1 Chronicles 26 16

1 Chronicles 26:16 kjv

To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

1 Chronicles 26:16 nkjv

To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came out for the West Gate, with the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway?watchman opposite watchman.

1 Chronicles 26:16 niv

The lots for the West Gate and the Shalleketh Gate on the upper road fell to Shuppim and Hosah. Guard was alongside of guard:

1 Chronicles 26:16 esv

For Shuppim and Hosah it came out for the west, at the gate of Shallecheth on the road that goes up. Watch corresponded to watch.

1 Chronicles 26:16 nlt

Shuppim and Hosah were assigned the west gate and the gateway leading up to the Temple. Guard duties were divided evenly.

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 16 Meaning

1 Chronicles 26:16 specifies the assignment for the Levite gatekeepers to the west side of the future temple. It directs that four gatekeepers would be stationed at the West Gate, along with two at the Gate of Shallecheth, which was located on the ascending highway leading up to the temple complex. The phrase "watch against watch" underscores the system of continuous and diligent security for these crucial access points.

1 Chronicles 26 16 Context

Chapter 26 of 1 Chronicles meticulously details the divisions and assignments of the Levite gatekeepers and treasurers, establishing the intricate organizational structure for temple service ordained by King David. This particular verse (16) focuses on the distribution of gatekeepers for the west side of the temple precinct. David, though not permitted to build the Temple himself, devoted himself to meticulously planning its future administration, personnel, and operations. The various gates mentioned throughout this chapter were crucial access points, and their diligent guarding was essential for the security, sanctity, and controlled entry/exit to the sacred house of God, which was soon to be built by Solomon on Mount Moriah, an elevated site requiring "ascending highways." This thorough planning reflects David's profound reverence for God and his commitment to an ordered worship system.

1 Chronicles 26 16 Word analysis

• to the west gate (לַשַּׁעַר הַמַּעֲרָבִי֙ – lasha'ar ha-ma'aravi):

  • "West" (Ma'arav) specifies a cardinal direction, denoting a precise location within the temple complex's periphery. Gates were vital for security and controlled access, marking the boundaries between the sacred and profane spaces.
  • This assignment highlights the strategic importance of all entry points.

• with the gate of Shallecheth (עִם־שַׁלֶּ֖כֶת הַשַּׁעַר֙ – 'im Shallecheth ha-sha'ar):

  • "Shallecheth" (שַׁלֶּכֶת – Shallecheth) comes from a root meaning "to cast off" or "to throw down." Scholarly consensus suggests this was likely a gate related to the disposal of refuse or ashes from the temple sacrifices, or perhaps a place where things were cast down from the elevated temple mount into the Kidron Valley below.
  • Its inclusion emphasizes David's meticulous planning to assign guards even to less prominent or even "unclean" points of egress, ensuring complete control and proper function of all temple operations.

• on the ascending highway (בַּֽמְסִלָּ֖ה הָעֹלָ֑ה – ba-mesillah ha'olah):

  • "Highway" (mesillah) refers to a raised or paved road.
  • "Ascending" ('olah) clearly indicates a path leading upwards, consistent with the Temple being built on Mount Moriah. This was likely a primary access route for pilgrims and authorized personnel, connecting the lower city with the Temple courts.
  • The location underlines the significance of controlling paths leading to God's presence.

• watch against watch (מִשְׁמָ֥ר עַל־מִשְׁמָֽר׃ – mishmar 'al-mishmar):

  • "Watch" (mishmar) means "guard," "custody," "vigil," or "post."
  • This unique Hebrew idiom implies:
    • Continuous vigilance: Guards relieving guards, ensuring uninterrupted security day and night.
    • Redundancy or accountability: Perhaps one watch overseeing another, or different watches with overlapping responsibilities, promoting diligence and preventing dereliction of duty.
    • Thoroughness: A highly disciplined and well-organized system of defense and oversight for the holy place.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "to the west gate, with the gate of Shallecheth on the ascending highway": This phrase meticulously details the specific locations for guard deployment. It showcases a highly organized approach to security and management of the sacred space. Every point of entry and exit, whether prominent or functional, was to be guarded, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of David's preparations for the Temple.
  • "watch against watch": This powerful idiom summarizes the required level of commitment, discipline, and ceaseless dedication for the service of God. It's not a casual task but a critical, perpetual duty, reflecting a divine expectation of unceasing watchfulness over the holy things.

1 Chronicles 26 16 Bonus section

• Architectural Significance: The mention of specific gates and an "ascending highway" suggests a well-defined and elevated temple precinct, likely utilizing existing topographical features and perhaps even early foundations or causeways from Jebusite Jerusalem. This pre-Temple planning emphasizes an existing topography and careful urban integration.
• The Humility of Service: Gatekeepers, while vital, were not priests offering sacrifices. Their inclusion in these detailed assignments underscores that all roles in God's service, from the seemingly humble to the visibly prominent, are important and require diligent faithfulness and precision. Every "member" of the body of service contributes to the proper functioning of the whole.
• Order as a Divine Principle: David's elaborate organization of the Levites and temple service before the Temple was even built echoes the biblical theme of God as a God of order and not of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). This forethought ensured a functional and dedicated workforce ready to minister in the newly constructed sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 26 16 Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:16, though seemingly a minor detail in the overall account of David's preparations, profoundly illustrates his dedication to the meticulous ordering of God's house. It highlights that no aspect of sacred service, not even guarding a waste gate, was deemed insignificant. The strategic placement of gatekeepers, specified down to individual gates like the "west gate" and the "Gate of Shallecheth," demonstrates the exhaustive planning that went into protecting the sanctity and security of the future temple. The phrase "watch against watch" is key; it speaks to an unbroken vigil and a high degree of accountability. This principle extends beyond physical gates, underscoring the spiritual watchfulness Christians are called to maintain over their own hearts, over the doctrines they believe, and within the church community, ensuring the purity and integrity of their walk and worship before God. It implies the need for diligent stewardship, faithful perseverance, and a spirit of vigilance in all responsibilities given by God.