Question 1

Who were the porters mentioned in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The porters were Levites who served as gatekeepers for the house of the Lord. Families from the sons of Kore and the sons of Merari, such as Meshelemiah, Obed-edom, and Hosah, were set apart for this work along with their sons and brothers. They guarded the entrances, opened and closed the gates, guided people coming to worship, and kept out those who were unclean or not allowed to enter. They are described as strong and capable men, showing that this was a trusted and respected service, not a small task.

Question 2

What did the gatekeepers actually do at the temple?

Accepted Answer

The gatekeepers watched over all the ways into the temple area. They opened and shut the outer gates, stood at their posts, and served “ward against ward,” meaning they took shifts facing one another to keep constant watch. They helped worshippers know how to behave in God’s courts, encouraged those who were nervous, and turned back strangers or people who were unclean. They also guarded against thieves and anyone who might harm the house of God. Their service protected the purity and order of worship.

Question 3

Why is Obed-edom’s family highlighted among the porters?

Accepted Answer

Obed-edom is remembered as the man who once welcomed the ark of God into his house with reverence and joy. In this passage, his large family is shown serving as gatekeepers. He had eight sons “for God blessed him,” and from his line came sixty-two strong and able men for temple service. This shows how God’s blessing reached his family, both in numbers and in trusted roles. They had been faithful when the ark was in their home, and now they were trusted with guarding God’s house itself.

Question 4

What does it mean that the porters were mighty men of valour?

Accepted Answer

Calling them “mighty men of valour,” “strong men,” and “able men for strength for the service” shows that this work needed courage and physical power. The temple gates were large and heavy, so opening and closing them took real strength. They also had to stand firm against anyone who tried to enter wrongly. One of them, Zechariah, is called a “wise counsellor,” which hints that this role also needed good judgment. God either finds people already fitted for his work or makes them fit as they serve.

Question 5

Why were lots cast to assign each gatekeeper’s post?

Accepted Answer

Lots were cast so that each family of porters would receive its gate by God’s choice, not by human favoritism. The text says that both the “small and the great” were included, showing that all ranks were treated fairly. East, north, south, west, Asuppim, Shallecheth, and Parbar were all assigned this way. Casting lots acknowledged that the Lord directs such decisions. It also gave each man a clear post, so he knew where to stand and could be faithful right where God had placed him.

Question 6

What is the significance of the different gates like Asuppim and Parbar?

Accepted Answer

The passage names several places where gatekeepers stood: the east, north, south, west, the house of Asuppim, the gate Shallecheth by the causeway, and Parbar westward. These show that the temple was carefully watched on every side. Asuppim likely had to do with gathering or storing, which suggests a connection to the temple’s treasures. Parbar and the causeway hint at outer approaches where people came up toward the temple. By stationing Levites at each of these points, access to God’s house was ordered and guarded.

Question 7

Why did Hosah’s son Simri become chief even though he was not firstborn?

Accepted Answer

The text notes that Hosah made Simri the chief, “for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief.” This suggests that in this service, the main qualification was fitness for the work, not birth order. Perhaps Simri showed more wisdom, strength, or faithfulness, or the firstborn was weaker. The normal laws of inheritance were not being changed here; instead, the father simply recognized who was best suited to lead in this duty. It shows that God’s work calls for personal gifts and character.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s view of ordered worship?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God cares about order, reverence, and purity in worship. The gatekeepers are carefully counted, named, and placed. They serve in shifts, guard particular gates, and help keep God’s house from being treated lightly. Their organization, the casting of lots, and the stress on strength and faithfulness all point to worship that is not careless. It teaches that serving in God’s house, even in what might seem like a background role, matters to him and is part of honoring his presence.

Question 9

How can the work of the temple porters encourage believers today?

Accepted Answer

The porters remind us that every part of serving God matters, even roles that seem hidden or ordinary. They did not offer sacrifices or sing in front of crowds, yet their watch at the gates protected the whole worship life of Israel. God noticed their names, families, and faithfulness. Today, believers can take heart that tasks like greeting, guarding, cleaning, administration, or quietly helping others are seen by God. Like the porters, we are called to be faithful, strong in our duties, and careful about the things of God.

1 Chronicles 26:1

Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

The Divisions of the Gatekeepers

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1 Chronicles 26:1

Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

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The Divisions of the Gatekeepers

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