27 They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.

Other Translations of 1 Chronicles 9:27

King James Version

27 And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.

English Standard Version

27 And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.

The Message

27 They kept watch all through the night and had the key to open the doors each morning.

New King James Version

27 And they lodged all around the house of God because they had the responsibility, and they were in charge of opening it every morning.

New Living Translation

27 They would spend the night around the house of God, since it was their duty to guard it and to open the gates every morning.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:27

Chapter Contents

Genealogies.

This chapter expresses that one end of recording all these genealogies was, to direct the Jews, when they returned out of captivity, with whom to unite, and where to reside. Here is an account of the good state into which the affairs of religion were put, on the return from Babylon. Every one knew his charge. Work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place, and makes a business of it. God is the God of order. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Revelation 4:8. Blessed be His name, believers there shall, not in turn, but all together, without interruption, praise him night and day: may the Lord make each of us fit for the inheritance of the saints in light.