1 Chronicles 9:19 meaning, Cross Ref, ai commentary KJV NIV ESV NLT

1 Chronicles 9:19 kjv

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry.

1 Chronicles 9:19 nkjv

Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, from his father's house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, gatekeepers of the tabernacle. Their fathers had been keepers of the entrance to the camp of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 9:19 niv

Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers from his family (the Korahites) were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the tent just as their ancestors had been responsible for guarding the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 9:19 esv

Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his fathers' house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the LORD, keepers of the entrance.

1 Chronicles 9:19 nlt

Shallum was the son of Kore, a descendant of Abiasaph, from the clan of Korah. He and his relatives, the Korahites, were responsible for guarding the entrance to the sanctuary, just as their ancestors had guarded the Tabernacle in the camp of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 9 19 Cross References

Verse	Text	Reference
Exod 38:21	These are the accounts of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony... by the service of the Levites...	Levites' general service to the Tabernacle.
Num 1:53	But the Levites shall pitch around the tabernacle of the testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel...	Levites guarding the Tabernacle to prevent wrath.
Num 3:28	The number of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, was eight thousand six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.	Numbers of Levites and their charge over sanctuary.
Num 3:38	And those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel...	Specific groups keeping charge of the sanctuary.
Num 16:31-33	...the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah...	Korah's rebellion and judgment.
Num 26:11	Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.	Divine mercy on Korah's surviving children.
Deut 3:5	All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars...	Importance of gates for security/control.
Josh 19:27	And on the north side Iron, and Beth-shemesh, and Beth-Anath; and Judah was given to them in every city of their possession...	Gate function within walled cities (contextual).
1 Chron 6:31-33	And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD... Heman... Asaph... Ethan...	Other Levite families (like Korahites) given specific tasks.
1 Chron 9:18	...Shallum and Akkub and Talmon and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief.	Shallum introduced as chief gatekeeper.
1 Chron 9:22	All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages...	Gatekeepers chosen by genealogy and assigned.
1 Chron 23:5	Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made to praise therewith.	David's organization of gatekeepers and other Levites.
1 Chron 26:1-19	Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore... These were the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and of Merari...	Detailed division and roles of Korahite gatekeepers.
2 Chron 8:14	And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges...	Davidic ordinance for Levitical service confirmed by Solomon.
2 Chron 34:12-13	And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites... the porters also were at every gate for their office.	Levites and gatekeepers' faithful service in temple repair.
Neh 7:45	The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.	Listing of gatekeeper families post-exile (including Shallum's).
Ps 84:10	For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.	Spiritual honor and privilege of serving as a doorkeeper.
Ps 141:3	Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!	Spiritual parallel: guarding a gate as guarding one's speech.
Heb 3:5-6	And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house...	Faithfulness in service, from Tabernacle (Moses) to Christ (His house).
1 Cor 4:1-2	Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.	Divine appointment and expectation of faithfulness in ministry.
1 Pet 4:10	As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.	Spiritual gifts for service; stewarding God's grace.

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

1 Chronicles 9 19 Meaning

1 Chronicles 9:19 identifies Shallum, a descendant of Korah, as a chief gatekeeper overseeing the sacred service, tracing his lineage and highlighting that this was an inherited role. The verse emphasizes the continuation of a specific Levitical duty: protecting the sanctuary and controlling access to it. It reaffirms God's enduring appointment of certain families for specialized tasks within the temple system, even acknowledging a family line whose forefather had rebelled, demonstrating divine grace and established order.

1 Chronicles 9 19 Context

1 Chronicles Chapter 9 details the inhabitants of Jerusalem following the return from Babylonian exile, emphasizing the repopulation and, crucially, the re-establishment of the divine order of worship. It serves as a historical and theological bridge, connecting the exiled generation with their Israelite heritage, especially regarding the roles of priests and Levites. The Chronicler's primary goal is to encourage the returning exiles by showing the continuity of God's covenant promises, the importance of genealogical purity for Temple service, and the faithfulness of God in restoring His people and their worship institutions. Verse 19 specifically highlights the significant role of the gatekeepers, demonstrating that even those from a challenging lineage (Korah's) were indispensable to the orderly function of the restored sanctuary. It underscores the concept of inherited responsibilities within the divinely appointed Levitical structure, vital for the security and sanctity of sacred spaces.

1 Chronicles 9 19 Word analysis

Shallum (שַׁלּוּם - Shallûm): A common Hebrew name meaning "recompense," "peaceful," or "requital." In this context, it refers to a specific individual who was a leading figure among the gatekeepers, indicating his significant administrative role.
son of Kore (בֶן־קוֹרֵא - ben-Qôrē’): "Son of Kore" identifies Shallum's immediate paternal lineage. This Kore is a descendant of Korah, connecting the present leadership directly to the larger Korahite family.
son of Ebiasaph (בֶן־אֶבְיָסָף - ben-’Eḇyāsāph): Ebiasaph means "my father has gathered" or "father of gathering." This further defines the specific branch within the Korahite clan, indicating a detailed and verifiable genealogy crucial for Temple service qualification.
son of Korah (בֶן־קֹרַח - ben-Qoraḥ): This traces the lineage back to Korah himself, the Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Num 16). The repeated mention emphasizes their direct connection to this notable figure. Its inclusion highlights God's sovereignty in allowing this branch to continue in service, despite their ancestor's actions. It signifies divine grace and the faithful perpetuation of designated roles.
his brethren (וְאֶחָיו - wĕ’eḥāw): Refers to his fellow clan members and immediate relatives, implying a collective responsibility and family unity in their designated tasks.
of the house of his father (מִבֵּית אָבִיו - mibBêṯ ’āḇîw): Emphasizes the patriarchal lineage and household unit, crucial for defining identity and roles in ancient Israelite society, especially for Temple service. It means "from his ancestral house."
the Korahites (הַקָּרְחִים - haqqārəḥîm): Clearly identifies their broader clan, known both for rebellion (Num 16) and for significant roles in Israelite worship (e.g., as gatekeepers and musicians, as seen in Psalms authored by Korahites). Their enduring presence in sacred service is a testament to God's enduring covenant and the forgiveness/election within that covenant.
were over the work of the service (עַל־מְלֶאכֶת הָעֲבֹדָה - ‘al-mle’eḵeṯ hā‘ăḇōdāh): "Over the work of the service." This signifies a position of oversight, management, and authority over the operational duties required for the sanctuary. "Work of the service" indicates specific, prescribed, and holy labor associated with the sacred functions.
keepers of the gates (שׁוֹעֲרֵי הַסִּפִּים - šō‘arê hassippîm): This is a very specific and critical role. "Keepers of the gates" or "gatekeepers/doorkeepers." Their duty involved controlling entry and exit, maintaining order, ensuring cleanliness, guarding against unauthorized access, and securing the precious vessels and treasures within the sanctuary.
of the tabernacle (לְאֹהֶל - lĕ’ōhel): Literally, "to the tent." In the Chronicler's context, especially after the Temple's destruction and reconstruction, this can refer symbolically or retroactively to the sanctuary or Temple, viewed as the successor to the Tabernacle. It stresses continuity of the divine mandate for the holy dwelling place of God.
and their fathers had been over the host of the LORD (וַאֲבֹתֵיהֶם עַל־מַחֲנֵה יְהוָה - wa’ăḇōṯêhem ‘al-maḥănēh Yahweh): Connects the current generation's duty directly to their ancestors. "Host of the LORD" (maḥăneh Yahweh) refers to the divinely ordered camp of Israel (like in the wilderness journey), indicating the entire body of worshipers and Levites organized under divine authority.
keepers of the entry (שׁוֹמְרֵי הַמָּבוֹא - šōmərê hammāḇô’): Another term for gatekeepers, emphasizing the guarding of access or entrance points. This repetition stresses the dual nature of their duty: protecting the physical boundaries and ensuring the sanctity of what passes through.

Words-Group Analysis:

"Shallum...of Korah...the Korahites": This specific genealogy highlights both continuity and divine grace. Despite the historical rebellion of their patriarch, the Korahites, through God's mercy (Num 26:11), were not only preserved but were specifically designated for vital Temple service. This legitimizes their present role for the post-exilic community.
"were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates": This phrase defines their primary responsibility: supervisory and protective. Their role was not merely menial; it involved significant trust and organizational duties, essential for the proper functioning and sanctity of the holy site.
"of the tabernacle": While chronologically the temple stood, the Chronicler often refers to "tabernacle" to emphasize the historical continuity from the Mosaic period, implying that the post-exilic Temple service maintained the ancient, God-ordained patterns of worship. This reinforces the legitimacy and unchanging nature of divine directives.
"their fathers had been over the host of the LORD, keepers of the entry": This crucial phrase establishes a long-standing heritage and divine appointment for this specific family. It reassures the returning exiles that their Temple structure and its roles were deeply rooted in God's historical commands, validating the post-exilic structure by appealing to ancient tradition and divine approval for their specific duties related to the entire 'camp' or assembly gathered for worship.

1 Chronicles 9 19 Bonus section

The emphasis on "Shallum, son of Kore... son of Korah" specifically showcases the concept of corporate responsibility combined with individual divine election. While Korah rebelled, his children, distinct from those who perished (Num 26:11), continued a lineage deemed worthy by God for sacred tasks. This illustrates a profound theological principle that divine judgment upon an individual does not necessarily preclude God's grace or purpose for their descendants, particularly when they choose a path of faithfulness.
The meticulous detailing of the gatekeepers' genealogy and their historical roles (dating back to the "host of the LORD" or wilderness tabernacle days) reinforces the Chronicler's pervasive theme: God's covenant with Israel is steadfast, and the institutions of worship (Temple, priesthood, Levites) are continuous expressions of His divine will, essential for the nation's spiritual life and prosperity upon their return from exile.

1 Chronicles 9 19 Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:19 is a key verse in the Chronicler's efforts to re-establish and legitimate the functions of the post-exilic Jerusalem community. It systematically confirms the Levitical role of gatekeepers through the figure of Shallum. The genealogical detail, tracing him directly back to Korah, is not merely a record but a theological statement. Despite Korah's historical rebellion (Num 16), his lineage was not entirely cut off, and in a remarkable act of divine grace, a branch of his descendants was chosen for honorable and crucial service. This choice underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to work through lines that faced past failures. The gatekeepers' function—"over the work of the service," "keepers of the gates of the tabernacle," and "keepers of the entry" for "the host of the LORD"—was paramount. They were the first line of defense against unauthorized entry, guardians of the sanctuary's sanctity, controllers of sacred flow, and custodians of temple treasures. This hereditary role provided stability and consistency in Temple administration, echoing God's faithfulness across generations. For the returning exiles, this verse provided reassurance that the structure of worship they were re-establishing was not a human innovation but a divinely ordained, historically consistent pattern, sustained by God's enduring appointment and mercy.