1 Chronicles · Chapter 26

Verse 1. The divisions of the porters] There were four classes of these, each of which belonged to one of the four gates of the temple, which opened to the four cardinal points of heaven. The eastern gate fell to Shelemiah; the northern, to Zechariah, 1 Chronicles 26:14; the southern, to Obed-edom, 1 Chronicles 26:15; the western, to Shuppim and Hosah, 1 Chronicles 26:16. These several persons were captains of these porter-bands or door-keepers at the different gates. There were probably a thousand men under each of these captains; as we find, from 1 Chronicles 23:5, that there were four thousand in all.

V. 5. Blessed him-With a numerous posterity and other blessings, for his respect and affection to the ark. The increase and building up of families, is owing to the Divine blessing. And a great blessing it is to have many children, when they are like these, eminent in the service of God.

Verse 5. For God blessed him.] “That is, Obed-edom; because of the ark of the Lord which was in his house; and to him was given the honour that he should see his children and grand-children, even fourscore and two, masters of the Levites.”-T. In 1 Chronicles 26:8, we have only sixty-two mentioned.

Verse 5. For God blessed him — With a numerous posterity, and other blessings, for his respect and affection to the ark. The increase and building up of families are owing to the divine blessing. And a great blessing it is to have many children when they are like these, eminent in the service of God.

V. 6. Of valour-This clause is divers times mentioned, because their office required both strength and courage: for they were to shut the doors of the temple, one whereof was so great and weighty, that in the second temple it required twenty men to open and shut it. They were also to keep the guard, to keep out all unclean or forbidden persons, to prevent or suppress any tumults or disorders which might happen in the temple or in its courts, to keep the treasures of the temple, ver. 20,22,24,26, to be officers and judges over Israel, ver. 29, and to manage every matter pertaining to God, and the affairs of the king, ver. 32.

Verse 6. They were mighty men of valour.] They were not only porters or door-keepers in the ordinary sense of the word, but they were a military guard for the gates: and perhaps in this sense alone we are to understand their office.

Verse 6. They were mighty men of valour — This clause is divers times mentioned, because their office required both strength and courage: for they were to shut the doors of the temple, one whereof was so great and weighty that in the second temple it required twenty men to open and shut it. They were also to keep the guard, to keep out all unclean or forbidden persons, to prevent or suppress any tumults or disorders which might happen in the temple or in its courts, to keep the treasures of the temple, (verses 20, 22, 24, 26,) to be officers and judges over Israel, (verse 29,) and to manage every matter pertaining to God and the affairs of the king, verse 32.

V. 10. Made him the chief-Not in inheriting the estate; (this was forbidden by the law) but in this service, for which he was better qualified than his elder brother.

Verse 10. His father made him the chief — Not in inheriting the estate, (this was forbidden by the law,) but in this service, for which he was better qualified than his elder brother.

V. 12. Wards-Heb. having wards answerably to their brethren the other Levites, who were divided into twenty-four courses, as the priests also and the porters were.

Verse 12. The rest of this chapter, with the whole of the xxviiith, is wanting both in the Syriac and Arabic.

Verse 12. Wards — Hebrew, having wards answerably to their brethren the other Levites, who were divided into twenty-four courses, as the priests also, and the porters were.

V. 13. Cast lots-Determining the times and places of their service not by age or dignity, but merely by lot. Every gate-That it might be known to whom the care of each gate was more especially committed.

Verse 13. They cast lots-for every gate.] None of these captains or their companies were permitted to choose which gate they would guard, but each took his appointment by lot.

Verse 13. They cast lots, as well the small as the great — Determining the times and places of their service, not by age or dignity, but merely by lot. According to the house of their fathers — A several lot being allowed for each several house. For every gate — That it might be known to whom the care of each gate was more especially committed.

Verses 14, 15. Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor — Which is noted as an excellent and useful accomplishment for his office, in which there was need of wisdom as well as courage, as may appear by the description of their work, verse 20, &c. See the note on verse 6. The house of Asuppim — Or, of gatherings; probably so named from the assembly of the elders, who met there to consult about the affairs of the temple.

V. 15. Asuppim-Or, of gatherings, probably so named from the assembly of the elders, who met there to consult about the affairs of the temple.

Verse 15. The house of Asuppim.] The house of the collections; the place where either the supplies of the porters, or the offerings made for the use of the priests and Levites, were laid up.

Verses 14, 15. Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor — Which is noted as an excellent and useful accomplishment for his office, in which there was need of wisdom as well as courage, as may appear by the description of their work, verse 20, &c. See the note on verse 6. The house of Asuppim — Or, of gatherings; probably so named from the assembly of the elders, who met there to consult about the affairs of the temple.

V. 16. Shallecheth-A gate of the court so called, as some think, because the ashes and filth of the temple were cast out on that side, which was the most convenient for that purpose, because that was a private quarter, the great ways to the temple lying on the other sides. Going up-By which causeway they went up towards the temple. Ward against ward-As one gate was over against another, the west against the east, and the north against the south, so one ward was over against another.

Verse 16. The gate Shallecheth] The gate of the projections: probably that through which all the offal of the temple was carried out.

Verse 16. With the gate Shallecheth — A gate of the court, so called, as some think, because the ashes and filth of the temple were cast out on that side, which was the most convenient for that purpose, because that was a private quarter, the great ways to the temple lying on the other sides. By the causeway of going up — By which causey they went up toward the temple. Ward against ward — As one gate was over against another, the west against the east, and the north against the south, so one ward was over against another.

V. 17. Six-For that being the chief gate of the temple required a better guard.

Verse 17. Eastward were six Levites] It is supposed that there were more guards set at this eastern gate, because it was more frequented than the others. At each of the other gates were only four; at this, six.

Verse 17. Eastward were six Levites — For that, being the chief gate of the temple, required a better guard. Toward Asuppim — That is, the house of Asuppim, as it is called verse 15, where also it is said to be on the south side; on which there seems to have been a double guard, both belonging to Obed-edom, (verse 15,) one at the south gate, and the other at Asuppim, where possibly the sacred treasures, mentioned verse 20, &c., were laid up, and therefore a particular guard was necessary. See on verse 15.

Verse 18. At Parbar westward — Or, As concerning Parbar, which was another gate, or some building on the western quarter of the temple. Four at the causeway — Which led to Parbar. And two at Parbar — At the gate or house itself; by which it may seem that this was a place of some importance, either the vessels of the temple, or some part of the treasures of God’s house, being kept there.

V. 20. Treasures-There seem to be two different kinds of treasures, the former containing the sacred vessels and other treasures, which by God’s command were appropriated to the maintenance of the house; the latter only those things which had been freely given or dedicated to God.

Verse 20. The treasures of the house of God] Where the money was kept, which was to be expended in oblations for the temple.-Jarchi.

Verse 20. The treasures of the house of God, and the treasures of the dedicated things — These seem to be two different kinds of treasures, the former containing the sacred vessels and other treasures, which by God’s command were appropriated to the maintenance of the house; the latter only those things which had been freely given or dedicated to God.

V. 23. The Amramites-The persons following were of these, or the most of these families. Only here is none of the family of the Uzzielites; either because that family was now extinct, whence it is that we read no more of them in the scripture, but only in this place, and Numbers 3:27, or because there was none of them fit to be employed and trusted in these matters.

Verse 23. Of the Amramites — Or, Concerning the Amramites, &c. The meaning is, the persons following were of these, or the most of these families. Only here is none of the family of the Uzzielites; either because that family was now extinct, whence it is that we read no more of them in the Scripture, but only in this place, and Numbers 3:27, or because there was none of them fit to be employed and trusted in these matters.

V. 24. Ruler-The chief over all the treasures, mentioned before or afterward, as his title shews, which is peculiarly given to him and to none of the rest.

Verse 24. Shebuel the son of Gershom] “Shebuel, that is, Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, who returned to God [lawbv shebuel.] And David, seeing him expert in money matters, constituted him chief treasurer.”-T.

Verse 24. Shebuel, the son of Moses — That is, descended from Moses; was ruler of the treasures — The chief over all the treasures mentioned before or afterward, as his very title shows, which is peculiarly given to him, and to none of the rest. This is the sole honour that we read of hitherto conferred upon any of the posterity of Moses.

V. 27. Maintain-Or repair it.

Verse 27. The spoils won in battles did they dedicate] It seems these were intended for its repairs. This custom prevailed amongst almost all the people of the earth. All who acknowledged any supreme Being, believed that victory could only come through him; and therefore thought it quite rational to give him a share of the spoils. Proofs of this exist in all ancient histories: thus Virgil:—

Irruimus ferro, et divos, ipsumque vocamus

In partem prædamque Jovem.

ÆN. iii., ver. 222.

“With weapons we the welcome prey invade:

Then call the gods for partners of our feast,

And Jove himself, the chief invited guest.”

DRYDEN.

On this passage Servius observes: Ipsum vocamus. Ipsum regem deorum, cui de præda debetur aliquid: nam Romanis moris fuit, ut bella gessuri de parte prædæ aliquid numinibus pollicerentur: adeo ut Romæ fuerit unum templum JOVIS PRÆDATORIS: non quod prædæ præest, sed quod ei ex præda aliquid debeatur. “Jupiter himself, the king of the gods, to whom a portion of the prey was due: for it was a custom among the Romans, when entering on a war, to promise some part of the prey to their deities. And there was a temple at Rome dedicated to JUPITER PRÆDATOR, not because he presided over the prey, but because a part of the prey was due to him.”

Verse 27. To maintain the house of the Lord — Hebrew, To strengthen it: either to make that building strong and substantial by these and other charges; or, rather, to repair it when it should be built; for which they might the rather take peculiar care, because it was likely that every one would contribute to the building of the temple, and there could be no want for that use: but few would provide for the repairs of it, when by the injury of men or time it should receive any damage.

Verse 28. Whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, &c. — Who is particularly named here, and verse 26, because they were chiefly committed to his trust, he being, it seems, a person of eminent wisdom and faithfulness.

Verse 28. Joab had dedicated the spoils of war. Cyrus set apart the tenth of all his spoils for the gods. It was much the same among the Jews: in a line from Abraham, who gave the tenths to Melchizedek, to Samuel, Saul, Abner, David, and his captains, we find a part of their wealth dedicated to the Lord. It was also our Saxon fathers who built the churches; yet we grumble and murmur at every penny we give to God’s cause, because we do not love him, nor his ministers as we ought.

28. All that Samuel… Saul… Abner… and Joab… had dedicated — Here it appears that the sacred treasury had been receiving contributions from the chief men of Israel as far back as the time of Samuel. Comp. also Joshua 6:24.

V. 29. Judges-Judges over the people, in the several cities and towns, to determine questions and controversies which might arise among them. And the reason why the Levites were intrusted with these matters was, because the common law of Israel, by which they had and held all their rights was no other than the law of God, whereof the priests and Levites being the established interpreters, must needs be the most proper judges of things depending thereon.

Verse 29. Outward business] Work done without the city; cutting of timber, hewing stones, ploughing the fields belonging to the sanctuary.-Jarchi.

Verse 29. Chenaniah, &c., were for the outward business — That is, the business without the city of Jerusalem; which neither belonged to the singers nor the porters, whose business was within the city. For officers and judges — To be assessors with the ordinary judges in the several cities and towns, to determine questions and controversies which might arise among them. And the reason why the Levites were intrusted with these matters was, because the common law of Israel, by which they had and held all their rights, was no other than the law of God, whereof the priests and Levites, being the established interpreters, must needs be the most proper judges of things depending thereon.

29. For the outward business over Israel — The business of local scribes, magistrates, and teachers of the people. See note on 1 Chronicles 23:4. As such their office was, as expressed in verse 32, to attend to “every matter pertaining to God and the affairs of the king.” They were to proclaim, expound, and enforce among the people the law of God and the commands of the king.

V. 30. Of the Lord-In all things which concerned the house or worship of God; to take care that such monies as were given towards building the temple, or towards the sacrifices and other holy ministrations should be gathered and received, and faithfully sent up to Jerusalem; and to see to the execution of all the laws of God among the people. Service of, &c.-They served the king in the execution of his decrees, by which the several rights of the king and people were established. And as the king was the principal person intrusted with the execution of God’s laws, so these Levites chiefly were his eyes by which he saw his people’s transgressions, and his hands by which he inflicted due censures upon them for their miscarriages.

Verse 30. In all the business of the Lord] Every thing that concerned ecclesiastical matters.

In the service of the king.] Every thing that concerned civil affairs: see also 1 Chronicles 26:32.

Thus courts of ecclesiastical and civil judicature were established in the land; and due care taken to preserve and insure the peace of the Church, and the safety of the state; without which the public welfare could neither be secured nor promoted. Whatever affects religion in any country, must affect the state or government of that country: true religion alone can dispose men to civil obedience. Therefore, it is the interest of every state to protect and encourage religion. It would certainly be ruinous to true religion, to make the state dependent on the Church; nor should the Church be dependent on the state. Let them mutually support each other; and let the state rule by the laws, and the Church live by the Bible. I CHRONICLES

Verse 30. In all business of the Lord — In all things which concerned the house or worship of God; to take care that such moneys as were given toward building the temple, or toward the sacrifices and other holy ministrations, should be gathered and received, and faithfully sent up to Jerusalem; and to see the execution of all the laws of God among the people. In the service of the king, &c. — They served the king in the execution of his decrees, by which the several rights of the king and people were established. And as the king was the principal person intrusted with the execution of God’s laws, so these Levites chiefly were his eyes, by which he saw his people’s transgressions, and his hands, by which he inflicted due censures upon them for their miscarriages.

V. 31. Fortieth year-His last year, in which he made all the orders of families and officers recorded in these chapters. We should be so much the more diligent in doing good, as we see the day approaching. If we live not to enjoy the fruit of our labours, let us not grudge it to them that come after us.

Verse 31. In the fortieth year of the reign of David — His last year, in which he made all the orders of families and officers recorded in these chapters. We should be so much the more diligent in doing good, as we see the day approaching. If we live not to enjoy the fruit of our labours, let us not grudge it to them that come after us.

Verse 32. Two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers — Which is a very great number to be employed about two tribes and a half, when all the rest of the tribes had only one thousand seven hundred, (verse 30,) besides those under Chenaniah, of whom see on verse 29. But the reason hereof is plain, because the tribes without Jordan, being more remote from the king’s court, and from the place of public and solemn worship, needed more than ordinary help to instruct and keep them in the practice of true religion, and the worship of God, and obedience to their king.