13 They cast lots , the small and the great alike, according to their fathers' households , for every gate . 14 The lot to the east fell to Shelemiah . Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah , a counselor with insight , and his lot came out to the north . 15 For Obed-edom it fell to the south , and to his sons went the storehouse . 16 For Shuppim and Hosah it was to the west , by the gate of Shallecheth , on the ascending highway . Guard corresponded to guard . 17 On the east there were six Levites , on the north four daily , on the south four daily , and at the storehouse two by two . 18 At the Parbar on the west there were four at the highway and two at the Parbar . 19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers of the sons of Korah and of the sons of Merari .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26:13-19
Chapter Contents
The offices of the Levites.
The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strength and valour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures. Much was expended daily upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps; quantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. From those sacred treasuries, the unsearchable riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied; and receiving from his fulness, we must give him the glory, and endeavour to dispose of our abilities and substance according to his will. We have an account of those employed as officers and judges. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and must not be neglected. None of the Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; one duty was enough to engage the whole man. Wisdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are requisite or useful for every station.