1 Chronicles 9:17 meaning

This verse encases a significant aspect of the temple service during the time surrounding the return from Babylonian exile. It lists the names of the gatekeepers who served as porters, indicating the order and responsibility that was reestablished among the Levites. Their duty was critical for maintaining the sanctity and accessibility of the tabernacle, underlining the importance of organization in Israelite worship, especially as the community sought to reclaim their identity and heritage post-exile.

The context of 1 Chronicles emphasizes the return to covenant faithfulness, showcasing the roles various families played in ensuring the smooth functioning of worship, a central theme in Chronicles. Thus, this verse reflects a dual purpose: the historical record of service and a call to the returned exiles to uphold the sacred duties that connect them to their past and to God. This effort toward reestablishment drives home the message that performing one’s duty in the community is an essential element of faithfulness and worship.

The relevant scripture is captured in 1 Chronicles 9:17.