1 Chronicles 26:1-32
Q.1. What role was assigned to the Gatekeepers? Why is it recorded that God blessed Obed-Edom? (1 Chr.26:1-19)
These Levites were rostered to guard the Temple precinct – 12 To these divisions of the gatekeepers, the chief men, were given duties like their relatives to minister in the house of the Lord. 13 They cast lots, the small and the great alike, according to their fathers’ households, for every gate (1 Chr.26:12-13). During the time of Nehemiah, Eliab, the priest had allowed Tobiah, the Ammonite, to use the Temple storerooms. He pushed the Levites out (Neh.13:1-9). The Gatekeepers had not been vigilant. Obed-Edom, from Korah’s line, had been faithful. He looked after the Ark after David’s aborted attempt to carry the Ark on a cart, rather than in the God-appointed way (2 Sam.6:9-12). He was blessed with sixty two descendants (1 Chron.26:8).
Q.2. Why were some of the Levites appointed to treasury? Where did these treasures come from and what were they for? (1 Chr.26:20-28)
Some of the Levites had responsibility to secure this wealth – The Levites, their relatives, had charge of the treasures of the house of God and of the treasures of the dedicated gifts (1 Chr.26:20). There were sacred vessels and significant amounts of plunder which were dedicated for Temple use from the time of Samuel, Saul, and the army commanders Abner & Joab (1 Chr.26:27-28).
Q.3. How did David appoint chosen Levites to maintain his rule over the tribes of Israel? (1 Chron.26:29-32)
David also chose families to help him rule the outlining tribal territories – 29 As for the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were assigned to outside duties for Israel, as officers and judges. 30 As for 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 the service of the king (1 Chr.26:29-30). God knew what He was doing when He chose David to shepherd His people (Ps.78:70-72).