They faithfully guarded the entryways for the worship of God and established an enduring order for generations to come.
In this passage, we read that “All of those who were chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds were 212. These were enrolled by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer appointed in their office of trust” (v.22). The gatekeepers held an important role within the temple community, ensuring proper order and guarding the sacred space. Their number, 212, highlights the organizational structure of Israel’s worship, indicating that many people were needed to maintain and protect the house of the Lord. By being “enrolled by genealogy in their villages,” these men were shown to have an esteemed and traceable heritage that qualified them to serve (v.22).
King David, who reigned in Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, is mentioned here as one of the people who appointed the gatekeepers, along with Samuel the seer (v.22). Samuel, a significant prophet and judge who lived around 1105 BC to 1015 BC, had earlier overseen the transfer of leadership from the period of the judges to the monarchy. The mention of both these figures speaks to a time of critical transition and reestablishment of proper worship practices. David aimed to organize temple service thoroughly, and Samuel’s legacy of spiritual leadership provided the pattern and authority for these appointments.
The reference to “their villages” (v.22) indicates that these gatekeepers likely resided in multiple towns spread throughout the land, perhaps returning to serve in scheduled rotations at the temple in Jerusalem. This systematic approach ensured consistent coverage at the temple’s thresholds, reflecting both devotion and diligence. Linking this sense of purpose to the New Testament, believers are also called to be faithful guardians of what is holy, abiding in careful stewardship of God’s gifts (1 Peter 4:10). In this way, the principle of faithful service in ancient Israel resonates for all who desire to honor God’s presence.
Set to dark mode
1 Chronicles 9:22 meaning
In this passage, we read that “All of those who were chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds were 212. These were enrolled by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer appointed in their office of trust” (v.22). The gatekeepers held an important role within the temple community, ensuring proper order and guarding the sacred space. Their number, 212, highlights the organizational structure of Israel’s worship, indicating that many people were needed to maintain and protect the house of the Lord. By being “enrolled by genealogy in their villages,” these men were shown to have an esteemed and traceable heritage that qualified them to serve (v.22).
King David, who reigned in Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, is mentioned here as one of the people who appointed the gatekeepers, along with Samuel the seer (v.22). Samuel, a significant prophet and judge who lived around 1105 BC to 1015 BC, had earlier overseen the transfer of leadership from the period of the judges to the monarchy. The mention of both these figures speaks to a time of critical transition and reestablishment of proper worship practices. David aimed to organize temple service thoroughly, and Samuel’s legacy of spiritual leadership provided the pattern and authority for these appointments.
The reference to “their villages” (v.22) indicates that these gatekeepers likely resided in multiple towns spread throughout the land, perhaps returning to serve in scheduled rotations at the temple in Jerusalem. This systematic approach ensured consistent coverage at the temple’s thresholds, reflecting both devotion and diligence. Linking this sense of purpose to the New Testament, believers are also called to be faithful guardians of what is holy, abiding in careful stewardship of God’s gifts (1 Peter 4:10). In this way, the principle of faithful service in ancient Israel resonates for all who desire to honor God’s presence.