1 CHRONICLES 26


1 Concerning the divisions of the porters [sho'arim (gatekeepers)]: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore [Korchim was Meshelemyahu Ben Kore], of the Bnei Asaph.


The order of the Kingdom under Solomon in regard to the 24 Courses of Gate-keepers is outlined and established. These porters held important offices, which is why David aspired to be a door-keeper in the house of God.

"For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness," he declared (Psa. 84:10).

To dwell in the tents of wickedness might satisfy the flesh; but a doorkeeper for Yahweh satisfies the spirit Mind. •

The porter protected the house; permitting in and out those only who are accepted. It was, and will be, a most illustrious position, and one of great authority. They opened the doors into the outer wall which led into the Court of the Gentiles, and the east, north and south doors of the Court of the Women, for the priest opened the west, and all the other doors that led into the Court of Israel. The porters attended in these gates through the day, 24 in number as guards to the purity, safety or peace of the temple (vv. 17-18), and they shut them at night (ch. 9:27).

They were men of sign, representing Christ as the Door (Jn. 10:7). Solomon's courses were drawn from three families with 93 chiefs over 4,000. This would put 43 under each, leaving one (the chief) over. This arrangement, with variations, will most likely be repeated in the great Temple of the Age to Come, and thus renew that which was "in the days of old."

But the glory of the latter house is to be greater than the former, and so also will the porters who will allow entrance to those so permitted. It will be an onerous and vital responsibility, and one for which all those of faith, like David, aspire. GEM

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