King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 26:17 Mean?

1 Chronicles 26:17 in the King James Version says “Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 26:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.

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 · 12 words
לַמִּזְרָח֮1 of 12

“Eastward”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

הַלְוִיִּ֣ם2 of 12

“Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

שִׁשָּׁה֒3 of 12

“were six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

לַצָּפ֤וֹנָה4 of 12

“northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

לַיּ֖וֹם5 of 12

“a day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אַרְבָּעָ֑ה6 of 12

“four”

H702

four

לַנֶּ֥גְבָּה7 of 12

“southward”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

לַיּ֖וֹם8 of 12

“a day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אַרְבָּעָ֑ה9 of 12

“four”

H702

four

וְלָֽאֲסֻפִּ֖ים10 of 12

“and toward Asuppim”

H624

collected (only in the plural), i.e., a collection of offerings)

שְׁנָֽיִם׃11 of 12

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שְׁנָֽיִם׃12 of 12

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

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 26:17 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 26:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 9:242 Chronicles 8:14

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