1 Chronicles 9 28

1 Chronicles 9:28 kjv

And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.

1 Chronicles 9:28 nkjv

Now some of them were in charge of the serving vessels, for they brought them in and took them out by count.

1 Chronicles 9:28 niv

Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out.

1 Chronicles 9:28 esv

Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out.

1 Chronicles 9:28 nlt

Some of the gatekeepers were assigned to care for the various articles used in worship. They checked them in and out to avoid any loss.

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 28 Meaning

1 Chronicles 9:28 describes the specific, meticulous duty of certain Levites, identified as gatekeepers and temple servants, who were responsible for the care and management of the sacred utensils used in the divine service. This verse highlights the stringent accountability required in handling these consecrated objects, as they were precisely counted upon entry into the storage areas and upon removal for use, ensuring that none were lost, misplaced, or handled irreverently. It underscores the high regard for order, integrity, and sanctity within the administration of the Tabernacle/Temple worship.

1 Chronicles 9 28 Context

1 Chronicles 9 provides a detailed list of the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the lineage and duties of those involved in the restoration of the Temple and its service. This chapter meticulously outlines the roles of priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and other Temple servants, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing His people back and re-establishing organized worship. Verse 28 falls within a section (1 Chr 9:17-32) that specifically describes the responsibilities of the gatekeepers. Historically, these lists underscored the divine providence and covenant faithfulness in sustaining a remnant and restoring the spiritual infrastructure of Israel after periods of scattering and apostasy. The meticulous nature of the duties, like counting utensils, aimed to prevent a recurrence of the negligence and irreverence that had plagued Israel's past worship and contributed to its downfall, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity required in serving God.

1 Chronicles 9 28 Word analysis

• Some of them: Refers to a specific subset of the gatekeepers and their Levitical colleagues mentioned earlier in 1 Chr 9, specifically those designated for particular temple duties (1 Chr 9:26). This implies a specialized role within the larger group of Levites.
• also had charge: The Hebrew term פָּקַד (paqad) implies appointment, oversight, and a designated responsibility or official duty. It signifies more than casual care; it indicates being entrusted with something of value and being accountable for it, implying an administrative function.
• the utensils of service: Hebrew כְּלֵי הָעֲבֹדָה (kley ha-avodah).Kleymeans vessels, implements, or tools, andavodah` means service or worship, specifically pertaining to sacred service. These were not ordinary items but consecrated instruments essential for the performance of priestly duties (e.g., sacrifice, anointing, offering incense, lamps, showbread tables, altars). Their holiness derived from their exclusive use in the worship of Yahweh.
• for by count were they brought in and by count were they carried out: The Hebrew בְּמִסְפָּר (bemissipar) translates to "by number" or "by count." The repetition of this phrase, "brought in" (יְבִיאָם, yevi'am) and "carried out" (מוֹצִיאָם, motzi'am), underscores extreme precision, exactitude, and meticulous accounting. This practice served several crucial functions:
  • Accountability: Ensuring that all valuable and sacred items were present and accounted for, preventing theft, loss, or unauthorized use. This aligns with a culture of stewardship.
  • Holiness: Emphasizing the sanctity and unique nature of these objects; they were not to be treated as common items.
  • Orderliness: Maintaining order in divine worship, reflecting God's character of precision and organization.
  • Integrity: Preventing corruption or negligence in temple administration, a direct contrast to past failures in Israelite history.
  • Safeguarding: Protecting the vessels from defilement or damage.
  • Group analysis: "had charge of the utensils of service": This phrase delineates a critical stewardship role. These Levites were not merely guards but custodians entrusted with instruments that facilitated the divine-human interaction in the Tabernacle/Temple, requiring an acute sense of responsibility.
  • Group analysis: "by count were they brought in and by count were they carried out": This powerful repetition emphasizes absolute exactitude. It demonstrates that spiritual service demands not only devotion but also meticulous practical attention to detail, signifying reverence for God and His worship. This level of precise inventory suggests a deep value placed on the sacredness of the objects, symbolizing God's own holiness and demand for purity in service.

1 Chronicles 9 28 Bonus section

The precise counting in 1 Chronicles 9:28 reflects a core principle found throughout the Bible: God is a God of order, and He values faithfulness and meticulousness in service. This emphasis is not unique to post-exilic temple organization; it has roots in the highly detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-40, Numbers 3-4). The concern over every vessel and implement symbolizes a holistic approach to worship, where every aspect, material or spiritual, is treated with honor and seriousness before God. This passage reminds us that serving God involves practical details as much as spiritual fervor. It counters any notion that mundane tasks are less important in spiritual service, illustrating that even administrative functions in God's house must be executed with diligence and reverence.

1 Chronicles 9 28 Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:28 offers a precise glimpse into the meticulous nature of temple service among the returning exiles. It highlights that God demands not only fervent devotion but also exactness, accountability, and scrupulous care in handling everything associated with His worship. The careful counting of "utensils of service" wasn't merely about inventory management; it underscored the sanctity of these items and the sacred space they occupied. Each vessel, from the smallest basin to the largest lampstand, was consecrated and played a part in mediating Israel's relationship with God. This verse teaches us that faithful stewardship, characterized by diligence and integrity in seemingly small or routine tasks, is crucial in serving the Lord. It stands as a polemic against the irreverence, sloppiness, or corruption that may have plagued past temple administrations, reminding the restored community that attention to detail reflects reverence for God's holiness and glory. For instance, just as a temple gatekeeper accounted for every cup, a believer is called to manage even the smallest talents or responsibilities God has given with utmost faithfulness.