precedence of their families, but according to lot.
Verse 12
And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah,.... The same with Meshelemiah, Ch1 26:1 he by lot was placed at the eastern gate, called afterwards the gate Shushan, the city Shushan being portrayed upon it (u): then for Zechariah his son (a wise counsellor); and who was his firstborn, Ch1 26:2 a man of great parts and learning: for they were not mean persons that were employed in this office, nor was the office a mean one, like that of our porters; but men of considerable rank and figure, and of knowledge and learning, were in it; some of them were judges, Ch1 26:29 and their places were places of great trust, they had much treasure committed to them, as appears by Ch1 26:20, they cast lots, and his lot came out northward; where was a gate in later times, called Teri or Tedi, which differed from other gates in this, that it had no threshold, only one stone was laid upon another, and was not commonly used (w). (u) Ib. (Misn. Middot, c. 1.), sect. 3. (w) Misn. Middot, ib. (c. 1. sect. 3.) & c. 2. sect. 3.
Verse 13
To Obededom southward,.... Where were two gates in later times, called the gates of Huldah (x): and to his sons, the house of Asuppim; the word has the signification of gathering, hence some take it to be a council house, where the sanhedrim or elders gathered together, and sat; and others, rather a treasure house, where things of value were collected and laid up, since Obededom had the charge of gold and silver, and the vessels of the house, Ch2 25:24, but Dr. Lightfoot (y) is of opinion, that"Asuppim were two gates in the western wall, which stood most south, or nearest to Jerusalem; "and the house of Asuppim" was a large piece of building that ran between them, which was a treasury, or various rooms for treasuring or laying up something for the use of the temple;''though L'Empereur thinks (z) it was the chamber Korban, which is not so probable. (x) Ib. (Misn. Middot), c. 1. sect. 3. (y) Prospect of the Temple, ch. 5. sect. 3. (z) Not. in Middot, c. 1. sect. 1. No. 5.
Verse 14
To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward,.... Of Shuppim no mention is before made; of Hosah, see Ch1 26:10 their lot was to be placed at the gates on the western wall, where were four; the two more southward being assigned to the sons of Obededom, whose lot also was southward, are taken notice of under the division in the preceding verse; Parbar was another, Ch1 26:18, and another follows here: with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up; this gate was in later times called Coponius, from the name of a Roman commander, in the times of Herod, who might give it this name on his account; it might have the name of Shallecheth either from "sending out", or carrying out the filth of the temple through it; or rather from "casting up the causeway", as here expressed, which was the going up, or ascent, Solomon made, by which he went up to the temple, Kg1 20:5 and which agrees with the description Josephus (a) gives of one of the gates on the western wall, that it led to the royal palace, the valley between being filled up for the passage; on each side of which causeway, it is said, grew oaks and teil trees, see Isa 6:13 which served both to keep up the causeway, and to make a fine, pleasant, shady walk for the king to pass through to the temple; all which are observed by Dr. Lightfoot (b): ward against ward; for as the gates answered one another, so the wards or watches at them. (a) Antiqu. l. 15. c. 11. sect. 5. (b) Ut supra, (Prospect of the Temple), c. 5. sect. 1.
Verse 15
Eastward were six Levites,.... The eastern gate, being the way of entrance into the temple, required more porters: northward four a day; in the daytime, or every day, where was the gate Teri or Tedi, Ch1 26:14, southward four a day: at the two gates of Huldah, Ch1 26:15 and toward Asuppim two and two; which were two gates, two at each gate, Ch1 26:15.
Verse 16
At Parbar westward,.... A gate at the western wall; the Jewish writers generally interpret it an outward place, but Dr. Lightfoot (c) thinks it is the same with Parvar, which signifies suburbs, Kg2 23:11, and which agrees with the description Josephus (d) gives of one of the western gates, that it led to the suburbs: four at the causeway; by which was the gate Shallecheth, Ch1 26:16. and two at Parbar; the gate before mentioned. (c) Ib. (Prospect of the Temple, ch. 5.) sect. 2. (d) Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 15. c. 11. sect. 5.)
Verse 17
These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari. For among those Levites which descended from Kore, a grandson of Kohath, and which sprung from Merar, a brother of Kohath, the porters only wore; see Ch1 26:1. . 1 Chronicles 26:20 ch1 26:20 ch1 26:20 ch1 26:20And of the Levites,.... The rest of the Levites, as the Gershonites, Amramites, Izharites, and Hebronites, Ch1 26:21. Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God; as the tithes, vessels, vestments, wine, and oil, and other things; such an one was Phinehas at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian, who being taken, showed and delivered the priests' garments, and many other precious things and sacred ornaments under his care (e): and over the treasures of the dedicated things; voluntarily devoted for sacrifices and repairs of the temple; and this Ahijah had the care of each of those at first, which afterwards were divided, and put under the care of different persons. (e) Joseph. de Bell. Jud. l. 6. c. 8. sect. 3.
Verse 18
As concerning the sons of Laadan,.... The same with Libni, see Ch1 23:7. the sons of the Gershonite Laadan; so called, to distinguish him from another Laadan, as Kimchi thinks: chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite; that sprung from him: were Jehieli; and his sons next mentioned.
Verse 19
The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother,.... Both sons of Jehieli: which were over the treasures of the house of the Lord; that part of the trust which before was committed to Ahijah, which concerned provisions for sacred uses, before observed.
Verse 20
Of the Amramites and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites. Who sprang from the four sons of Kohath, Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, Exo 6:18 with respect to the concerns they severally had in the trust of the treasures, the account follows, all but the Uzzielites, who are not after mentioned. with respect to the concerns they severally had in the trust of the treasures, the account follows, all but the Uzzielites, who are not after mentioned. 1 Chronicles 26:24 ch1 26:24 ch1 26:24 ch1 26:24And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures. This is the first time that any of the posterity of Moses are taken notice of, as being in any office of honour, authority, and trust; by the Targum he is said to be Jonathan, spoken of in Jdg 18:30 but very wrongly; this man, according to Jarchi and Kimchi, had all the treasures and treasurers under him.
Verse 21
And his brethren by Eliezer,.... His kinsmen that descended from Eliezer, the brother of Gershom, the ancestor of Shebuel, whose descent from him in succession were Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zichri, and Shelomith.
Verse 22
Which Shelomith,.... The last mentioned in the lineage from Eliezer, the younger son of Moses: and his brethren; or kinsmen: were over all the treasures of the dedicated things; which had been devoted for the service of God, and of the temple particularly: which David the king had dedicated; out of the spoils he took in war, see Sa2 8:11, the chief fathers; princes of tribes, and heads of families: the captains over thousands and hundreds; in the several tribes of the kingdom, and were concerned in the administration of justice to the people: and the captains of the host, had dedicated; of the army, out of the spoils in victory that came to their share, see Num 31:48 as follows.
Verse 23
Out of the spoils won in battle did they dedicate to maintain the house of the Lord. When it should be built; for as yet it was not; both to repair it when necessary, and to provide sacrifices for it; or to confirm, strengthen, and animate the heart of the king to build it, so some, and put it into the power of his hands to do it; so the Romans dedicated the best of their spoil, and laid it up in the temple of Jupiter Feretrius, after the example of Romulus, their first king (f); yea, sometimes out of the spoil they erected temples, as Tarquinius Superbus (g) did; or repaired and ornamented them, as the temple at Delphos, and others (h). (f) Vid. Valtrinum de re militar. Roman. l. 7. c. 21. (g) Flori Hist. l. 1. c. 7. (h) Vid. Strabo, Geograph. l. 6. p. 190. Liv. Hist. l. 10. c. 46.
Verse 24
And all that Samuel the seer,.... Or prophet, won in battle with the Philistines: and Saul the son of Kish; in his wars with the Moabites, Edomites, Amalekites, and Philistines: and Abner the son of Ner: the general of his army, who as such had his share in the spoils: and Joab the son of Zeruiah; the general of David's army, who fought with the Ammonites, Syrians, and others; all of whom had dedicated more or less towards the building of the temple, and the support of it, it being known by them all that God would have a place to put his name in: and whosoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren: this man had a great trust committed to him, with his brethren; some, before mentioned, are said to be over the treasures, some over one part, and some over another; but this man was over all of them, he had the superintendency of the whole.
Verse 25
Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel,.... Which was done out of the temple, and out of Jerusalem, in the several parts of the country: for officers and judges; to administer justice and judgment, and to take care that the laws of God were observed, both with respect to things civil and religious, and delinquents punished; which is a better sense than what Jarchi and Kimchi put upon this: outward business, as if it lay in taking care to have timber cut down in the forest, and stones dug and hewed in the mountains, for the building of the temple; and that the lands were ploughed, and the vineyards, gardens, and orchards, dressed, which were devoted to sacred uses.
Verse 26
And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred,.... And supposing the Izharites in the preceding verse to be 1600, these, with those on the other side Jordan, 2700, Ch1 26:32 make up just the 6000 officers and judges, Ch1 23:4 these were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward: in those parts of the land which were on this side Jordan, to the west of it, yet nearer to it than those meant by Israel in the preceding verse; it may respect those that dwelt more remote from Jordan, though on this side also, towards the Mediterranean sea: in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the king; in things divine and civil, what appertained to the worship of God, and the support of civil government, and to take care that all the laws were observed, moral, ceremonial, and judicial, and that both the Lord was feared, and the king honoured, and both had what was due unto them.
Verse 27
Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites,.... The posterity of Hebron, the son of Kohath: according to the generations of his fathers; a principal man in the families that descended from his ancestors: in the fortieth year of the reign of David; which was the last year of his reign, in which year all the above things were done; the distribution of the priests into their classes and courses, and so of the Levites, singers, and porters; as well as the appointment of those several judges and officers employed in divers parts of the land: and particularly in this year those Hebronites were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour, at Jazer of Gilead; a city on the other side Jordan, which belonged to the tribe of Gad, see Num 21:32.
Verse 28
And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers,.... That is, the brethren or kinsmen of Jerijah the Hebronite were so many principal men in their families, and men of fortitude and courage: whom King David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh; all which lay on the other side Jordan; and being so remote from the seat of civil government, and of the worship of God, they were in greater danger of revolting, both from their obedience to their king, and duty to their God; land therefore so large a number was appointed over them, to instruct them and keep them in their duty to both, as follows: for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king; to see that they kept close to the pure worship and service of God; and were faithful and loyal subjects of the king. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 27
Verse 1
26:1 The first ancestor of the gatekeepers was Meshelemiah (called “Shallum” in Ezra 2:42; “Meshullam” in Neh 12:25).
Verse 5
26:5 God had richly blessed Obed-edom, who temporarily housed the Ark (13:13-14), by giving him many descendants (26:8).
Verse 20
26:20-32 In preparation for Solomon’s succession to the throne, David appointed these officials as part of his comprehensive organization of the Levitical orders at the end of his reign. The officers included treasurers, administrators, and judges who were part of the political bureaucracy.
Verse 21
26:21-28 The Levites were in charge of the Lord’s treasuries and property (see 2 Chr 24:11; 31:12). Some spoils of war were always dedicated to God (1 Chr 26:26-28).
Verse 31
26:31 Jazer was a Levitical city (Josh 21:39) that became an administrative center during the monarchy. David and his descendants could depend on the loyalty of the Levites from Hebron (1 Sam 30:27-31; 2 Sam 2:1-11).