1 Chronicles 9:19

“And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry”

Passage:“And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry” (1 Chronicles 9:19, KJV).

Context:The book of 1 Chronicles is a historical account that traces the genealogy and history of Israel, particularly the lineage of David and the organisation of the Levitical priesthood. This passage specifically focuses on the duties assigned to Shallum and his Korahite relatives in their role as gatekeepers of the tabernacle.

Shallum and his lineage:Shallum, the son of Kore, belongs to the Korahite family, which was a branch of the Levites responsible for various tasks in the service of the Lord. The Korahites were descendants of Kohath, one of the three sons of Levi (Exodus 6:16-24; Numbers 26:57-58).

Keepers of the gates:Shallum and his relatives were assigned the important responsibility of being keepers of the gates of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the central place of worship for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness and later in the Promised Land. The gatekeepers played a vital role in guarding the entrance to the tabernacle, ensuring that only authorised individuals had access.

• Faithfulness in service: Shallum and his brethren faithfully carried out their duties as gatekeepers. Their role might not have been as prominent as that of priests or leaders, but they served the Lord with dedication and commitment.
• The significance of boundaries: The gatekeepers’ role in protecting the entrance to the tabernacle highlights the importance of boundaries and order in worship and service.
• Teamwork and cooperation: Shallum and his relatives worked together as a team, coordinating their efforts to fulfill their responsibilities.

Remember, while this study provides insights into the passage, it is always beneficial to read the surrounding verses and consult other resources to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the overall message of the book of 1 Chronicles.