1 Chronicles 26 14

1 Chronicles 26:14 kjv

And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

1 Chronicles 26:14 nkjv

The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and his lot came out for the North Gate;

1 Chronicles 26:14 niv

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.

1 Chronicles 26:14 esv

The lot for the east fell to Shelemiah. They cast lots also for his son Zechariah, a shrewd counselor, and his lot came out for the north.

1 Chronicles 26:14 nlt

The responsibility for the east gate went to Meshelemiah and his group. The north gate was assigned to his son Zechariah, a man of unusual wisdom.

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 14 Meaning

This verse details the specific outcome of the lot-casting process for the gatekeepers of the temple, assigning the duties for the western side of the sanctuary to the families or individuals led by Shuppim, Hosah, Obed-Edom, and Jehiel. It demonstrates the meticulous and divinely guided organization of sacred service orchestrated by King David.

1 Chronicles 26 14 Context

This verse is found within 1 Chronicles Chapter 26, which details King David's organized divisions for the Levitical gatekeepers and treasurers serving the future temple in Jerusalem. These arrangements were part of David's comprehensive preparations for the temple that his son Solomon would build. Following extensive preparations for priestly, musical, and judicial duties (Chs. 23-25), this chapter meticulously allocates specific gates and treasury responsibilities. The use of "lot" (verses 13, 14, 17) signifies a reliance on divine direction for impartial assignment, ensuring fairness and establishing a stable, long-term structure for the Lord's house. Historically, this organizational foresight provided a framework for temple service that continued for generations, even after the return from exile, underscoring David's role as a provident leader guided by God.

1 Chronicles 26 14 Word analysis

• And the lot (וַיֵּצֵא הַגּוֹרָל - vayyetze ha-goral): The Hebrew goral refers to a "lot," a device or object used for making decisions or assignments, implying that the outcome is determined by divine providence rather than human bias or negotiation. The phrase vayyetze ha-goral means "the lot went out" or "the lot fell," signifying the revealing of the designated choice. This practice demonstrates a reliance on God to direct affairs and establish order without dispute, as seen in the division of the land (Josh 14:2) and the selection of personnel.
• westward (מַעֲרָבָה - ma'aravah): This term explicitly indicates the physical direction or gate location. Gatekeepers were strategically positioned at different entrances around the temple precinct, each likely having distinct functions (e.g., public access, storage, sacred access). The west gate might have been significant due to its position relative to the main temple building or other structures.
• fell: This is an idiomatic rendering of vayyetze (went out/forth), emphasizing the divinely determined result of casting lots. It indicates the settled and unalterable nature of the assignment.
• to Shuppim: A Levitical family, potentially identified with "Huppim" or from that lineage (see 1 Chr 26:10, 16 for variants and related names), designated for this specific gate. The mention of specific families highlights the hereditary nature of many Levitical duties, ensuring continuity of service.
• and Hosah: Another Merarite Levitical family, mentioned alongside Obed-Edom earlier (1 Chr 26:10), whose members were appointed gatekeepers. Their inclusion emphasizes that these roles were shared and that several family lines contributed to each gate's security.
• to Obad-edom (עֹבֵד אֱדֹם - Oved Edom): A significant figure. He was a Levite from Gath who famously hosted the Ark of God when David initially attempted to bring it to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:10-12; 1 Chr 13:13-14). God supernaturally blessed his entire household because of the Ark's presence. His inclusion here, along with his numerous mighty sons (1 Chr 26:4-8), demonstrates God's long-term remembrance and reward for faithfulness, extending to future generations in honorable temple service.
• and Jehiel: Identified in 1 Chronicles 26:4 as the eldest son of Obed-Edom. His direct mention underscores that not just Obed-Edom as an individual, but his very prolific and blessed lineage, was selected for these important temple duties. It reinforces the familial aspect of service and God's blessings upon the faithful family.

• The lot westward fell to Shuppim and Hosah, to Obad-edom and Jehiel: This phrase encapsulates the core meaning. The divinely sanctioned selection ("the lot fell") designated the west gate duties ("westward") to these specific family lines, primarily the descendants of Obed-Edom (including Jehiel), highlighting the enduring blessing upon Obed-Edom for his past faithful service concerning the Ark of the Covenant. The precision of the assignments reflects David's comprehensive, God-given plan for organized temple worship, ensuring that all aspects of its function, including security and access control, were covered by appointed personnel.

1 Chronicles 26 14 Bonus section

• The meticulous detailed lists found throughout Chronicles (including this chapter) serve a theological purpose: they affirm God's precise ordering of His people and their worship, ensuring proper lineage, continuity, and accountability in sacred service, which reflects the divine character of order.
• The west gate was a significant access point, often leading to other important sections like storehouses or specific areas of the temple complex. The fact that the highly favored family of Obed-Edom was assigned here suggests the high trust placed in them.
• The inclusion of Obed-Edom, a Gerarite (foreign descent) Levite who became immensely blessed, underscores God's inclusivity and that faithfulness, not just origin, merits divine favor and service opportunities.
• The consistent use of "lot" for various assignments in Israel (land, tribal leaders, temple duties) reinforces the biblical understanding that God can supernaturally guide seemingly random outcomes to achieve His perfect will.

1 Chronicles 26 14 Commentary

First Chronicles 26:14 exemplifies David's meticulous divine planning for the House of God. The selection by lot highlights a profound reliance on God's providence to assign duties without human partiality, establishing order and harmony within the temple administration. This particular verse details the assignment of the strategically important west gate to a group including the lineage of Obed-Edom. The repeated mention of Obed-Edom and his sons throughout the chapter (1 Chr 26:4-8, 15) is significant. It serves as a living testament to God's faithfulness and generosity, showing that divine blessings for past acts of reverence (like housing the Ark, 1 Chr 13:14) extend to future generations, opening doors for high and responsible service in God's presence. The role of gatekeepers, far from being menial, involved safeguarding the sanctity of the temple, controlling access, and managing the treasury (1 Chr 26:20-28), thus underlining that all service, regardless of perceived status, is crucial and esteemed by God when done in faith and order.