King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 9:18 Mean?
“Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.”
Context
16
And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
17
And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;
18
Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.
19
And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry. gates: Heb. thresholds
20
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(18) **They were porters in the companies of** **the children of Levi.**—Rather, *They are warders* *for the camps of the sons of Levi.* (Comp. Numbers 3:23 *et seq.* where it is prescribed that the Levites encamp on the four sides of the tabernacle.) The primitive terminology is used in order to convey the idea that the Levitical wardership of the Temple went back historically to that of the Mosaic sanctuary.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:18 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 9:18
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge