King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 9:26 Mean?
“For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. set: or, trust chambers: or, storehouses”
Context
24
In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
25
And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.
26
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. set: or, trust chambers: or, storehouses
27
And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.
28
And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale . bring: Heb. bring them in by tale, and carry them out by tale
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(26) **For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office.**—The Heb. says, or seems to say, “For in fixed position (or trust) were they, viz., the four heroes of the warders.” (See 1Chronicles 9:17 which apparently names four chief “porters.”) The temporary chiefs of the warder guilds abode in the Temple; the mass of their members was settled in the neighbouring villages, and occupied with pastoral pursuits.
**And were over the chambers and treasuries** **of the house of God.**—This statement belongs to the following verse. The preceding account of the porters or warders seems to terminate with the words. “For in fixed position are they, the four stalwart warders; *they* are the Levites;” that is, *the* Levites *par excellence. And they were over the cells and over the treasuries of the house of God* (viz., the warders); *and they used to pass the night* (1Chronicles 9:27) *in the places round the house of God, for upon them was the ward, and they were over the opening* (key) *every morning*—a brief recapitulation of the main duty of the Levitical warders. Some have proposed to alter the text of 1Chronicles 9:26* b*, and to read, “And some of the Levites were over the cells,” &c, thus constituting a new paragraph, although 1Chronicles 9:27 obviously recurs to the warders. Probably the paragraph mark should be transferred to 1Chronicles 9:28. From this point to 1Chronicles 9:34 we have a review of the other special charges of the Levites.
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 9:26 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 9:26
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge