Meshelemiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Levitical duties associated with the temple. He is recognized as a gatekeeper, a role of significant responsibility and honor in the service of the Lord's house.

Genealogy and Family

Meshelemiah is identified as a descendant of the Korahites, a prominent Levitical family. The Korahites were a branch of the Kohathites, one of the three main divisions of the Levites. The Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects. Meshelemiah's lineage is detailed in 1 Chronicles 26:1, which states, "The divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites, there was Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph."

Role as a Gatekeeper

The role of a gatekeeper was crucial in the administration and protection of the temple. Gatekeepers were responsible for maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple by controlling access to its premises. This duty required vigilance, integrity, and a deep commitment to the service of God. Meshelemiah's appointment as a gatekeeper underscores his standing and trustworthiness within the Levitical community.

1 Chronicles 26:12-13 describes the organization of the gatekeepers: "These divisions of the gatekeepers, under their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives had. They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike."

Family Involvement

Meshelemiah's family was actively involved in the gatekeeping duties. His sons were also appointed to serve in this capacity, indicating a family tradition of dedication to temple service. 1 Chronicles 26:14-15 provides further insight: "The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him."

Significance

The mention of Meshelemiah and his family in the Bible highlights the importance of faithful service and the hereditary nature of Levitical duties. The role of gatekeepers, though perhaps less prominent than that of priests or prophets, was essential for the orderly and sacred functioning of the temple. Meshelemiah's inclusion in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the value placed on dedication and stewardship in the service of God.

Biblical References

· 1 Chronicles 26:1 : "The divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites, there was Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph."
· 1 Chronicles 26:12-15 : "These divisions of the gatekeepers, under their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives had. They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him."

Through these passages, Meshelemiah is remembered as a faithful servant whose family continued his legacy of devotion to the temple's sacred duties.Meshelemiah

peace, or perfection, of the Lord

Meshelemiah

(whom Jehovah repays), a Korhite porter or gate-keeper of the house of Jehovah in the reign of David. (1 Chronicles 9:21; 26:1,2,9)

Friendship of Jehovah, a Levite of the family of the Korhites, called also Shelemiah (1 Chronicles 9:21; 26:1, 2, 9, 14). He was a temple gate-keeper in the time of David. MESHELEMIAH

me-shel-e-mi'-a (meshelemyah, "Yah repays"): Father of Zechariah, one of the porters of the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:21; 1 Chronicles 26:1, 2, 9). In the latter passage Meshelemiah, with a final "-u", is credited with "sons and brethren, valiant men, 18." He is the "Shelemiah" of 1 Chronicles 26:14, the "Shallum" of 1 Chronicles 9:17, 19, 31, and the "Meshullam" of Nehemiah 12:25.

4920. Meshelemyah -- a Levite
... a Levite. Transliteration: Meshelemyah or Meshelemyahu Phonetic Spelling:
(mesh-eh-lem-yaw') Short Definition: Meshelemiah. ... Meshelemiah. ...
/hebrew/4920.htm - 6kMeshelemiah (4 Occurrences)
... He was a temple gate-keeper in the time of David. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MESHELEMIAH. ... Multi-Version Concordance Meshelemiah (4 Occurrences). ...
/m/meshelemiah.htm - 8k

Kore (4 Occurrences)
... (1.) A Levite and temple-warder of the Korahites, the son of Asaph. He was father
of Shallum and Meshelemiah, temple-porters (1 Chronicles 9:19; 26:1). ...
/k/kore.htm - 10k

Meshelemi'ah (4 Occurrences)
Meshelemi'ah. Meshelemiah, Meshelemi'ah. Meshes . ... 1 Chronicles 9:21 Zechariah
the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tent of meeting. (See RSV ...
/m/meshelemi'ah.htm - 7k

Sons (2429 Occurrences)
... Kore and Shallum. The representative of the line in David's time was "Zechariah
the son of Meshelemiah" (1 Chronicles 9:21). In all ...
/s/sons.htm - 65k

Korahites (7 Occurrences)
... Kore and Shallum. The representative of the line in David's time was "Zechariah
the son of Meshelemiah" (1 Chronicles 9:21). In all ...
/k/korahites.htm - 20k

Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)
... See RSV). 1 Chronicles 9:21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter
of the door of the tent of meeting. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/z/zechari'ah.htm - 20k

Jathniel (1 Occurrence)
... JATHNIEL. jath'-ni-el (yathni'el, "God lives"): Fourth "son" of Meshelemiah, a Korahite
(1 Chronicles 26:2). Multi-Version Concordance Jathniel (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/jathniel.htm - 7k

Korah (51 Occurrences)
... Kore and Shallum. The representative of the line in David's time was "Zechariah
the son of Meshelemiah" (1 Chronicles 9:21). In all ...
/k/korah.htm - 44k

Meshech (11 Occurrences)

/m/meshech.htm - 13k

Zebadi'ah (9 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 26:2 And Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the first-born,
Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth; (See RSV). ...
/z/zebadi'ah.htm - 8k

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