1 Chronicles 9:26

(26) For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office.—The Heb. says, or seems to say, “For in fixed position (or trust) were they, viz., the four heroes of the warders.” (See 1Ch_9:17 which apparently names four chief “porters.”) The temporary chiefs of the warder guilds abode in the Temple; the mass of their members was settled in the neighbouring villages, and occupied with pastoral pursuits.

And were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.—This statement belongs to the following verse. The preceding account of the porters or warders seems to terminate with the words. “For in fixed position are they, the four stalwart warders; they are the Levites;” that is, the Levites par excellence. And they were over the cells and over the treasuries of the house of God (viz., the warders); and they used to pass the night (1Ch_9:27) in the places round the house of God, for upon them was the ward, and they were over the opening (key) every morning—a brief recapitulation of the main duty of the Levitical warders. Some have proposed to alter the text of 1Ch_9:26 b, and to read, “And some of the Levites were over the cells,” &c, thus constituting a new paragraph, although 1Ch_9:27 obviously recurs to the warders. Probably the paragraph mark should be transferred to 1Ch_9:28. From this point to 1Ch_9:34 we have a review of the other special charges of the Levites.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

1Ch 9:26-27. These Levites were in their set office — These were constantly upon the place, in the execution of their office, that they might oversee the inferior porters in their work. Were over the treasuries — In which the sacred utensils, and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept. They lodged round about the house of God — They were not permitted to dwell in the villages as their brethren were, but were obliged to constant residence in the place, because their office required it.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Or, opening of the doors.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

26. For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office] R.V. For the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in a set office. It seems from this passage (and also from the structure of this chapter; cp. 1Ch_9:10; 1Ch_14:17) that the doorkeepers were not, as a body, Levites. Their leaders however, being Levites, were placed in positions of greater trust; cp. 1Ch_26:20-28. In 2Ch_34:9 Levites appear exercising the duties of doorkeepers, but this does not prove that all doorkeepers were Levites.

chambers] i.e. store-chambers in which tithes and sacred vessels were kept; cp. 2Ch_31:5; 2Ch_31:11-12; Neh_13:4-9. The chambers were probably built as outbuildings round the Court of the Temple; cp. 1Ch_23:28; 1Ch_28:12.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Which the priests used in sacrificing, and which the Levites brought to them, and returned again to their proper places.

And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Which the priests used in sacrificing, and which the Levites brought to them, and returned again to their proper places.

1 Chronicles 9:29

ch1 9:29

ch1 9:29

ch1 9:29Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary,.... They were committed to their care; they delivered them out on occasion, and their business was to see that they were returned when they had done their use and service:

and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices; which were used in meat offerings, drink offerings, &c. see Ch1 26:20 under the second temple, Ahiah was over the libations or drink offerings (x).

(x) Ibid. (Misn. Shekalim, c. 5. sect. 1.)

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Rather, “For the four chief porters, who were themselves Levites, were in trust, who also had the charge of the chambers, etc.” A contrast seems intended between the four chief porters, whose charge was constant, and the remainder, who kept watch by turns.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

To these. Hebrew, "for these Levites, (Sellum, &c.; ver. 17) four chief porters were in their set office," for life, or as long as they were able to serve, and did not change every week like the rest. --- Lord: the apartments of the priests, and the storehouses, (Haydock) where all precious ornaments, wine, &c., were kept. (Calmet)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

Were in their set office, i. e. these were constantly upon the place, and in the execution of their office, that so they might oversee and direct the inferior porters in their work. Or, as others render the words, agreeably to the Hebrew text, For these (i.e. their brethren, 1Ch 9:25) were under the charge, or committed to the trust of the

four chief porters, who also were Levites, as their brethren were; whereas the chief of all of them was a priest. Either way these words contain a reason of what was said, 1Ch 9:25, why the rest were to come to these, and to be with them.

Treasuries; in which the sacred utensils, and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Vers. 26-32.

Ministers of the sanctuary.

The arrangements for the service of the Levites in the Lord"s house seem to have been made, or at all events settled, by Samuel and by David. The same arrangements, substantially, were adopted by Solomon, in connection with the first temple, and by Ezra and Nehemiah in the second temple erected by Zerubbabel. For the custody of the holy house, four chief warders were appointed, under whom were a hundred and sixty-eight porters, who, in turn, fulfilled their important and sacred office. These attendants had their homes in certain villages in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem. A course of twenty-four of them seem to have attended the sanctuary every week, commencing with the sabbath, and the turn of each course would come round once in seven weeks.

I OBSERVE THE VARIETY AND UNITY OF THE LEVITICAL SERVICE.

1. The variety. Some were entrusted with the duty of opening and closing the doors. Others had charge of the treasury, where coin, sacred vessels and vestments, etc., were kept in security. Others had the custody of the various vessels and instruments used in sacrificial services. Others made ready the sacrifices, manufactured the incense, or prepared the sacred cakes and shewbread.

2. The unity. One God appointed them all, by the same law and ordinance, to their several ministries. One sanctuary occupied their attention and called forth their activity. One nation and people were served by all the ministrations of the priests and Levites. One object was before them all to serve Jehovah, to obey his Law, to seek his favour.

II REMARK THE STRIKING FIGURE WHICH WE HAVE IN THESE MINISTRATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING AND DIVINE CHRIST.

1. There are "diversities of gifts" and trusts and services. According to theability and opportunity is the occupation.

2. Beneath all these diversities there is an admirable unity. It is "the oneSpirit" who qualifies and appoints all. There is one body, one temple, one brotherhood. And there is one aim the service and glory of the one God and Saviour.

PRACTICAL LESSONS.

1. Let each Christian fulfil his own vocation.

2. And, at the same time, regard with sympathy and affection his fellow-workers in the same service.

3. And ever look to the one end the service of his redeeming God. T.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Set office - These were constantly upon the place, in the execution of their office, that they might oversee the inferior porters in their work. Treasuries - In which the sacred utensils and other treasures belonging to the temple, were kept.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Which the priests used in sacrificing, and which the Levites brought to them, and returned again to their proper places.

And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Which the priests used in sacrificing, and which the Levites brought to them, and returned again to their proper places.

1 Chronicles 9:29

ch1 9:29

ch1 9:29

ch1 9:29Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary,.... They were committed to their care; they delivered them out on occasion, and their business was to see that they were returned when they had done their use and service:

and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices; which were used in meat offerings, drink offerings, &c. see Ch1 26:20 under the second temple, Ahiah was over the libations or drink offerings (x).

(x) Ibid. (Misn. Shekalim, c. 5. sect. 1.)

Keil & Delitzsch — Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament (1861–1891) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API. (Old Testament only.)

chambers

i.e. storehouses.

The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.