1 Chronicles 9 17

1 Chronicles 9:17 kjv

And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;

1 Chronicles 9:17 nkjv

And the gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brethren. Shallum was the chief.

1 Chronicles 9:17 niv

The gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman and their fellow Levites, Shallum their chief

1 Chronicles 9:17 esv

The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their kinsmen (Shallum was the chief);

1 Chronicles 9:17 nlt

The gatekeepers who returned were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was the chief gatekeeper.

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 17 Meaning

1 Chronicles 9:17 meticulously identifies four principal gatekeepers – Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, and Ahiman – who were responsible for the temple gates after the Babylonian exile, specifically noting that Shallum held the leadership position among them. This verse signifies the re-establishment of crucial Levitical duties and the ordered restoration of divine service in Jerusalem following the return from captivity, emphasizing the precise roles and leadership within the post-exilic community dedicated to the re-sanctification of the land and temple worship.

1 Chronicles 9 17 Context

1 Chronicles 9 forms a critical part of the Chronicler's post-exilic message, focusing on the inhabitants of Jerusalem who returned from Babylon. Following lengthy genealogies intended to connect the returned exiles to their historical lineage and divine covenant, this chapter lists specific families and individuals, particularly Levites and Temple servants, who resumed their sacred duties in the rebuilt city and Temple. Verses 17-27, in particular, detail the specific roles and responsibilities of the gatekeepers, musicians, and treasurers. This serves to demonstrate the faithful re-establishment of the prescribed Temple service and civic order as mandated by earlier generations, specifically King David's instructions. Historically, the rebuilding efforts and re-population of Jerusalem were vital for reasserting Israel's identity and connection to God after the trauma of the exile, signifying a renewed covenant relationship and national purpose.

1 Chronicles 9 17 Word analysis

• And the gatekeepers: (וְהַשֹּׁעֲרִים, vehash-sho'arim) - The term שֹׁעֲרִים refers to those who guard, regulate access to, and manage the operations of gates. In ancient Israel, especially regarding the Tabernacle and Temple, gatekeepers were a crucial subset of the Levites. Their responsibilities extended beyond mere physical security; they maintained order, supervised the entry and exit of people and goods, and sometimes handled offerings and offerings vessels. They represented the boundaries of sacred space and contributed to the sanctity of divine worship by ensuring only authorized or ritually pure individuals entered certain areas. Their position required trust, faithfulness, and an understanding of ceremonial law.

• Shallum: (שַׁלּוּם, Shallum) - This name means "recompense" or "peace." It was a common name in Israel, appearing several times in biblical records. In this context, it specifies an individual who returned from exile to resume this vital Levitical function. The repeated mention of his name underscores his importance and leadership.

• Akkub: (וְעַקּוּב, ve'akkub) - The name means "insidious" or "supplanter," often associated with "Jacob" (Gen 27:36). Despite potential negative connotations historically, here it signifies a faithful servant holding a sacred office after the return from exile. The character of the person is defined by their actions and obedience to God's will rather than just the etymology of their name.

• Talmon: (וְטַלְמוֹן, ve'talmon) - Meaning "oppressor" or "injured," this name, like Akkub's, bears a difficult literal meaning, yet in this post-exilic list, it signifies another dedicated servant fulfilling an important role in the restored worship structure. This again highlights the identity and divine purpose that new actions create, even if the names had an unusual etymology.

• Ahiman: (וַאֲחִימָן, va'achimān) - This name means "brother of a gift" or "my brother is a gift." Significantly, a figure named Ahiman was one of the three sons of Anak, giant inhabitants of Hebron (Num 13:22, Josh 15:14), who terrorized the Israelite spies. For this name to now be borne by a temple gatekeeper among God's chosen people illustrates a theological triumph: the names of old, formidable foes are now reclaimed by those who serve God's house, symbolizing God's victory and the reordering of the world under His covenant.

• and their brethren: (וַאֲחֵיהֶם, va'acheihem) - This phrase indicates that the named individuals were representatives or heads of a larger group or family units involved in the gatekeeping duty. It highlights the collective nature of service in ancient Israel and the genealogical continuity important to the Chronicler. It implies that their duty extended to and included their families and fellow Levites of similar lineage, creating a strong sense of community and shared responsibility in the re-established Temple service.

• Shallum was the chief: (שַׁלּוּם הָרֹאשׁ, Shallum ha-rosh) - הָרֹאשׁ (ha-rosh) means "the head" or "the chief." This explicit statement elevates Shallum to a position of primary authority and leadership among the gatekeepers. It suggests a hierarchical structure and clear organizational leadership, vital for the efficient and orderly functioning of Temple duties in the restored community. This emphasizes the need for designated leadership roles for any major task in God's service.

1 Chronicles 9 17 Bonus section

The chronicler's interest in post-exilic temple personnel (like these gatekeepers) underscores a strong theological point: despite the upheaval of the exile, God's covenant with His people endured, and the Temple, though rebuilt, remained central to their identity. This emphasis on continuity and legitimate lineage served to solidify the identity of the returned community against external influences and internal disarray. The act of listing names and roles was itself a statement of restoration and divine order, signaling that chaos had been overcome by the re-assertion of sacred law and appointed leadership. The names themselves, particularly "Ahiman," though not directly tied to a specific lesson, may implicitly remind the informed reader of past formidable foes now subsumed under God's overarching victory and purpose for His people, transforming previous symbols of fear into current symbols of faithful service.

1 Chronicles 9 17 Commentary

First Chronicles 9:17 serves as a meticulous record, underlining the careful and deliberate re-establishment of essential services in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The listing of specific names – Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, and Ahiman – reflects the Chronicler's concern with validating the rightful continuity of the Levitical functions. These individuals, and their associated "brethren," represent a vital component of the re-ordered Israelite community. The gatekeepers, though seemingly holding a minor office, were central to the functioning, purity, and security of the Temple, symbolizing faithfulness in even less visible, yet crucial, roles. Shallum's designation as "chief" further emphasizes the critical importance of leadership and structured organization for communal and sacred endeavors. This verse stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people, their land, and their worship, showcasing the practical manifestation of covenant promises through devoted service. It subtly teaches that all roles in God's service, from leadership to the seemingly mundane, are valuable and contribute to the sanctity and order of His house.