1 Chronicles Chapter 26

The Gatekeepers for the Temple

A. The divisions of the gatekeepers

1. The divisions of the gatekeepers

1 Chronicles 26:1-5
“Concerning the divisions of the gatekeepers, of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. And the sons of Meshelemiah were Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh. Moreover the sons of Obed Edom were Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth, for God blessed him.”

The Chronicler begins this section by identifying the divisions of the gatekeepers, an essential Levitical function devoted to safeguarding the sanctity of the temple. The Korahites are noted first, and from this line came Meshelemiah, the son of Kore, who descended from a different Asaph than the well known musician Asaph. Meshelemiah’s sons are listed in order from Zechariah the firstborn to Eliehoenai the seventh. These men formed part of the official rotation that guarded the entrances to the house of the Lord.

The Chronicler then lists the sons of Obed Edom, whose story in earlier chapters demonstrated the blessing of God upon all that belonged to him. God had blessed Obed Edom and it is noted again here because he was given eight sons. Their names are Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sacar, Nethanel, Ammiel, Issachar, and Peulthai. This large and capable household served as an additional testimony to the favor of God upon the family who once housed the ark of the covenant. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that his blessing was not accidental but divine. God entrusted Obed Edom and his sons with sacred work at the temple gates.

The gatekeepers were responsible for both practical and spiritual security. They regulated access to the temple complex and ensured that only those who were ceremonially clean and properly prepared approached the holy precincts. Their work was highly organized and as essential as the sacrifices offered by the priests. Israel took seriously the holiness of the sanctuary, for unlawful entry carried the penalty of death. The gatekeepers helped the people recognize the boundaries God Himself had established.

Despite the outward simplicity of their task, gatekeeping was a position of great privilege. Psalm 84:10 expresses the holy envy of the psalmist, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Their service reflected humility, reverence, and devotion. Though less publicly prominent than singers or priests, they played a vital role during the reforms under Jehoiada, Hezekiah, and Josiah. These men upheld the sanctity of God’s house and protected the worship of Israel.

2. Shemaiah and his sons, and the other sons of Obed Edom

1 Chronicles 26:6-8
“Also to Shemaiah his son were sons born who governed their fathers houses, because they were men of great ability. The sons of Shemaiah were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose brothers Elihu and Semachiah were able men. All these were of the sons of Obed Edom, they and their sons and their brethren, able men with strength for the work, sixty two of Obed Edom.”

Shemaiah, one of the sons of Obed Edom, had sons who rose to leadership within their households because they were men of great ability. Their names were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad. Their brothers Elihu and Semachiah are also described as able men. The Chronicler points out that all these brothers, along with their sons and relatives, were strong and capable men, sixty two in total, belonging to the family of Obed Edom.

Their ability was not merely intellectual talent. They were strong men who possessed courage, discipline, and the willingness to perform difficult tasks for the sake of the sanctuary. Selman notes that their work sometimes required force or physical removal of those who attempted to violate the holiness of the temple, as seen in 2 Chronicles 26:16-20, when Uzziah unlawfully entered the sanctuary. The strength and integrity of the gatekeepers were essential to protecting the worship of God.

The elevation of Shemaiah’s sons to positions of governance demonstrates that God often raises up leaders from faithful families. The blessing upon Obed Edom extended well beyond the immediate event of the ark resting in his home. His descendants became leaders in the house of God, serving with excellence, strength, and devotion. Their presence at the gates ensured that the sanctity of the temple remained uncompromised.

3. Other gatekeepers

1 Chronicles 26:9-12

“And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, eighteen able men. Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons, Shimri the first, for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him the first, Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth, all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. Among these were the divisions of the gatekeepers, among the chief men, having duties just like their brethren, to serve in the house of the Lord.”

The Chronicler continues listing the remaining families appointed to gatekeeping duties. Meshelemiah had eighteen sons and brethren who were described as able men, fully equipped for the demanding responsibilities assigned to gatekeepers. Hosah, from the Merarite branch of Levi, had four sons, yet the first in rank was Shimri, even though he was not the actual firstborn. The text explains that his father made him chief, indicating that leadership and spiritual responsibility were assigned based on character and capability rather than birth order alone. Hilkiah, Tebaliah, and Zechariah followed him. In total, Hosah had thirteen sons and brethren who were qualified for the work.

These men formed additional divisions of the gatekeepers and were counted among the chief men who served at the entrances of the temple. Scripture emphasizes that they had duties “just like their brethren” and served faithfully in the house of the Lord. Their work, though practical and security oriented, held equal value to the more visible spiritual tasks performed by priests and musicians. They ensured reverence, order, and protection at the gates, preventing unlawful entry and safeguarding the sanctity of worship.

The Chronicler stresses the significance of their work because many would be tempted to downgrade the practical tasks as less spiritual or less important. Yet Selman notes that Chronicles deliberately highlights groups like this to teach that in the life of God’s people the distinction between sacred and secular fades away. When all service is offered to the Lord, every task holds spiritual value. Every act of faithfulness in God’s house, whether visible or unseen, contributes to the stability and holiness of worship. Psalm 84:10 underscores this truth when the psalmist declares that he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of his God than dwell in luxury among the wicked. Gatekeeping was a humble task, but in God’s eyes it was an honor.

Trapp also notes that the Asaph mentioned earlier in this section is not Asaph the musician, but another Asaph also known as Ebiasaph. This shows the care Scripture takes to keep genealogical lines distinct.

4. The lot for each family of the gatekeepers

1 Chronicles 26:13-19

“And they cast lots for each gate, the small as well as the great, according to their father’s house. The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and his lot came out for the North Gate, to Obed Edom the South Gate, and to his sons the storehouse. To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came out for the West Gate, with the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway, watchman opposite watchman. On the east were six Levites, on the north four each day, on the south four each day, and for the storehouse two by two. As for the Parbar on the west, there were four on the highway and two at the Parbar. These were the divisions of the gatekeepers among the sons of Korah and among the sons of Merari.”

Just as the priests and musicians were assigned their duties by casting lots, the gatekeepers also received their specific posts through the same practice. The lot ensured fairness, impartiality, and divine sovereignty. The small as well as the great participated, meaning that rank, age, and prestige had no influence on the assignments. God decided their positions through the lot, and David accepted the Lord’s arrangement.

The lot for the East Gate, the most prominent and busiest entrance, fell to Shelemiah. His son Zechariah, described as a wise counselor, received the North Gate. Obed Edom, whose household had already been abundantly blessed by God, received the South Gate, while his sons were entrusted with the storehouse. Shuppim and Hosah were assigned the West Gate along with responsibility for the Shallecheth Gate, which lay along the ascending highway. Their duty required vigilance, described as “watchman opposite watchman,” indicating coordinated security.

The daily distribution of Levites is also listed. Six Levites guarded the east side, four stood watch on the north, four on the south, and two by two served at the storehouse. The Parbar, a structure on the western side of the temple complex, required four gatekeepers on the highway and two at the Parbar itself. Every entrance, pathway, and adjoining area was secured with precision and order.

The Chronicler identifies these assignments as belonging to the sons of Korah and the sons of Merari. By dividing the gates among the families, each clan bore responsibility for specific access points to the sanctuary. This organization upheld the holiness of God’s house.

David’s method of using lots illustrated his submission to the Lord’s will. Morgan notes that while the church today does not cast lots, we must still rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit when appointing individuals to service. Human privilege and favoritism must not influence ministry. Meyer adds that even the temple of the heart needs gatekeepers. Thoughts, attitudes, and influences constantly enter and exit the inner life, and believers must guard their hearts so that nothing unclean intrudes to create distance between themselves and God.

These verses show that God values order, vigilance, and holiness, and that faithful service at the gates of His sanctuary is a sacred calling.

B. Other Levitical Servants to the Temple

1. Overseers for the treasuries of the house of God

1 Chronicles 26:20-25
“Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasuries of the house of God and over the treasuries of the dedicated things. The sons of Laadan, the descendants of the Gershonites of Laadan, heads of their fathers houses, of Laadan the Gershonite, Jehieli. The sons of Jehieli, Zetham and Joel his brother, were over the treasuries of the house of the Lord. Of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites, Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was overseer of the treasuries. And his brethren by Eliezer were Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.”

This passage shifts from the gatekeepers to the Levites entrusted with financial stewardship in the temple. Ahijah was set over the treasuries of the house of God as well as the treasuries of the dedicated things. These treasuries held enormous wealth, including materials designated for the building of the temple and items dedicated from military conquest. David had accumulated vast resources from defeated enemies, and those treasures were consecrated to the Lord for sacred purposes. Their management required organization, accountability, and integrity.

The family of Laadan, a branch of the Gershonites, was entrusted with oversight of the temple treasuries. Jehieli, along with his sons Zetham and Joel, served in this role. Their responsibility demonstrates the trust placed in this family and reflects their proven reliability.

Other Levitical families also participated in overseeing the treasuries. From the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites, Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was made overseer. This is notable because the descendants of Moses did not serve as priests, yet here a grandson in Moses’ line is placed in a position of high administrative responsibility. His brothers descended through Eliezer, including Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zichri, and Shelomith, also served in this work. The treasury required a broad network of trustworthy men, each handling assets dedicated to God and to the future temple.

David’s organization reflects divine wisdom. Financial stewardship in the house of God is never a minor task. It requires men of integrity who treat sacred resources with reverence and never take lightly what belongs to the Lord. Wealth given or dedicated to God must be handled with careful accountability, and David ensured that such a system was firmly established before the temple was ever built.

2. Shelomith, a notable overseer of the treasuries

1 Chronicles 26:26-28
“This Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasuries of the dedicated things which King David and the heads of fathers houses, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated. Some of the spoils won in battles they dedicated to maintain the house of the Lord. And all that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, every dedicated thing, was under the hand of Shelomith and his brethren.”

Shelomith and his brothers were entrusted with the highest level of oversight among the treasuries. They managed the dedicated things offered by King David, the leaders of families, and the military commanders of Israel. These dedicated things included spoils of war offered by David’s armies, materials set apart for maintaining the house of the Lord, and contributions from earlier generations. This vast and historically rich treasury required careful guardianship.

The Chronicler notes that even items dedicated by Samuel the prophet, Saul, Abner, and Joab were under Shelomith’s authority. This means Shelomith oversaw treasures accumulated across many decades of Israel’s early monarchy. These included spoils from battles under Saul, contributions from David’s celebrated commanders, and offerings from spiritual leaders such as Samuel. These resources were preserved, catalogued, and entrusted to the Levites until the time would come for Solomon to build the temple.

Shelomith’s position reveals several truths. First, stewardship in God’s house involves overseeing the blessings He has given across generations. Second, financial faithfulness is a spiritual responsibility requiring strong character, reliability, and reverence. Third, God values order and accountability in the administration of His resources. Fourth, the temple was built not on the wealth of one man alone but on the dedicated gifts accumulated through the faithfulness of many.

These verses remind readers that every contribution to the work of God matters. Whether given by prophets, kings, warriors, or families, dedicated things remain holy. Shelomith and his brethren safeguarded these treasures so that the work of God could advance in purity and strength.

3. Other servants for the kingdom of Israel

1 Chronicles 26:29-32

“Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons performed duties as officials and judges over Israel outside Jerusalem. Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, one thousand seven hundred able men, had the oversight of Israel on the west side of the Jordan for all the business of the Lord, and in the service of the king. Among the Hebronites, Jerijah was head of the Hebronites according to his genealogy of the fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought, and there were found among them capable men at Jazer of Gilead. And his brethren were two thousand seven hundred able men, heads of fathers houses, whom King David made officials over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God and the affairs of the king.”

This section reveals that the Levites, far from being limited to temple functions, played a significant administrative role throughout the kingdom of Israel. The Izharites, under Chenaniah and his sons, served as officials and judges outside Jerusalem. Their jurisdiction extended across the land, dealing with civil matters, legal issues, and the application of the Law. Their work reinforced the idea that the Levites were teachers, interpreters, and guardians of God’s statutes for the entire nation.

The Hebronite families are given special mention. Hashabiah and his brethren, numbering one thousand seven hundred able men, had oversight of Israel on the west side of the Jordan. Their duties included “all the business of the Lord” and responsibilities related to the king. This meant they handled religious administration, legal adjudication, and civil governance. They ensured that the people lived according to the Law while also maintaining loyalty to the throne. These men possessed strength, wisdom, and capability, and their influence helped maintain national stability during David’s reign.

A second Hebronite group, under Jerijah, also demonstrated exceptional leadership. In the fortieth year of David’s reign, when a search was made for reliable officers in the region of Gilead, two thousand seven hundred able men were found, all heads of their fathers houses. David appointed these men as officials over the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. These tribes lived on the east side of the Jordan and often faced unique political and military challenges, making trustworthy leadership essential.

David charged these Levites with responsibilities “for every matter pertaining to God and the affairs of the king.” Trapp notes that this includes expounding the Law, answering difficult cases, resolving disputes, and acting as superintendents across the kingdom. Their work united spiritual instruction with civil governance. Payne observes that the presence of so many Levites in Gilead indicates the strategic and spiritual importance of that region. These men formed a disciplined corps of administrators who upheld the Law of God and supported the authority of the king.

The service of these Levites demonstrates the depth of David’s reforms. Worship, justice, administration, teaching, and national security were intertwined. Israel was to be governed according to God’s Law, and the Levites were placed throughout the land to ensure this happened. Their work preserved unity, upheld righteousness, and strengthened the kingdom politically and spiritually.