1 Chronicles 26:12 kjv
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 26:12 nkjv
Among these were the divisions of the gatekeepers, among the chief men, having duties just like their brethren, to serve in the house of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 26:12 niv
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their leaders, had duties for ministering in the temple of the LORD, just as their relatives had.
1 Chronicles 26:12 esv
These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties, just as their brothers did, ministering in the house of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 26:12 nlt
These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 26 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ch 23:28 | their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house… | General Levite duty to assist. |
| 1 Ch 24:3 | David, Zadok, and Ahimelech divided them into classes for their service… | Organization of priests. |
| Num 3:7-8 | They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation… | Levites assigned to duties for the sanctuary. |
| Num 8:15-16 | After that, the Levites may go in to do their service at the tent of M. | Levites ordained for service. |
| Ezr 3:8 | they appointed Levites from twenty years old and upward to supervise… | Levites overseeing temple work. |
| Neh 11:19 | And the gatekeepers, Akkub, Talmon and their kinsmen who kept watch… | Specific mention of gatekeepers' role. |
| Neh 12:45 | And the singers and gatekeepers performed the service of their God… | Singers & gatekeepers' worship service. |
| Ps 84:10 | I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God… | Valuing humble service in God's presence. |
| 2 Ki 25:18 | And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah… | Historical reference to chief gatekeepers. |
| Jer 52:24 | The captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah… | Reinforces the importance of chief gatekeepers. |
| Deu 10:8 | At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark… | Divine appointment for service. |
| Exo 35:21 | Then everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit… | Willingness in serving the Lord. |
| Josh 22:27 | but to be a witness between us and you that we wish to perform the service | Importance of faithful service. |
| 1 Co 14:33 | For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches… | Emphasis on order in worship. |
| 1 Co 14:40 | But all things should be done decently and in order. | Direct instruction for orderly conduct. |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not… | Unity and diverse functions within the body. |
| Eph 4:1-3 | walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called… | Call to unity and humility. |
| Phil 2:2-4 | complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love… | Unity and selflessness in relationships. |
| Matt 20:26-28 | whoever would be great among you must be your servant… | Leadership as humble service. |
| John 12:26 | If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will also… | Discipleship entails serving Christ. |
| Heb 13:10 | We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right… | Distinction of temple service and new covenant. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house… | Believers as living stones, a spiritual house. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation… | All believers called to priestly service. |
| Prov 16:33 | The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. | God's sovereignty in decisions made by lot. |
1 Chronicles 26 verses
1 Chronicles 26 12 Meaning
This verse outlines the role of specific groups of Levite gatekeepers who, as chief men among their brethren, were appointed with specific duties for serving diligently and maintaining order in the sacred confines of the Lord’s house. Their service was a shared responsibility within the wider Levitical system, ensuring proper functioning and access to the tabernacle.
1 Chronicles 26 12 Context
First Chronicles chapter 26 focuses on the detailed organization of the temple gatekeepers and treasurers, specifically established by King David. Following chapters detailing the priestly courses (Ch. 24) and Levitical musicians (Ch. 25), this chapter delineates another crucial aspect of the future temple service. Verse 12 serves as an overarching statement summarizing the responsibilities assigned to these gatekeeping divisions, whose specific family lines and numerical assignments are given in verses 1-11, and whose posts were allocated by lot in verses 13-19. Historically, David meticulously planned every aspect of temple administration under divine inspiration, aiming to establish an enduring, orderly system for worship. This structured approach stood in stark contrast to the often haphazard or corrupt religious practices of surrounding pagan nations, emphasizing Israel’s unique covenant relationship with the orderly God. The careful appointment of chief men within these divisions underscores the importance placed on leadership, competence, and reliability in serving in the presence of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 26 12 Word analysis
- These divisions: (Hebrew: vəʾēllet maḥlǝqôt - וְאֵ֣לֶּה מַחְלְק֣וֹת). "These" refers to the previously enumerated groups and families of gatekeepers (1 Chr 26:1-11), establishing a direct connection to the detailed roster. "Divisions" indicates specific, organized classes or courses. This highlights the systematic and precise nature of King David's temple organization, mirroring military units, ensuring every role was accounted for and managed.
- of the gatekeepers: (Hebrew: haššōʿarîm - הַשֹּׁעֲרִ֔ים). These were Levites specifically appointed to guard the various entrances of the sanctuary complex. Their duties extended beyond merely physical security; they controlled access, maintaining holiness, and ensured proper order and worship flow. Their position often held significant trust and responsibility, sometimes involving treasure storage.
- among the chief men: (Hebrew: lǝrāʾšê haggǝvārîm - לְרָאשֵׁ֥י הַגְּבָרִ֖ים). Literally "to the heads of the strong/mighty/important men." This indicates that these gatekeeping divisions were led by capable, designated leaders. It highlights an organizational hierarchy where leadership was vested in trusted individuals, responsible for their assigned units and their performance in the temple service. These were not mere subordinates but key figures in their respective watch groups.
- had duties: (Hebrew: mišmārôt - מִשְׁמָר֣וֹת). This word, often translated "watches" or "charges," directly implies specific responsibilities, assigned tasks, and a duty roster. It connotes disciplined service and refers to the distinct tasks and watches each division was assigned.
- just like their brothers: (Hebrew: laʾḥêhem - לַאֲחֵיהֶ֑ם). This means "for their brothers" or "alongside their brothers." It conveys the idea of working in tandem with the larger Levitical body, serving not in isolation, but in solidarity and mutual support. It emphasizes the unified purpose and interdependence of the various Levitical roles, where all contributed to the functioning of God’s house, maintaining the standards and duties for the whole community. It speaks to a common goal among all the Levites in service.
- to minister: (Hebrew: lǝšārēṯ - לְשָׁרֵ֖ת). This verb signifies active, devoted service, particularly in a sacred context. It is used consistently to describe the service of priests and Levites in the sanctuary. It conveys the essence of their role: serving God by attending to the sacred duties within His house, an act of worship itself.
- in the house of the Lord: (Hebrew: bêṯ YHWH - בְּבֵ֥ית יְהוָֽה). Refers specifically to the tabernacle at that time (and later the Temple), the dwelling place where God’s presence was manifested. All these detailed divisions and duties culminated in serving in this holy space, maintaining its sanctity, functionality, and proper access for divine-human encounters and corporate worship. It signifies the centrality of God's dwelling place to Israelite life and worship.
1 Chronicles 26 12 Bonus section
The meticulous detail concerning the gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles highlights David's holistic vision for orderly worship. It was not just about building a grand temple, but ensuring a functional and reverent service once it was built. The Chronicler emphasizes this adherence to proper divine arrangements as key to Judah’s blessings and stability, providing a blueprint for the restored temple service after the exile. Spiritually, the role of gatekeepers can be seen as foreshadowing Christ, who declared Himself "the door" (John 10:9), regulating true access to God. Furthermore, in the New Testament, the Church, as a spiritual temple, also has appointed "chief men" (elders/pastors) and divisions of service, each member having gifts "just like their brothers" (Rom 12, 1 Cor 12) to minister in God's spiritual house. The meticulous arrangement signifies that God values order, discipline, and unity in all service offered to Him.
1 Chronicles 26 12 Commentary
1 Chronicles 26:12 encapsulates the essence of David’s divinely inspired organizational efforts for the sanctuary. It emphasizes that the meticulously structured "divisions" of gatekeepers, led by "chief men," were assigned precise "duties" within the broader Levitical family. Their unified purpose was to "minister" with dedication in "the house of the Lord." This verse underscores themes of orderly worship, responsible leadership, and communal service, portraying a well-governed sacred space where every role contributed to the reverence and functionality required for true fellowship with God. It illustrates the principle that divine service is a shared, disciplined, and purposeful endeavor for the collective benefit of maintaining access and sanctity in God's dwelling.