King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 9:22 Mean?

“All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve . These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office. did: Heb. founded set: or, trust”

Context

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.

And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve . These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office. did: Heb. founded set: or, trust

So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards.

In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates** (Heb., *thresholds*) **were two hundred and twelve.**—This seems to assign the number of warders at the epoch of which the chronicler, or, rather, his source, is writing. Nehemiah 11:19 makes the total of the porters one hundred and seventy-two. According to Ezra 2:42, one hundred and thirty-nine returned with Zerubbabel. Under David, the number of warders was ninety-three (1Chronicles 26:8-11). **These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages.**—Rather, *these*—*in their villages was their registration.* **These.**—That is, their ancestors. Guilds and corporations do not die. **Whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.**—*These David and Samuel had ordained in their office of trust,* or, *in permanence.* No mention is made elsewhere of Samuel’s part in arranging the Levitical service. He died before David’s accession (1Samuel 25:1). Tradition doubtless associated him with David in the work of religious reform, and from what is known of his relation to the sovereigns of his day, the statement of the text may be held true in spirit, if not in the letter.

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 9:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.