1 Chronicles 26
BSB1 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. 2 Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. 4 And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, 5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom. 6 Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men. 7 Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men. 8 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. 9 Meshelemiah also had sons and brothers who were capable men—18 in all. 10 Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first), 11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all. 12 These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did. 13 They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. 14 The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. 15 The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons. 16 The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch. 17 Each day there were six Levites on the east, four on the north, four on the south, and two pairs at the storehouse. 18 As for the court on the west, there were four at the highway and two at the court. 19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers who were descendants of Korah and Merari. 20 Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. 21 From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, 22 the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. 23 From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: 24 Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. 25 His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son. 26 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. 27 They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. 28 Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers. 29 From the Izrahites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel. 30 From the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, had charge of the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king. 31 As for the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David’s reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead. 32 Among Jerijah’s relatives there were 2,700 capable men who were heads of families. King David appointed them over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and to the affairs of the king.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 26
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Chronicles 26
- Themes from 1 Chronicles 26
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 26
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by listing the divisions of the gatekeepers, who were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple. It then describes the organization of the Levites, including the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were responsible for the music and singing in the temple. The chapter also lists the divisions of the priests and the Levites who were responsible for the temple services. The organization of the temple guards and gatekeepers is described in detail, including their duties and responsibilities. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:30-32.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of 1 Chronicles, which describes the history of the Israelites from the time of Adam to the time of King David. The chapter is specifically concerned with the organization and structure of the temple services during the reign of King David. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes the history of God's people and the development of the worship and service of God. The chapter is closely related to 1 Chronicles 25, which describes the organization of the musicians in the temple.
Heart Application
This chapter emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services. We should also be mindful of the importance of guarding the church and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter the church, just as the gatekeepers and temple guards guarded the temple.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the organization of the temple guards and gatekeepers in the tabernacle. It describes the divisions of the gatekeepers and the Levites, and emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God. The chapter also highlights the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:30-32. The organization of the temple guards and gatekeepers is described in detail, including their duties and responsibilities, in 1 Chronicles 26:1-12.
Voices from the Church
“The temple was a place of great beauty and grandeur, but it was also a place of great responsibility. The Levites and the priests had a sacred duty to maintain the integrity of the temple and its services.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The organization and structure of the temple services are a reminder of the importance of order and discipline in the worship and service of God. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Divisions of the Gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:1-12) — The chapter begins by listing the divisions of the gatekeepers, who were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple.
- The Organization of the Levites (1 Chronicles 26:13-19) — The chapter describes the organization of the Levites, including the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were responsible for the music and singing in the temple.
- The Temple Guards (1 Chronicles 26:20-28) — The chapter describes the organization of the temple guards, who were responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple.
- The Levites and the Temple Services (1 Chronicles 26:29-32) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services.
- Conclusion (1 Chronicles 26:30-32) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God, and highlights the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Order and Structure in Worship
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services.
- The Role of the Levites in Maintaining the Integrity of the Temple
- The chapter highlights the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. As believers, we should recognize the importance of the priesthood of all believers in maintaining the integrity of the church.
- The Importance of Guarding the Church
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of guarding the church and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter the church, just as the gatekeepers and temple guards guarded the temple. As believers, we should be mindful of the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the church.
- The Organization of the Church
- The chapter describes the organization of the temple services, including the divisions of the gatekeepers and the Levites. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services.
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 26
- The Importance of Order and Structure — This chapter emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services.
- The Role of the Levites — The chapter highlights the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. As believers, we should recognize the importance of the priesthood of all believers in maintaining the integrity of the church.
- The Importance of Guarding the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of guarding the church and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter the church, just as the gatekeepers and temple guards guarded the temple. As believers, we should be mindful of the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the church.
- The Organization of the Church — The chapter describes the organization of the temple services, including the divisions of the gatekeepers and the Levites. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services.
- The Importance of Maintaining the Integrity of the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services. As believers, we should recognize the importance of the priesthood of all believers in maintaining the integrity of the church.
Themes from 1 Chronicles 26
- The Importance of Order and Structure — This chapter emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services.
- The Role of the Levites — The chapter highlights the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. As believers, we should recognize the importance of the priesthood of all believers in maintaining the integrity of the church.
- The Importance of Guarding the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of guarding the church and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter the church, just as the gatekeepers and temple guards guarded the temple. As believers, we should be mindful of the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the church.
- The Organization of the Church — The chapter describes the organization of the temple services, including the divisions of the gatekeepers and the Levites. As believers, we should strive to maintain the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services.
- The Importance of Maintaining the Integrity of the Church — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the church and its services, just as the Levites maintained the integrity of the temple and its services. As believers, we should recognize the importance of the priesthood of all believers in maintaining the integrity of the church.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God?
- What role did the Levites play in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services?
- What is the significance of the gatekeepers and temple guards in the temple?
- How can we apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives and worship?
- What does this chapter teach us about the importance of maintaining the integrity of the church and its services?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Divisions of the Gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:1-12)
| 26:1 | The chapter begins by listing the divisions of the gatekeepers, who were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple. |
| 26:2 | The gatekeepers were divided into four divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:3 | The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. |
| 26:4 | The gatekeepers were also responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple. |
| 26:5 | The gatekeepers were divided into four divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:6 | The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. |
| 26:7 | The gatekeepers were also responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple. |
| 26:8 | The gatekeepers were divided into four divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:9 | The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. |
| 26:10 | The gatekeepers were also responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple. |
| 26:11 | The gatekeepers were divided into four divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:12 | The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. |
2. The Organization of the Levites (1 Chronicles 26:13-19)
| 26:13 | The chapter describes the organization of the Levites, including the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were responsible for the music and singing in the temple. |
| 26:14 | The Levites were divided into three divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:15 | The Levites were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. |
| 26:16 | The Levites were also responsible for ensuring that the temple services were conducted in an orderly and structured manner. |
| 26:17 | The Levites were divided into three divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:18 | The Levites were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. |
| 26:19 | The Levites were also responsible for ensuring that the temple services were conducted in an orderly and structured manner. |
3. The Temple Guards (1 Chronicles 26:20-28)
| 26:20 | The chapter describes the organization of the temple guards, who were responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple. |
| 26:21 | The temple guards were divided into two divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:22 | The temple guards were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. |
| 26:23 | The temple guards were also responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple. |
| 26:24 | The temple guards were divided into two divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:25 | The temple guards were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. |
| 26:26 | The temple guards were also responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple. |
| 26:27 | The temple guards were divided into two divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
| 26:28 | The temple guards were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. |
4. The Levites and the Temple Services (1 Chronicles 26:29-32)
| 26:29 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. |
| 26:30 | The Levites were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. |
| 26:31 | The Levites were also responsible for ensuring that the temple services were conducted in an orderly and structured manner. |
| 26:32 | The Levites were divided into three divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of the gatekeepers in the temple?
The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:1-12. They played a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of the temple.
What role did the Levites play in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services?
The Levites were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services, including the music and singing in the temple, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:13-19. They played a crucial role in ensuring that the temple services were conducted in an orderly and structured manner.
What is the significance of the temple guards in the temple?
The temple guards were responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:20-28. They played a crucial role in guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 26:1 → 1 Kings 9:3 | The organization of the gatekeepers is similar to the organization of the priests and Levites in the temple, as described in 1 Kings 9:3. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 26:12 → Psalm 84:10 | The gatekeepers are compared to the priests and Levites in Psalm 84:10, who are responsible for guarding the gates of the temple. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 26:13 → 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 | The organization of the Levites is similar to the organization of the musicians in the temple, as described in 1 Chronicles 15:16-24. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 26:20 → 1 Kings 7:51 | The temple guards are compared to the guards who protected the temple in 1 Kings 7:51. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 26:29 → Numbers 3:6-10 | The Levites are compared to the Levites who were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the tabernacle in Numbers 3:6-10. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 26:30 → Deuteronomy 33:10 | The Levites are compared to the Levites who were responsible for teaching the law and maintaining the integrity of the temple in Deuteronomy 33:10. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 26:31 → 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 | The Levites are compared to the Levites who were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services in 1 Chronicles 16:4-6. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 26:32 → Ezra 8:24-30 | The Levites are compared to the Levites who were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services in Ezra 8:24-30. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 26:1-12 → John 10:7-9 | The gatekeepers are compared to Jesus, who is the gate for the sheep in John 10:7-9. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 26:13-19 → Hebrews 10:19-20 | The Levites are compared to the believers who have access to the throne of God through Jesus Christ in Hebrews 10:19-20. |
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Spoils of Spiritual Warfare by David Wilkerson | In 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 |
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In Chains, Yet Free by Richard Wurmbrand | In 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 |
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The Building of the House of the Lord by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the building of the house of the Lord as described in First Chronicles. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of God's presence a |
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The Spoil of Battle (1 Chronicles 26:27) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. 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. |
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Christian Sickness by Watchman Nee | Watchman 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 |
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"The Fruit of Conflict" by T. Austin-Sparks | T. 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 pr |
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Victorious Suffering by Charles E. Cowman | Charles 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 |
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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 |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26
This chapter describes the organization and structure of the temple services, including the divisions of the gatekeepers and the Levites. The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel entered the temple. The Levites were responsible for maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services, including the music and singing in the temple. The chapter emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship and service of God, and highlights the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. As Matthew Henry notes, the organization of the temple services is a reminder of the importance of order and discipline in the worship and service of God. The chapter also points to the ultimate fulfillment of the temple and its services in Jesus Christ, who is the true temple and the gate for the sheep. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Organization
The chapter emphasizes the importance of organization and structure in the worship and service of God. The divisions of the gatekeepers and the Levites are described in detail, highlighting the need for order and structure in the temple services.
The Role of the Levites
The chapter highlights the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining the integrity of the temple and its services. They were responsible for the music and singing in the temple, as well as for maintaining the security and integrity of the temple.
The Emphasis on Guarding the Temple
The chapter emphasizes the importance of guarding the temple and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter the temple. The gatekeepers and temple guards played a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of the temple.