Among the Levites, the gatekeepers had the responsibility first and foremost of protecting the sanctuary from unlawful or unauthorized entry and defilement from such practices as idolatry. Their duties also included taking care of the temple treasuries and dedicated gifts, as well as maintenance of the building (as detailed in 1 Chronicles 9:22-32). It was likely this group that Hezekiah assembled to cleanse the temple in 2 Chronicles 29:3-11.

Ark of the Covenant.

Among the gatekeepers were the families of Meshelemiah, Hoash, and Obed-edom. This is surely the same Obed-edom whose house the ark was to after the failed first attempt. It had remained there for three months (1 Chronicles 13:13-14, 2 Samuel 6:10-12).  This is significant in that Obed-edom was a Gittite (a resident of Gath). Was he a Gittite by birth geographically, but genealogically an Israelite? The Bible is silent about his participation, but we do know that the passages just cited say that God blessed his household and all that he had when the ark was left in his care. Where the Lord is concerned, that is enough.

The treasurers were from the sons of Gershom, Ladan, and other Kohathites. There were two separate treasuries that were kept near the gates. One contained the offerings and tithes of the people, while the other contained the spoils taken in battle and certain other dedicated gifts, such as  those dedicated by Samuel, Saul, David, and his commanders. The Izharites and Hebronites were appointed to oversee the territories of the Reubenites, Gadites, Manassites, and other areas west of the Jordan.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.