1 Chronicles 9:26
1 Chronicles 9:26 in Multiple Translations
But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God.
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
for the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.
For the four chief door-keepers, who were Levites, had a special position, looking after the rooms and the store-houses of the house of God.
The four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were given the responsibility of looking after the rooms and treasuries in the house of God.
For these foure chiefe porters were in perpetuall office, and were of the Leuites and had charge of the chambers, and of the treasures in the house of God.
For in office [are] the four chiefs of the gatekeepers, they are Levites, and they have been over the chambers, and over the treasuries of the house of God,
for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s house.
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
To these four Levites were committed the whole number of the porters, and they were over the chambers, and treasures, of the house of the Lord.
There were four descendants of Levi who worked every day, and they supervised the gatekeepers. They also took care of the rooms and treasures in the Sacred Tent of God.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 9:26
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 9:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
בֶ/אֱמוּנָ֞ה
הֵ֗מָּה
אַרְבַּ֨עַת֙
גִּבֹּרֵ֣י
הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֔ים
הֵ֖ם
הַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
וְ/הָיוּ֙
עַל
הַ/לְּשָׁכ֔וֹת
וְ/עַ֥ל
הָ/אֹצְר֖וֹת
בֵּ֥ית
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בֶ/אֱמוּנָ֞ה
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
faithfulness
Prep | N-fs
הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
אַרְבַּ֨עַת֙
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
גִּבֹּרֵ֣י
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֔ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
gatekeeper
Art | N-mp
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
הַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
וְ/הָיוּ֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/לְּשָׁכ֔וֹת
lishkâh
H3957
chamber
Art | N-fp
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
הָ/אֹצְר֖וֹת
ʼôwtsâr
H214
treasure
Art | N-mp
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 9:26
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בֶ/אֱמוּנָ֞ה
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
"faithfulness"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for faithfulness, meaning firmness, security, or fidelity. It describes being steady and trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations of faith, stability, and truth. This concept is essential in the Bible, particularly in relationships and commitments.
Definition: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily. See also: Exodus 17:12; Psalms 89:50; Psalms 33:4.
הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אַרְבַּ֨עַת֙
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
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.
גִּבֹּרֵ֣י
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֔ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
"gatekeeper"
Art | 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.
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
וְ/הָיוּ֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/לְּשָׁכ֔וֹת
lishkâh
H3957
"chamber"
Art | N-fp
A room or chamber in a building, like a storage room or a bedroom. This word is used in 1 Kings 20:30 to describe a room in the king's palace.
Definition: room, chamber, hall, cell
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chamber, parlour. Compare H5393 (נִשְׁכָּה). See also: 1 Samuel 9:22; Jeremiah 36:20; Jeremiah 35:2.
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אֹצְר֖וֹת
ʼôwtsâr
H214
"treasure"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for treasure refers to a storehouse or depository, like a treasure house or armory, as seen in 1 Kings 7:51.
Definition: 1) treasure, storehouse 1a) treasure (gold, silver, etc) 1b) store, supplies of food or drink 1c) treasure-house, treasury 1c1) treasure-house 1c2) storehouse, magazine 1c3) treasury 1c4) magazine of weapons (fig. of God's armoury) 1c5) storehouses (of God for rain, snow, hail, wind, sea)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y). See also: Deuteronomy 28:12; Nehemiah 10:39; Psalms 33:7.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 9:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 9:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 9:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 9:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:26
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 9:26
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 9:26
Context — The People of Jerusalem
24The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south.
25Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods.
26But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God.
27They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they were responsible for guarding it and opening it every morning. 28Some of them were in charge of the articles used in worship, to count them whenever they were brought in or taken out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 13:5 | and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 10:38–39 | A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.” |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 26:20–27 | Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son. This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 31:5–12 | As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps. In the third month they began building up the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and his officials came and viewed the heaps, they blessed the LORD and His people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps, and Azariah, the chief priest of the household of Zadok, answered him, “Since the people began to bring their contributions into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and there is plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed His people; this great abundance is what is left over.” Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. |
1 Chronicles 9:26 Summary
This verse tells us about the important role of the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, in taking care of the temple's rooms and treasures. They were responsible for managing the temple's resources and facilities, which is similar to our role as stewards of God's gifts and talents, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Just like the chief gatekeepers, we are called to be faithful and trustworthy in our service to God, using the resources He has given us to glorify Him, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30. By following their example, we can learn to be more diligent and responsible in our own service to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did the four chief gatekeepers play in the house of God?
The four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:26, indicating their significant responsibility in managing the temple's resources and facilities, similar to the role of stewards in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
Why were the gatekeepers stationed on all four sides of the temple?
The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south, as stated in 1 Chronicles 9:24, to provide comprehensive security and oversight, reflecting the importance of vigilance and responsibility in serving God, as emphasized in Matthew 25:14-30.
How did the chief gatekeepers' responsibilities compare to those of their relatives?
While their relatives came from their villages to serve with them for seven-day periods, as noted in 1 Chronicles 9:25, the four chief gatekeepers had more permanent and significant responsibilities, highlighting the varied roles and commitments within the community of believers, as seen in Romans 12:4-8.
What can we learn from the example of the chief gatekeepers about our own roles in serving God?
The chief gatekeepers' faithfulness and trustworthiness in managing the temple's resources, as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:26, serve as a model for believers today, reminding us of the importance of integrity and diligence in our own service to God, as taught in Colossians 3:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate faithfulness and trustworthiness in my own service to God, just like the chief gatekeepers?
- How can I balance my responsibilities and commitments, like the chief gatekeepers and their relatives, to ensure I am serving God with my whole heart?
- In what ways can I learn from the example of the chief gatekeepers to become a better steward of the resources God has entrusted to me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more vigilant and responsible, like the gatekeepers stationed on all four sides of the temple?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 9:26
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office,.... The four chief porters who were over all the two hundred and twelve, and had one over them, 1 Chronicles 9:17, these were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 9:26
And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:26
Were in their set office, i. e. these were constantly upon the place, and in the execution of their office, that so they might oversee and direct the inferior porters in their work. Or, as others render the words, agreeably to the Hebrew text, For these were under the charge, or committed to the trust of the four chief porters, who also were Levites, as their brethren were; whereas the chief of all of them was a priest. Either way these words contain a reason of what was said, , why the rest were to come to these, and to be with them. Treasuries; in which the sacred utensils, and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:26
(26) For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office.—The Heb. says, or seems to say, “For in fixed position (or trust) were they, viz., the four heroes of the warders.” (See 1 Chronicles 9:17 which apparently names four chief “porters.”) The temporary chiefs of the warder guilds abode in the Temple; the mass of their members was settled in the neighbouring villages, and occupied with pastoral pursuits. And were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.—This statement belongs to the following verse. The preceding account of the porters or warders seems to terminate with the words. “For in fixed position are they, the four stalwart warders; they are the Levites;” that is, the Levites par excellence. And they were over the cells and over the treasuries of the house of God (viz., the warders); and they used to pass the night (1 Chronicles 9:27) in the places round the house of God, for upon them was the ward, and they were over the opening (key) every morning—a brief recapitulation of the main duty of the Levitical warders. Some have proposed to alter the text of 1 Chronicles 9:26 b, and to read, “And some of the Levites were over the cells,” &c, thus constituting a new paragraph, although 1 Chronicles 9:27 obviously recurs to the warders. Probably the paragraph mark should be transferred to 1 Chronicles 9:28. From this point to 1 Chronicles 9:34 we have a review of the other special charges of the Levites.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 9:26
26. For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office] R.V. For the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in a set office. It seems from this passage (and also from the structure of this chapter; cp. 1 Chronicles 9:10; 1 Chronicles 14:17) that the doorkeepers were not, as a body, Levites. Their leaders however, being Levites, were placed in positions of greater trust; cp. 1 Chronicles 26:20-28. In 2 Chronicles 34:9 Levites appear exercising the duties of doorkeepers, but this does not prove that all doorkeepers were Levites. chambers] i.e. store-chambers in which tithes and sacred vessels were kept; cp. 2 Chronicles 31:5; 2 Chronicles 31:11-12; Nehemiah 13:4-9. The chambers were probably built as outbuildings round the Court of the Temple; cp. 1 Chronicles 23:28; 1 Chronicles 28:12.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 9:26
Rather, “For the four chief porters, who were themselves Levites, were in trust, who also had the charge of the chambers, etc.” A contrast seems intended between the four chief porters, whose charge