Context No. 3277 of 4322 · 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 26:1-11: in context

1For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. 2Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 3Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. 4Obed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, 5Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him. 6Sons were also born to Shemaiah his son, who ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor. 7The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose relatives were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah. 8All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom with their sons and their brothers, able men in strength for the service: sixty-two of Obed-Edom. 9Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, eighteen valiant men. 10Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him chief), 11Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. All the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.

This list names the divisions of the doorkeepers, the gatekeepers appointed to guard the entrances of the LORD's house. It might seem a lowly duty, standing at a gate, but it was a sacred trust: to guard the thresholds of God's house, keeping out what should not enter and welcoming what should.

One name carries a quiet note. Among the gatekeepers is Obed-Edom, of whom it says simply, for God blessed him, with many sons. This is the same Obed-Edom in whose house the ark of God once rested and brought blessing on his household; now his family serves at the gates. Faithful, humble service at the threshold of God's house is honored and blessed. The gatekeeper's post is not beneath notice; it is a trust, and God blesses those who keep it well. No role in his house is too small to matter, and none is too small for his blessing.

Do I regard even a humble post of service in God's house as a sacred trust, and serve it faithfully, trusting God to bless such faithfulness?

Sources

1 Chronicles 26:5: "Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him."
1 Chronicles 26:1: "For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore."
Psalm 84:10: "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."