1 Chronicles 23:5
1 Chronicles 23:5 in Multiple Translations
4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”
Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
and four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised Jehovah with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
Four thousand were door-keepers; and four thousand gave praise to the Lord with the instruments which I made, said David, for giving praise.
“And 4,000 will be gatekeepers, while 4,000 will praise the Lord using the musical instruments I have provided for praise worship.”
And foure thousand were porters, and foure thousande praised the Lord with instruments which he made to praise the Lord.
and four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand giving praise to Jehovah, 'with instruments that I made for praising,' [saith David.]
four thousand were doorkeepers, and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made for giving praise.”
Moreover, four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David , to praise with them .
Moreover four thousand were porters: and as many singers singing to the Lord with the instruments, which he had made to sing with.
I want 4,000 to be guards at the gates, and 4,000 to praise Yahweh, using the musical instruments that I have provided for them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 23:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 23:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַרְבַּ֥עַת
אֲלָפִ֖ים
שֹׁעֲרִ֑ים
וְ/אַרְבַּ֤עַת
אֲלָפִים֙
מְהַֽלְלִ֣ים
לַ/יהוָ֔ה
בַּ/כֵּלִ֕ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
לְ/הַלֵּֽל
וְ/אַרְבַּ֥עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Conj | Adj
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
שֹׁעֲרִ֑ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
gatekeeper
N-mp
וְ/אַרְבַּ֤עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Conj | Adj
אֲלָפִים֙
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
מְהַֽלְלִ֣ים
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Piel
לַ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
בַּ/כֵּלִ֕ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לְ/הַלֵּֽל
hâlal
H1984
to shine
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 23:5
וְ/אַרְבַּ֥עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Conj | Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
שֹׁעֲרִ֑ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
"gatekeeper"
N-mp
A gatekeeper or porter was a person responsible for guarding and maintaining a gate or door. This word is used to describe someone who controls access to a building or area. In the Bible, it is translated as doorkeeper or porter.
Definition: gatekeeper, porter
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: doorkeeper, porter. See also: 2 Samuel 18:26; 2 Chronicles 23:4; Nehemiah 13:5.
וְ/אַרְבַּ֤עַת
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Conj | Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
אֲלָפִים֙
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
מְהַֽלְלִ֣ים
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Piel
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
לַ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בַּ/כֵּלִ֕ים
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לְ/הַלֵּֽל
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 23:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 23:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 23:5
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 23:5
Context — The Divisions of the Levites
3The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000.
4“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges,
54,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”
6Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 7The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 29:25–26 | Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 8:14 | In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God. |
| 3 | Psalms 87:7 | Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You.” |
| 4 | Amos 6:5 | You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 26:1–12 | These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom. Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men. Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men. All these were descendants of Obed-edom; they and their sons and brothers were capable men with strength to do the work—62 in all from Obed-edom. Meshelemiah also had sons and brothers who were capable men—18 in all. Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all. These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 7:73 | So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 35:15 | The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their position, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 15:16–24 | David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals. Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth. And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith. Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled. Berechiah and Elkanah were to be guardians of the ark. Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—the priests—were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also to be guardians of the ark. |
| 9 | Ezra 7:7 | So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 10:12 | The king made the almug wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had such almug wood been brought in, nor has such been seen to this day.) |
1 Chronicles 23:5 Summary
In 1 Chronicles 23:5, we see that David assigned 4,000 Levites to be gatekeepers and another 4,000 to praise the Lord with instruments. This shows us the importance of having a well-organized and structured approach to worship, as seen in Exodus 25:1-22 and Hebrews 9:1-10. Just like the Levites, we can use our talents and abilities to praise and worship God, whether through music, serving, or other forms of ministry, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5 and Romans 12:1-2. By doing so, we can create a joyful and festive atmosphere that honors God and brings us closer to Him, as seen in Psalm 95:1-7 and Revelation 4:8-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 4,000 gatekeepers mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:5?
The 4,000 gatekeepers were responsible for overseeing the entrance and exit of the temple, ensuring the safety and security of the worshipers, as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:17-27 and Psalm 84:10. This role was crucial in maintaining the purity and order of the temple services.
What kind of instruments did David make for giving praise, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:5?
Although the specific instruments are not listed in 1 Chronicles 23:5, other passages like 1 Chronicles 13:8 and Psalm 150:3-5 mention harps, lyres, trumpets, and cymbals, which were likely used to praise the Lord. These instruments were used to create joyful music that honored God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 and Ezra 3:10-11.
Why did David assign 4,000 Levites to praise the Lord with instruments?
David assigned 4,000 Levites to praise the Lord with instruments to create a joyful and festive atmosphere in the temple, as seen in 2 Chronicles 30:21 and Nehemiah 12:27. This was also a way to express gratitude and worship to God, as commanded in Psalm 100:1-5 and Psalm 95:1-7.
How does the organization of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23:5 relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?
The organization of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23:5 reflects the importance of order and structure in worship, as seen in Exodus 25:1-22 and Hebrews 9:1-10. This theme is repeated throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for intentional and intentional worship, as commanded in John 4:24 and Revelation 4:8-11.
Reflection Questions
- What role do I play in the 'temple' of God, and how can I ensure that I am fulfilling my responsibilities to the best of my ability, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 2:21-22?
- How can I use my talents and abilities to praise and worship God, just like the 4,000 Levites who played instruments, as seen in Psalm 33:2-3 and Romans 12:1-2?
- What are some ways that I can create a joyful and festive atmosphere in my own worship, whether individually or corporately, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5 and Acts 2:46-47?
- How can I balance the need for structure and order in worship with the need for spontaneity and freedom, as seen in John 4:24 and 1 Corinthians 14:26-33?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:5
Moreover four thousand were porters,.... At the east, north, and south gates of the temple, in their turns; and four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments; were singers in the temple, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:5
Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith. Praised the Lord with the instruments which I made.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
Porters; whose office was to take the charge of all the gates of the temple and its courts, that no forbidden or unclean person might enter there, and of the courts them selves, and of several chambers or buildings belonging to the temple and the service thereof: these also were to do their work by turns. Four thousand praised the Lord with instruments; whereof two hundred and eighty-eight were persons of greater skill than their brethren, and did instruct them, and had some authority over them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
1 Chronicles 23:5 Moreover four thousand [were] porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, [said David], to praise [therewith].Ver. 5. Moreover four thousand were porters.] Quos barbare vocant Sacristas. And four thousand praised the Lord.] Whereof some were teachers, and some scholars. Which I made,] i.e., Invented, and appointed to be used in the temple by God’ s commandment.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
(5) Moreover four thousand were porters.—Literally, and four thousand (are to be) warders. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 9:21-27.) Reuss thinks 4,000 warders too many; but the different clans went on duty in turn. And four thousand praised the Lord . . .—Rather, and four thousand (are to be) praising the Lord with the instruments that I have made for praising. (On “praising,” see 1 Chronicles 16:4.) We have here an interesting reference to the fact that David was not only a minstrel and inspired psalmist, but also an inventor of stringed instruments. So the prophet Amos (1 Chronicles 6:5) speaks of the effeminate nobles of Israel, “who prattle on the mouth of the nebel, that invent themselves instruments of music, like David.” The reference is repeated in Nehemiah 12:36. Which I have made.—This expression proves that 1 Chronicles 23:4-5 should be within inverted commas, as representing a spoken decree of David. Ewald thinks that the narrative is interrupted in 1 Chronicles 23:5 by a fragmentary quotation from an ancient poet who speaks in the name of Jehovah, characterising the musicians as “those whom I have formed to sing my praise.” (But see 2 Chronicles 7:6.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:5
Verse 5. Four thousand praised the Lord] David made this distribution according to his own judgment, and from the dictates of his piety; but it does not appear that he had any positive Divine authority for such arrangements. As to the instruments of music which he made they are condemned elsewhere; see Amos 6:5, to which this verse is allowed to be the parallel.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 23:5
5. porters] R.V. doorkeepers. The courses and duties of these are given in 1 Chronicles 26:1-19. four thousand praised the Lord] Cp. 1 Chronicles 25:1-31, from which it appears that there was also a picked choir consisting of 288 persons, divided into twenty-four courses, whose special duty was psalmody. the instruments which I made] Cp. 2 Chronicles 29:26.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 23:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the citizens of Zion, referring to believers in Christ. He highlights the significance of the gates of the city as places o |
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Isaac, a Man of the Wells by Don Courville | This sermon delves into the story of Isaac and the wells, highlighting the importance of living under the authority of God's presence, the consequences of compromise and strife, an |
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Thanksgiving by Oswald Chambers | Oswald Chambers preaches about the importance of thanking God for various aspects of our Christian journey, including salvation, strength in weakness, difficulties, belonging to Hi |
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Psalm 87 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the Church being beloved by God, likening it to a secure and stable spiritual edifice built upon the foundation of prophets and apostles, with Jesus Christ |
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The Burial by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delves into the profound mysteries surrounding the death and burial of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the necessity for Him to die as the Sin-bearer and Surety to endure th |
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For the Courses of the Doorkeepers. by F.B. Meyer | F.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 th |