1 Chronicles 26 17

1 Chronicles 26:17 kjv

Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.

1 Chronicles 26:17 nkjv

On the east were six Levites, on the north four each day, on the south four each day, and for the storehouse two by two.

1 Chronicles 26:17 niv

There were six Levites a day on the east, four a day on the north, four a day on the south and two at a time at the storehouse.

1 Chronicles 26:17 esv

On the east there were six each day, on the north four each day, on the south four each day, as well as two and two at the gatehouse.

1 Chronicles 26:17 nlt

Six Levites were assigned each day to the east gate, four to the north gate, four to the south gate, and two pairs at the storehouse.

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 17 Meaning

1 Chronicles 26:17 meticulously details the allocation of duties for the Levite gatekeepers at specific entrances of the Tabernacle complex (and pre-figure for the future Temple). It specifies the number of Levites assigned to the eastern, northern, and southern gates, and the storehouse or treasury area, emphasizing the daily, systematic, and secure management of these critical points. This verse underscores the precise order established by King David for the continuous worship and administrative functions of God's sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 26 17 Context

First Chronicles chapter 26 is dedicated to detailing the various divisions and responsibilities of the Levite gatekeepers within David's meticulous organization for the Tabernacle service, in anticipation of Solomon's future Temple. This specific verse (17) provides precise instructions for the deployment of these gatekeepers at various strategic access points, namely the east, north, and south gates, and a critical internal location known as "the Storehouse." The larger context of 1 Chronicles chapters 23-27 outlines King David's extensive preparations for the future Temple administration, including the census and categorization of Levites into various service groups—priests, musicians, scribes, officers, judges, and gatekeepers. David, being a man after God's own heart, ensured that all aspects of worship and the practical upkeep of God's house were managed with utmost order and reverence. This careful planning reflects a theological emphasis by the Chronicler on the proper, structured, and continuous worship of Yahweh as central to the life and well-being of Israel.

1 Chronicles 26 17 Word analysis

• For the East (מִזְרָח - mizrach): Refers to the Eastern side. In ancient Near Eastern temple design, the main entrance or most significant gate was often on the East, where the sun rises. This direction held symbolic significance and typically had the highest traffic, potentially necessitating a larger number of guards.
• there were six (שִׁשָּׁה - shishshah): This number indicates the largest contingent of gatekeepers for any single point mentioned in this verse. This further highlights the prominence, importance, and high traffic nature of the Eastern gate, requiring more security and oversight.
• Levites (לְוִיִּם - levi'im): These were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart by God for special service in the Tabernacle and Temple. Their duties included ministering to the priests, teaching the Law, caring for the Tabernacle/Temple furnishings, and importantly, acting as gatekeepers, musicians, and treasurers. Their selection for these specific roles emphasized God's designated order for holy service.
• for the North (צָפוֹנָה - tsafonah): The Northern side or gate.
• four (אַרְבָּעָה - arba'ah): The number assigned to both the North and South gates. This smaller number compared to the East suggests a more standard level of traffic or security requirements.
• each day (לַיּוֹם - la-yom): This crucial phrase emphasizes the daily, continuous, and unwavering nature of the gatekeepers' duty. Their presence was not occasional but constant, reflecting the ongoing and perpetual worship and administrative functions of God's sanctuary. It highlights diligence, faithfulness, and consistency.
• for the South (נֶגְבָּה - negbah): The Southern side or gate.
• four (אַרְבָּעָה - arba'ah): Consistent with the Northern gate assignment, indicating symmetrical coverage.
• each day (לַיּוֹם - la-yom): Reiteration for emphasis.
• and for the Storehouse (וְלָאֲסֻפִּים - ve-la'asuppim or "to the Assuppim"). This specific term is intriguing. While some translations render it "the storehouse," it more precisely refers to the chambers or designated areas where tithes, offerings, temple treasures, and provisions were gathered and stored. These would be vital internal locations, requiring specialized security to protect the sacred resources. The security here was not about managing general entry but protecting precious items.
• two (שְׁנַיִם - shenayim): The lowest number of personnel assigned to this area. This could indicate it was an interior or less accessible location, perhaps with restricted entry points, needing fewer guards for vigilance. Their role would be focused on careful oversight of valuable inventory rather than traffic control.

Words-group analysis

• "For the East, there were six Levites": This phrase highlights the preeminence and strategic importance of the Eastern gate. Its higher complement of six Levites signifies it as the primary, most frequented, or most significant access point, possibly due to ceremonial entrances or public interaction. This emphasis on the East often prefigures messianic themes in other parts of the Bible (e.g., Ezekiel's vision of the Temple where God's glory enters through the East gate).
• "for the North, four each day; for the South, four each day": The symmetrical assignment of four Levites to the North and South gates on a daily basis suggests a balanced and comprehensive approach to guarding all external access points. This indicates an orderly system designed for thorough and consistent oversight across the Tabernacle/Temple precincts. The daily routine underscored continuity of service.
• "and for the Storehouse, two each day": This specific mention of "the Storehouse" (Asuppim) and its unique assignment of only two Levites daily points to the distinctive nature of its function. It was likely an internal treasury or storage area for sacred donations and supplies. The fewer guards suggest it might have been a more secure, less publicly accessible location, where the focus was on the integrity and security of the stored goods rather than crowd management. This highlights the importance of stewardship of material resources consecrated to God. The emphasis on "each day" applies consistently across all locations, signifying constant vigilance.

1 Chronicles 26 17 Bonus section

The chronicler's detailed enumeration of personnel, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26, is characteristic of his historical writing, aiming to demonstrate the legitimate continuation of God's covenant with Israel through the lineage of David and the re-establishment of proper worship. These lists and organizational charts were not mere bureaucratic details but affirmed divine order and continuity in a post-exilic context. The "gates" in ancient cities were crucial points of entry, judgment, commerce, and defense. Assigning specific personnel to them signifies their strategic importance, serving as critical points of control for both human access and the sacred offerings brought to the temple. The inclusion of the "Storehouse" within the gatekeeper's jurisdiction emphasizes that securing temple property and resources (the Lord's portion) was as vital as controlling external access, highlighting a holistic view of temple integrity. This divine blueprint for temple service underscores the theological principle that God is a God of order, and His worship should reflect that perfection and meticulousness.

1 Chronicles 26 17 Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:17 vividly portrays the meticulous organization King David instituted for the Tabernacle's security and management, a foresight for the future Temple. The specific numbering of gatekeepers for each direction (East, North, South) and the designated "Storehouse" reflects a profound understanding of the sanctity and operational needs of God's dwelling place. The eastern gate, receiving the largest contingent, signifies its primary importance as a main entry point. The consistent presence "each day" underscores the ceaseless vigilance and perpetual dedication required for holy service. This wasn't merely a civil duty; it was a sacred responsibility to safeguard both the physical premises of divine worship and the sacred resources entrusted to God's people. This passage reinforces the Chronicler's emphasis on divinely ordered worship, meticulous administration, and faithful stewardship as integral components of covenant faithfulness. It sets a pattern for diligent service in God's kingdom, where even seemingly minor roles contribute significantly to the overall purpose and sanctity.

Examples for practical usage:

• Diligence in assigned tasks: Every believer has a role, no matter how "small," and consistent faithfulness in that role is vital (e.g., attending regularly to small group ministry, serving consistently in hospitality).
• Guardianship of what is sacred: Believers are called to guard the truths of faith and the purity of the Church, preventing false doctrines or unholy practices from entering.
• Order and intentionality in ministry: Just as the temple operations were highly organized, church ministries and personal devotion should exhibit order and purpose, reflecting God's nature.