1 Chronicles 9:18
New International Version
being stationed at the King’s Gate on the east, up to the present time. These were the gatekeepers belonging to the camp of the Levites.

New Living Translation
Prior to this time, they were responsible for the King’s Gate on the east side. These men served as gatekeepers for the camps of the Levites.

English Standard Version
until then they were in the king’s gate on the east side as the gatekeepers of the camps of the Levites.

Berean Standard Bible
he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites.

Berean Literal Bible
and until then at the Gate of the King on the east they had been the gatekeepers for the camps of the sons of Levi.

King James Bible
Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

New King James Version
Until then they had been gatekeepers for the camps of the children of Levi at the King’s Gate on the east.

New American Standard Bible
being stationed until now at the king’s gate to the east). These were the gatekeepers for the camp of the sons of Levi.

NASB 1995
being stationed until now at the king’s gate to the east). These were the gatekeepers for the camp of the sons of Levi.

NASB 1977
being stationed until now at the king’s gate to the east). These were the gatekeepers for the camp of the sons of Levi.

Legacy Standard Bible
being stationed until now at the king’s gate to the east). These were the gatekeepers for the camp of the sons of Levi.

Amplified Bible
who until now was assigned to the king’s gate on the east side) they were the gatekeepers for the camp of the Levites.

Berean Annotated Bible
he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites (joined to).

Christian Standard Bible
he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites.

American Standard Version
who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were the porters for the camp of the children of Levi.

Contemporary English Version
and for a long time they had been the guards at the King's Gate on the east side of the city. Before that, their ancestors guarded the entrance to the Levite camp.

English Revised Version
who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were the porters for the camp of the children of Levi.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Formerly, they were stationed at the king's gate on the east side. They were the gatekeepers for the Levite quarters.

Good News Translation
Down to that time members of their clans had been stationed at the eastern entrance to the King's Gate. Formerly they had stood guard at the gates to the camps of the Levites.

International Standard Version
He used to be stationed in the King's Gate on the east side as one of the gatekeepers of the camp belonging to the descendants of Levi.

NET Bible
he serves to this day at the King's Gate on the east. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the descendants of Levi.

New Heart English Bible
who were previously stationed at the King's Gate on the east: they were the gatekeepers for the camp of the descendants of Levi.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites.

World English Bible
who previously served in the king’s gate eastward. They were the gatekeepers for the camp of the children of Levi.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and until now they [are] at the gate of the king eastward; they [are] the gatekeepers for the companies of the sons of Levi.

Berean Literal Bible
and until then at the Gate of the King on the east they had been the gatekeepers for the camps of the sons of Levi.

Young's Literal Translation
and hitherto they are at the gate of the king eastward; they are the gatekeepers for the companies of the sons of Levi.

Smith's Literal Translation
And hitherto in the king's gate from the sunrising: they keeping the gate for the camps of the sons of Levi.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Until that time, in the king's gate eastward, the sons of Levi waited by their turns.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For until that time, at the gate of the king to the east, the sons of Levi served in their turns.

New American Bible
Previously they had stood guard at the king’s gate on the east side; now they became gatekeepers for the encampments of the Levites.

New Revised Standard Version
stationed previously in the king’s gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers of the camp of the Levites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward; they were the porters in the companies of the descendants of Levi.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Thus far is the eastern gate of the King. These were the Doorkeepers who stand by the Guards of the children of Levi.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward; they were the porters for the camp of the children of Levi.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and he waited hitherto in the king's gate eastward: these are the gates of the companies of the sons of Levi.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People of Jerusalem
17These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; 18 he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. 19Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD.…

Cross References
he was previously stationed

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives 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. …

Nehemiah 12:25
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates.

2 Chronicles 31:14
Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions to the LORD and the consecrated gifts.
at the King’s Gate

Esther 2:19
When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

Esther 3:2
All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded that this be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage.

Esther 6:10
“Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.”
on the east side.

Nehemiah 3:29
Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house, and next to him, Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the guard of the East Gate, made repairs.

Ezekiel 40:6
Then he came to the gate facing east and climbed its steps. He measured the threshold of the gate to be one rod deep.

Ezekiel 44:1-3
The man then brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary that faced east, but it was shut. / And the LORD said to me, “This gate is to remain shut. It shall not be opened, and no man shall enter through it, because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered through it. Therefore it will remain shut. / Only the prince himself may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He must enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way.”
These were the gatekeepers

1 Chronicles 26:1-2
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,

2 Chronicles 23:19
He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that no one who was in any way unclean could enter.

Nehemiah 12:45-47
They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. / So in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside daily portions for the Levites, and the Levites set aside daily portions for the descendants of Aaron.
from the camp of the Levites.

Numbers 1:53
But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”

Numbers 2:17
In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard.

Numbers 3:23
The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,
Nehemiah 11:19
And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.


Treasury of Scripture

Who till now waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

Who hitherto waited.

the king's

1 Kings 10:5
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

2 Kings 11:19
And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.

Ezekiel 44:2,3
Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut…

they

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD…

Jump to Previous
Belonging Camp Camps Children Companies Door Doorkeepers Door-Keepers East Eastward Gate Gatekeepers Hitherto King's Levi Porters Present Side Stationed Tents Time Waited
Jump to Next
Belonging Camp Camps Children Companies Door Doorkeepers Door-Keepers East Eastward Gate Gatekeepers Hitherto King's Levi Porters Present Side Stationed Tents Time Waited
1 Chronicles 9
1. The original of Israel and Judah's genealogies
2. The Israelites
10. The priests
14. and the Levites, with Nethinims, who dwelt in Jerusalem
27. The charge of certain Levites
35. The stock of Saul and Jonathan












he was previously stationed
This phrase indicates a past assignment or role, suggesting continuity and faithfulness in service. The role of gatekeepers was significant in maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple, a task requiring trustworthiness and dedication. This reflects the importance of stewardship and responsibility in spiritual service, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).

at the King’s Gate
The King’s Gate was a prominent entrance, likely associated with the royal palace or temple complex. This gate's significance underscores the importance of the gatekeepers' role in protecting sacred spaces. The King’s Gate may symbolize access to divine presence, paralleling Jesus' role as the "gate" or "door" to salvation (John 10:9).

on the east side
The east side holds biblical significance, often associated with the direction of God's glory (Ezekiel 43:1-4) and the entrance of the Messiah (Zechariah 14:4). The eastward orientation of the tabernacle and temple highlights the anticipation of divine intervention and presence. This directionality can also symbolize new beginnings and hope, as the sun rises in the east.

These were the gatekeepers
Gatekeepers were crucial for the security and sanctity of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter. This role required vigilance and discernment, reflecting the spiritual responsibility of guarding one's heart and community against impurity (Proverbs 4:23). The gatekeepers' duties can be seen as a type of Christ, who guards and shepherds His flock (John 10:11).

from the camp of the Levites
The Levites were set apart for religious duties, emphasizing holiness and service. Their encampment around the tabernacle symbolizes their role as mediators between God and Israel. This priestly function foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, as He mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15). The Levites' dedication to temple service highlights the call to holiness and service in the Christian life (1 Peter 2:9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gatekeepers
These were Levites assigned to guard the entrances to the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple worship.

2. King’s Gate
This was a significant entrance on the east side of the temple, symbolizing authority and access to the presence of God.

3. Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties, including temple service and worship. They were responsible for the spiritual and physical upkeep of the temple.

4. East Side
Biblically, the east often symbolizes beginnings and is associated with the entrance to the Garden of Eden and the direction from which God's glory returns to the temple in Ezekiel's vision.

5. Camp of the Levites
This refers to the organized community of Levites who lived and served around the temple, ensuring its continuous operation and sanctity.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Service in God's House
The role of the gatekeepers underscores the value of every service in the house of God, no matter how seemingly small or mundane.

Guarding Holiness
Just as the gatekeepers protected the temple, believers are called to guard their hearts and lives, ensuring they remain holy and set apart for God.

Faithfulness in Assigned Roles
The Levites' dedication to their duties serves as a model for Christians to be faithful in whatever role God assigns them, knowing that each part is vital to the body of Christ.

Symbolism of the East
The east side's significance reminds us of new beginnings and the hope of God's presence, encouraging believers to look forward to spiritual renewal and restoration.

Community and Order in Worship
The organized structure of the Levites around the temple highlights the importance of community and order in worship, encouraging believers to participate actively and harmoniously in their church communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 9:18?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 9:18 highlight the importance of faithful service to God?

3. What role did the gatekeepers play in maintaining the temple's sanctity?

4. How can we apply the gatekeepers' dedication to our church involvement today?

5. How does 1 Chronicles 9:18 connect to New Testament teachings on stewardship?

6. What qualities of the gatekeepers should we emulate in our spiritual lives?

7. What is the significance of the gatekeepers' role in 1 Chronicles 9:18?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 9:18 reflect the importance of temple service in ancient Israel?

9. Why were the gatekeepers stationed at the King's Gate according to 1 Chronicles 9:18?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 9?

11. Why does the account of Joash's temple restoration in 2 Chronicles 24 seem to conflict with the version in 2 Kings 12 regarding the funds and methods used?

12. What archaeological evidence supports or challenges the specific gatekeepers and their duties described in 1 Chronicles 9:17-27?

13. 1 Chronicles 26:1 compared to 1 Chronicles 9:17: Do these genealogies for the gatekeepers align, or do they present contradictory lists?

14. Why does 1 Chronicles 23 emphasize a new organizational structure under David, when some historical records suggest Levite roles evolved more gradually?
What Does 1 Chronicles 9:18 Mean
He was previously stationed

- The verse begins by noting prior service: “he was previously stationed.” This shows an ongoing, faithful assignment rather than a one-time task.

- Such continuity echoes earlier lists of gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 26:12–19, where each family received its regular watch.

- Like the priests who served “according to their divisions” (2 Chronicles 31:2), this man’s earlier post underscores God’s orderly design for worship and the reliability of those called to minister.


At the King’s Gate

- The “King’s Gate” signified an entrance of special honor and security, likely the gate nearest the royal residence when the king came to worship.

- 2 Kings 11:19 describes royal escorts using a similar gate to protect the rightful king, illustrating why trusted Levites guarded it.

- 2 Chronicles 23:19 shows Jehoiada placing gatekeepers to bar the unclean, highlighting that this post protected both king and sanctuary from defilement.


On the east side

- Orientation matters in Scripture: the east faces the rising sun, a picture of God’s glory entering (Ezekiel 43:2–4).

- When Israel camped around the tabernacle, Moses, Aaron, and the priests stayed “on the east side, in front of the tent of meeting” (Numbers 3:38), marking it as the chief approach.

- Guarding this side preserved the holiness of the main entrance, reminding worshipers that access to God must be protected.


These were the gatekeepers

- Gatekeepers were more than doormen; they were Levites charged to “stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD” (1 Chronicles 23:30) and to ensure purity in worship.

- Psalm 84:10 esteems their calling: “I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

- Their presence affirmed that approaching God requires reverence and proper mediation.


From the camp of the Levites

- Levites were set apart when the LORD said, “Bring the tribe of Levi near… they are to perform the duties for him and for the whole community” (Numbers 3:6–7).

- Numbers 1:50–53 explains that Levites camped around the tabernacle as a living wall of protection, preventing wrath from falling on Israel.

- Linking these gatekeepers to “the camp of the Levites” roots their authority in God’s covenant assignment, ensuring the post was filled by those consecrated to serve.


Summary

1 Chronicles 9:18 records a faithful Levite who had long stood guard at the honored King’s Gate on the eastern side of the temple complex. His post—shared with other consecrated Levites—combined royal security with sacred duty, echoing ancient camp arrangements and underscoring the order, reverence, and protection God requires around His dwelling.

(18) They were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.--Rather, They are warders for the camps of the sons of Levi. (Comp. Numbers 3:23 et seq. where it is prescribed that the Levites encamp on the four sides of the tabernacle.) The primitive terminology is used in order to convey the idea that the Levitical wardership of the Temple went back historically to that of the Mosaic sanctuary.

Verse 18. - Hitherto (so John 5:17). The reference must be to Shallum, for see vers. 24-26 and Ezekiel 46:1-3. The meaning of the remaining sentence of this verse is, "These were the gate-keepers for the Levite encampments side," or what, in later temple times, answered to it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
he was previously stationed at the King’s
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Gate
בְּשַׁ֥עַר (bə·ša·‘ar)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

on the east side.
מִזְרָ֑חָה (miz·rā·ḥāh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4217: Place of sunrise, the east

These
הֵ֚מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

were the gatekeepers
הַשֹּׁ֣עֲרִ֔ים (haš·šō·‘ă·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper

from the camp
לְמַחֲנ֖וֹת (lə·ma·ḥă·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

of the Levites.
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 9:18 Who hitherto waited in the king's gate (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 9:17
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