King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 26:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 26:16 in the King James Version says “To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward again...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.”

1 Chronicles 26:16 · KJV

Context

14

And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward. Shelemiah: also called Meshelemiah, ver.I.

15

To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim. Asuppim: Heb. gatherings

16

To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

17

Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.

18

At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

Read 1 Chronicles 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration. The Hebrew term אוֹצָר (otsar) - treasury/storehouse is theologically significant here, pointing to Stewardship of sacred resources. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Stewardship of sacred resources. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as source of all spiritual riches.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Stewardship of sacred resources challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as source of all spiritual riches teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
לְשֻׁפִּ֤ים1 of 11

“To Shuppim”

H8206

shuppim, an israelite

וּלְחֹסָה֙2 of 11

“and Hosah”

H2621

chosah, an israelite; also a place in palestine

לַֽמַּעֲרָ֔ב3 of 11

“the lot came forth westward”

H4628

the west (as a region of the evening sun)

עִ֚ם4 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שַׁ֣עַר5 of 11

“with the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

שַׁלֶּ֔כֶת6 of 11

“Shallecheth”

H7996

shalleketh, a gate in jerusalem

בַּֽמְסִלָּ֖ה7 of 11

“by the causeway”

H4546

a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

הָֽעוֹלָ֑ה8 of 11

“of the going up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִשְׁמָֽר׃9 of 11

“ward”

H4929

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

לְעֻמַּ֥ת10 of 11

“against”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

מִשְׁמָֽר׃11 of 11

“ward”

H4929

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 26:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 26:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 10:51 Chronicles 26:10-12Nehemiah 12:242 Chronicles 9:41 Chronicles 25:8

Places in This Verse

ShallechethGate · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
West GateGate · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Chronicles 26 →

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