Bible Commentaries

divisions = courses. The names of the chiefs are given, as of the courses of priests and Levites.

porters = gatekeepers. See 1 Chronicles 9:17, 1 Chronicles 9:18-26; 1 Chronicles 15:18.

him: i.e. Obed-edom

children = sons.

chief = head.

cast lots. See note on 1 Chronicles 25:8, 1 Chronicles 25:9.

for every gate. This ordering of David was according to the plan of the Temple, given by God "in writing" to David. See 1 Chronicles 28:11-13, 1 Chronicles 28:19.

Shelemiah. The Meshelemiah of 1 Chronicles 26:1. See note on 1 Chronicles 25:11.

house of Asuppim = the treasuries (from Hebrew. "asaph, to gather). Compare 2 Chronicles 25:24, where Joash took what was in Obed-edom's charge. So named because of the two gates called Asuppim.

Shallecheth = a casting up. Occurs only here, and Isaiah 6:13. Another gate made by Solomon (1 Kings 10:5. 2 Chronicles 9:4).

the causeway of the going up. Made by Solomon (1 Kings 10:5. 2 Chronicles 9:4). Connected with "Millo", between Zion (Jebus) and Moriah.

Parbar. Another gate connected with this causeway. Compare 2 Kings 23:11, rendered "suburbs". Compare 2 Kings 11:16.

of the Levites, Ahijah was. The Septuagint reads "the Levites their brethren were" (reading Ahikem instead of Ahijah).

treasures = treasuries. There were several in divers places, with various names.

dedicated = holy. See note on Exodus 3:5.

chief fathers = heads of the fathers.

Shebuel. See note on 1 Chronicles 23:16.

dedicate = set apart.

had dedicated. A practice dating from the time of Moses (Numbers 31:28-47), and Joshua (1 Chronicles 6:24).

outward business: outside the Temple (Nehemiah 10:32-33; Nehemiah 11:16), as distinguished from the worship within (which was the "business of the house of God". Nehemiah 11:22).

officers and judges. See Deuteronomy 16:18 (same Hebrew), 6,000 appointed. Provision made for them in Exodus 18:13-26.

men of valour = sons of valour. Compare 1 Chronicles 26:7,