1 Crônicas 26

1 Crônicas 26

Guzik comments "Though some might see their work as humble, it was actually of great privilege. Remember the envy of the Psalmist: I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Psalm 84:10) Utley on the gatekeepers - Some of the Levites served as "temple guardians" or "temple watchmen." They are listed in 1Ch 9:17-27 and numbered along with the singers in 1Ch 16:37-43. They are also mentioned in the second temple post-exilic period (cf. Ezra 2:42,70; 7:24; 10:24; Neh. 10:28; 11:19). Their tasks involved security and access. Meshelemiah apparently had a number of names, the ISBE stating "He is the "Shelemiah" of 1 Ch 26:14, the "Shallum" of 1 Ch 9:17,19,31, and the "Meshullam" of Neh 12:25." TSK Note - divisions of gatekeepers: There were four classes of these, each of which belonged to 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, (ver. 14;) the southern to Obed-edom, (ver. 15;) and the western to Shuppim and Hosah, (ver. 16.) These several persons were captains of these door-keepers at the different gates. There were probably a thousand men under each of these captains; as we find, from 1Ch 23:5, that their whole number was four thousand. MacArthur on gatekeepers (or guards as we would call them today) - They had other duties, such as checking out equipment and utensils; storing, ordering and maintaining food for the priests and sacrifices; caring for the temple furniture; mixing the incense daily burned; and accounting for gifts brought. Their "duties" (1Ch 26:12) are given in 1Ch 9:17-27. (Borrow The MacArthur Study Bible) ISBE description of gatekeepers - In the Old Testament, except in 2Sa 18:26; 2 Ki 7:10,11, the porter (sho`er) is a sacred officer of the temple or tabernacle, belonging to a particular family of the Levites, with a share in the sacred dues (Neh 13:5; 12:47). The "porters" are mentioned only in Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, and Chronicles has a special interest in them, relating that their duties were settled as far back as the time of David (1Ch 26:1-19), and that the office extended further to the first settlement of Palestine and even to Moses' day (1Ch 9:17-26). The office was evidently one of some dignity, and the "chief-porters" (1Ch 9:26) were important persons. NIV Study Bible (borrow) note on Asaph - "This name appears to be an abbreviation of Ebiasaph (1Ch 6:23; 9:19); he should not be confused with the temple musician (125:1-2,6)." NAVE's agrees Asaph here is "A Kohath Levite, 1 Chr. 26:1." HCSB Note adds "Possibly "Asaph" here should read "Ebiasaph" instead, as does the LXX. Compare also "Ebiasaph" at 1Ch 9:19. Utley has this note on Asaph "In 1 Chr. 6:23; 9:19, he is named "Ebiasaph." Trapp agrees that this is “Not that famous Asaph the singer, but another Asaph, called also Ebiasaph, 1 Chronicles 6:37." THOUGHT - This chapter is about gatekeepers, men posted to guard entry into the holy temple of God lest anything or anyone profane be allowed to enter and to defile the holiness. Can we not see the clear application to our lives in light of the words of Paul? He asks if we remember that our "body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." (1Cor 6:19-20+) Here is the critical takeaway - We must all CONTINUALLY "post a guard" at the doorway of our heart, so that every avenue for sin's entry is blocked. It is when the sentry falls asleep that the temple is most likely to be entered by our mortal enemies the the world, the flesh and the devil. And so even Solomon gives the following command (sadly one he himself failed to obey in his later years. Woe to all us older folks!) Watch over your heart with all diligence, (WHY?) For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23+ F B