What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 26:16? The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate 1 Chronicles 26:16 opens, “The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate….” • Casting lots was the God-ordained means of assigning temple duties so that every choice came from the Lord (Proverbs 16:33; compare 1 Chronicles 24:5, 31; 25:8). • The West Gate faced the city, making it a busy entrance that needed faithful oversight (1 Chronicles 9:24). • The Shallecheth Gate lay to the southwest of the temple court, where supplies were brought in (2 Chronicles 23:4-7 shows gatekeepers controlling access during a crisis). • By naming both gates together, the verse reminds us that God cares about every doorway into His house, not only the most prominent eastern entrance. on the ascending highway The verse adds that these gates were “on the ascending highway.” • Pilgrims walked up this causeway from the lower city to the temple mount, an early picture of the believer’s upward journey toward fellowship with God (Psalm 24:3-4; Isaiah 2:3). • Because the highway carried worshipers and offerings, security here protected both the sanctity of worship and the safety of people and gifts (Ezra 8:29-30). • The phrase highlights order: even the roadway leading in is placed under watch, showing that holiness extends beyond the sanctuary walls (Leviticus 19:30). fell to Shuppim and Hosah “…fell to Shuppim and Hosah.” • Shuppim and Hosah were descendants of Korah, part of the Levitical clan of gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:1, 10). Their family had once faced judgment (Numbers 16), yet God graciously restored their line for honored service (Psalm 84, superscription “of the sons of Korah”). • Assigning two men (likely chiefs of separate family groups) to the busiest western approach provided depth, accountability, and continuity (1 Chronicles 26:12). • Their appointment assures us that past failure does not bar a repentant line from future usefulness; the Lord delights to redeem and re-commission (Joel 2:25-26). There were guards stationed at every watch The verse concludes, “There were guards stationed at every watch.” • Twenty-four-hour coverage mirrored the constant worship offered inside (1 Chronicles 9:33). • Shifts—morning, midday, evening, and night—kept each gate secure (Nehemiah 12:25). • Continuous vigilance protected the holy vessels (1 Chronicles 26:20) and prevented unauthorized entry (2 Chronicles 23:6-7). • Spiritually, the picture urges believers to “be on the alert with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18) and to keep every area of life under the Lord’s watch (Proverbs 4:23). summary 1 Chronicles 26:16 records the sovereign assignment of Shuppim and Hosah to guard the West Gate and Shallecheth Gate on the vital ascending highway, with round-the-clock watches ensuring holiness and safety. The verse showcases God’s orderly care for His house, the redemption of once-fallen families, and the call for continual vigilance as His people draw near in worship. |
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