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1 Chronicles 26

32 verses

TL;DR

1 Chronicles 26 lists the priestly families and Levites assigned to guard the gates, oversee the temple treasures, and serve as military officers, showing the organized administration of the Jerusalem Temple.

Summary

The chapter details the division of the priestly families—chiefly the Korhites and Merarites—into groups of porters who were assigned to guard the various gates of Jerusalem. The families were divided by lot, with each gate receiving a family and its subordinates. Beyond the gates, the text names leaders responsible for the temple’s treasures and dedicated objects, as well as officers who commanded military units and handled diplomatic affairs. Several notable figures such as Ahijah, Shebuel, and Shelomith are cited as overseeing different aspects of the temple’s administration. The chapter underscores the organization, valor, and dedication of spoils of war that were allocated to the house of the LORD.

The structure reflects a systematic distribution of duties: first, the assignment of porters to gates; second, the oversight of treasures by appointed Levites; third, the deployment of military and judicial officers from the priestly families.

Overall, 1 Chronicles 26 presents a snapshot of temple logistics and military leadership during David’s reign, emphasizing order, dedication, and the reverence of sacred duty.

Outline
  1. Division of priestly porters and gate assignments by lot
  2. Levitical and priestly oversight of temple treasures and dedicated items
  3. Military and administrative officers derived from priestly families
Themes
Priestly administration and organizationDedication of spoils and sacred objectsValor and leadership in military service
Keywords
portersgateslotstreasuresdedicatedLevitesmilitaryJerusalempriestly families
People
MeshelemiahKoreAsaphZechariahJediaelZebadiahJathnielElamJehohananElioenaiObededomShemaiahJehozabadJoahSacarNethaneelAmmielIssacharPeulthaiShemaiah's sonOthniRephaelObedElzabadElihuSemachiahHosahMerariSimriHilkiahTebaliahZechariah (Hosah's son)AhijahLaadanJehieliZethamJoelShebuelEliezerRehabiahJeshaiahJoramZichriShelomithChenaniahHashabiahJerijahSamuelSaulAbnerJoab
Places
JerusalemShallechethParbarcauseway of the going upthe house of the LORDthe house of GodJazer of Gileadwestwardeastwardsouthwardnorthward
Things
portersgateslotstreasuresdedicated thingsspoils of warofficersjudgesmilitary units
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14: Shows the distribution of families to specific gates by lot, illustrating the administrative order of the temple.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:20: Identifies Ahijah as responsible for the treasures, highlighting the priestly stewardship of sacred objects.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:27: Describes how spoils of battle were dedicated to the house of the LORD, demonstrating the integration of military victory and religious devotion.
Questions
  • What does the meticulous division of duties reveal about the organization of the Jerusalem Temple?
  • How does the dedication of spoils of war reflect the relationship between Israel’s military success and its religious obligations?
  • In what ways did the roles of these priestly families intersect with the political authority of King David?
  • Why might certain families have been chosen for specific gates or responsibilities?
  • What can modern readers learn from this ancient system of temple administration?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage is primarily descriptive and administrative, with no overt emotional language.