1 Chronicles 9:18 kjv
Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.
1 Chronicles 9:18 nkjv
Until then they had been gatekeepers for the camps of the children of Levi at the King's Gate on the east.
1 Chronicles 9:18 niv
being stationed at the King's Gate on the east, up to the present time. These were the gatekeepers belonging to the camp of the Levites.
1 Chronicles 9:18 esv
until then they were in the king's gate on the east side as the gatekeepers of the camps of the Levites.
1 Chronicles 9:18 nlt
Prior to this time, they were responsible for the King's Gate on the east side. These men served as gatekeepers for the camps of the Levites.
1 Chronicles 9 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 9:17 | The gatekeepers were Shallum... chief of the gatekeepers... | Introduces the gatekeepers. |
| 1 Chr 9:19 | Shallum... was at the King's Gate eastward. | Echoes exact location/duty. |
| 1 Chr 9:22 | All these who were chosen as gatekeepers... ordained by David and Samuel. | Establishes the divine institution of the role. |
| 1 Chr 9:26 | These chief gatekeepers were responsible... in the chambers and treasuries. | Details broad responsibilities of gatekeepers. |
| 1 Chr 23:28-32 | The duty of the Levites... for all service of the house of God... | Broader Levitical service responsibilities. |
| 1 Chr 26:1-19 | Describes the divisions of the gatekeepers and their assignments. | Shows comprehensive organization of roles. |
| Num 3:23 | Gershonites' camp was behind the tabernacle to the west. | Illustrates "camps of Levi" structure. |
| Num 4:32 | The assigned task of the Gershonites... charge of the service. | Demonstrates specific Levitical charges. |
| Ezra 2:42 | The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum... | Mentions gatekeepers returning from exile. |
| Neh 7:1 | When the wall was rebuilt... I appointed gatekeepers. | Highlights their vital role in restoration. |
| Ps 84:10 | For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper... | Illustrates humble and preferred service. |
| Isa 62:6 | On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen. | Watchmen role linked to city/temple security. |
| Ez 44:1-3 | Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut... | East gate significance, reserved for prince. |
| Ez 46:1-3 | Thus says the Lord GOD: The gate of the inner court that faces east shall be shut... | Eastern gate protocols for worship. |
| Gen 3:24 | He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim... | Guarding the "way to the tree of life." |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | But all things should be done decently and in order. | Principle of order in sacred duties. |
| Tit 1:5 | This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order. | Emphasizes administrative order in ministry. |
| 1 Tim 3:15 | how one ought to behave in the household of God. | Guidance for conduct within God's people. |
| Heb 10:19-22 | Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places... | Believers now have access to God's presence. |
| Matt 24:45-47 | Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household? | Servant leadership and responsibility. |
| Mk 13:34 | it is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves his home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. | Highlights watchfulness and specific duties. |
| Col 3:23-24 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men... | Service motivation: working unto the Lord. |
1 Chronicles 9 verses
1 Chronicles 9 18 Meaning
The verse specifies that particular individuals, acting as gatekeepers, held responsibility for the king’s eastern gate. Their crucial role involved overseeing and managing access, security, and the internal organization specifically for the divisions and operations of the Levites serving within the temple complex and its surrounding camps. This highlights the re-establishment of meticulous order and dedicated service within God's restored house after the Babylonian exile.
1 Chronicles 9 18 Context
1 Chronicles 9:18 appears within a comprehensive account of those who returned from Babylonian exile and resettled in Jerusalem. Chapters 9-16 meticulously list genealogies, particularly emphasizing the priestly and Levitical families and their re-established roles in temple service. This particular verse describes the duties of the gatekeepers, a specific Levitical group, underscoring the return to order and divine worship after years of desolation. It reinforces the importance of meticulous temple administration and the security of sacred spaces, echoing God’s original blueprint for Tabernacle and Temple service. The listing serves to show the continuity of God's covenant people and their roles, despite the disruptive period of exile, establishing a firm foundation for future spiritual life in the promised land.
1 Chronicles 9 18 Word analysis
- who heretofore were: The Hebrew, wᵉhēm hāyû (וְהֵם הָיוּ), literally "and they were" or "and they had been." The KJV's "heretofore" suggests a historical or ongoing established role, emphasizing that these duties were not new but part of a continuity rooted in earlier temple administration, stretching back to David's organization.
- at the king's gate: The Hebrew bĕshaʿar hammelek (בְּשַׁעַר הַמֶּלֶךְ). This refers to a significant and possibly primary gate. In the post-exilic context, this likely means a gate within the broader temple precinct, as the temple itself was intrinsically linked to the authority of Israel's king (even when absent, it represented God's kingdom). This was not merely a civilian gate but one associated with regal and sacred entry, controlling access to a crucial part of the complex.
- eastward: The Hebrew qēḏmāh (קֵדְמָה), meaning "eastward" or "to the front/east." The Eastern Gate often held significant symbolic meaning in Israelite theology, sometimes associated with the entry or departure of God's glory (e.g., in Ezekiel's visions). It was also often a primary public entrance, making its security and management paramount.
- porter's lodge for the camps of the children of Levi: The Hebrew phrase is shōʿarîm lĕmaḥănōṭ bĕnê lēwî (שֹׁעֲרִים לְמַחֲנוֹת בְּנֵי לֵוִי).
- porter's lodge / gatekeepers: shōʿarîm denotes "gatekeepers" or "doorkeepers." This was a specific and important Levitical function, not just menial labor. Gatekeepers were responsible for security, controlling access, opening and closing gates, maintaining order, and often safeguarding treasury and sacred vessels (1 Chr 9:26). Their role ensured the sanctity of the temple was preserved.
- for the camps: lĕmaḥănōṭ, meaning "for the encampments" or "for the divisions." This is critical. It implies that the gatekeepers' duties at this prominent eastern gate were not merely for public entry, but specifically focused on the organization, movements, and perhaps quartering or daily operational needs of the different groups and divisions of the Levites themselves, who were assigned to various tasks within the temple complex. This highlights internal order and discipline within the ranks of the consecrated tribe.
- of the children of Levi: bĕnê lēwî ("sons of Levi") designates the entire tribe dedicated to sacred service, from priests to temple servants. This re-emphasizes that these detailed responsibilities were integral to the broader Levitical mandate given by God.
1 Chronicles 9 18 Bonus section
- The office of gatekeeper (sho'er) was not a casual one; it often involved a hereditary lineage, denoting a strong connection to faithful service and responsibility passed down through generations.
- The "king's gate" here would likely have been one of the significant gates of the Temple Court, potentially functioning as a main entry for public and Levitical traffic. The King himself, representing the divine ruler, might use this gate, or it might be symbolically linked to the king's authority over the spiritual life of the nation.
- The "camps of the children of Levi" doesn't necessarily imply tents in an open field, but rather the various organized divisions and designated living or operational quarters for the different Levitical families or groups within or adjacent to the temple area, reflecting a structured community dedicated to service.
1 Chronicles 9 18 Commentary
1 Chronicles 9:18 highlights the meticulous divine providence and human responsibility in restoring the sacred operations after the Babylonian exile. It details a specific and vital aspect of temple service: the gatekeepers, particularly their assignment to the eastern "king's gate" with oversight of the Levitical "camps." This underscores the re-establishment of a precise, ordered structure within God’s household. The role of gatekeepers, hereditary and honored, was fundamental for security, sanctity, and orderly worship. By detailing this, the Chronicler reinforces the enduring covenant with God and the precise pattern for proper service. This verse reminds us that even seemingly administrative or minor roles in God's service are integral to His overarching plan for order and holiness, reflecting a comprehensive care for all aspects of worship. For example, a modern-day church greeter or security team reflects a small yet vital aspect of ensuring order and safety, mirroring the diligent role of the temple gatekeepers in facilitating sacred operations.