The porters - See 1 Chronicles 9:17-27; 1 Chronicles 23:5.

The divisions of the porters - There were four classes of these, each of which belonged to one of the four gates of the temple, which opened to the four cardinal points of heaven. The eastern gate fell to Shelemiah; the northern, to Zechariah, 1 Chronicles 26:14; the southern, to Obed-edom, 1 Chronicles 26:15; the western, to Shuppim and Hosah, 1 Chronicles 26:16. These several persons were captains of these porter-bands or door-keepers at the different gates. There were probably a thousand men under each of these captains; as we find, from 1 Chronicles 23:5, that there were four thousand in all.

Concerning the divisions of the porters,.... Or doorkeepers, whose business it was to open and shut the doors of the temple, to keep all impure and improper persons from entering into it, or any of the vessels being carried out of it, and to prevent tumults and riots about it; these, as it seems, David divided into a like number of classes, as the singers, to take their turns in waiting:

of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph; not Asaph the singer, who was a Gershonite, but the same with Eliasaph, 1 Chronicles 6:23 a Korhite.

The classes of the doorkeepers, the stewards of the treasures of the sanctuary, and the officers for the external business. - Vv. 1-19. The classes of the doorkeepers. 1 Chronicles 26:1. The superscription runs shortly thus: "As to (ל) the divisions of the doorkeepers." The enumeration beings with לקרחים: to the Korahites (belongs) Meshelemiah (in 1 Chronicles 26:14, Shelemiah). Instead of אסף מן־בּני we should read, according to 1 Chronicles 9:19, אביסף מן־בּני, for the Korahites are descended from Kohath (Exodus 6:21; Exodus 18:16), but Asaph is a descendant of Gershon (1 Chronicles 6:39.). - In 1 Chronicles 26:2, 1 Chronicles 26:3, seven sons of Meshelemiah are enumerated; the first-born Zechariah is mentioned also in 1 Chronicles 9:21, and was entrusted, according to 1 Chronicles 26:14, with the guarding of the north side.

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

(a) This Asaph was not the notable musician, but another of that name also called Ebiasaph in 1Ch 6:23,37,9:19 and also Jasaph.

Meshelemiah: also called, Shelemiah

Asaph: also called, Ebiasaph

CHAPTER 26

1Ch 26:1-12. Divisions of the Porters.

1, 2. Concerning the divisions of the porters-There were four thousand (1Ch 23:6), all taken from the families of the Kohathites and Merarites (1Ch 26:14), divided into twenty-four courses-as the priests and musicians.

Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph-Seven sons of Meshelemiah are mentioned (1Ch 26:2), whereas eighteen are given (1Ch 26:9), but in this latter number his relatives are included.

26:1-32 The offices of the Levites. - The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strength and valour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures. Much was expended daily upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps; quantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. From those sacred treasuries, the unsearchable riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied; and receiving from his fulness, we must give him the glory, and endeavour to dispose of our abilities and substance according to his will. We have an account of those employed as officers and judges. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and must not be neglected. None of the Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; one duty was enough to engage the whole man. Wisdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are requisite or useful for every station.