OCTOBER 10, 2022 ANOTHER LOOK AT THE ISRAELITES PART 1 #29 1 CHRONICLES 26:1 – 32
GUARDING ISRAEL, JUDGING IT, AND PROTECTING ITS TREASURES – ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH?
“These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom.
Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men. Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men. All these were descendants of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers; they were capable men with strength to do the work—62 in all from Obed-edom. Meshelemiah also had sons and brothers who were capable men—18 in all.
Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all.
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did. They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.
The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons. The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah.
There were guards stationed at every watch. Each day there were six Levites on the east, four on the north, four on the south, and two pairs at the storehouse. As for the court on the west, there were four at the highway and two at the court. These were the divisions of the gatekeepers who were descendants of Korah and Merari.
The Treasurers, Officers, and Judges
Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladane and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.
From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son. This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. They dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. Everything dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers.
From the Izrahites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel.
From the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, had charge of the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king. As for the Hebronites, Jerijahg was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David’s reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead. Among Jerijah’s relatives there were 2,700 capable men who were heads of families. King David appointed them over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and to the affairs of the king.”
What? More lists??? Yes, but look at the descriptions of these men and what they were expected to do:
Gatekeepers – these were the men charged with guarding the gates of the temple. “Each day there were six Levites on the east, four on the north, four on the south, and two pairs at the storehouse. As for the court on the west, there were four at the highway and two at the court.” These men were described as “capable men with strength to do the work.” No political favoritism here! David was appointing the brightest, the best, and the most well – suited. Please note the mention of Obed – edom and hi sons. Remember that it was at Obed – edom’s
house that the Ark of the Covenant rested when David made his first ill – fated attempt to move the Ark without regard for God’s instructions to Moses. God blessed Obed – edom mightily, and these sons were the proof.
“Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries.” Shelomith, a son of Shebuel, and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries. “This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. They dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. Everything dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers.”
Finally, there were the judges. Many of these men had to work in relative isolation; if they were not righteous, just, and capable, David’s reputation would suffer. One such group of judges was even sent to the east side of the Jordan to watch over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
APPLICATION: Sometimes we wonder if it’s really worth while trying to do a good job! So many times, we might feel that nobody is paying attention. But look at all these names that Ezra the scribe recorded. Nearly three millenia later, we still know how capable these men were. God caused Ezra to make this record, and the same God is watching as we work.
Each one of these men did his duty, conscious of the fact that he was not merely working for himself, but for God. Many of those men may have had to work at night when nobody was watching; yet, they remained faithful. As a reward for that faithfulness, God has caused their names to be remembered in His Word. Notice how many of these men are referred to as capable, or well able. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. “
PRAYER: Father God, thank for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to work heartily, whether or not anybody is watching, knowing that You are always there. Encourage all who do relatively thankless work, so that they will continue to work enthusiastically. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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