1 Chronicles 9:27

27 They lived near the Temple, because it was their duty to guard it and to open the gates every morning.

1 Chronicles 9:27 Meaning and Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:27

And they lodged round about the house of God
In chambers on the outward wall about it, that they might be near to do their office:

because the charge was upon them;
to guard the house:

and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them;
that is, the opening of the doors of the mountain of the house, and the court of women; for as for others, that appertained to the priests, as Dr. Lightfoot ^F21 observes; under the second temple, it is said ^F23, Ben Geber was over the shutting of the gates in the evening, and so of opening in the morning.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 Temple-Service, c. 7. sect. 1.
F23 Misn. Shekalim, c. 5. sect. 1.

1 Chronicles 9:27 In-Context

25 These guards were assisted by their relatives, who lived in the villages and who had to take turns at guard duty for seven days at a time.

26 The four chief guards were Levites and had the final responsibility. They were also responsible for the rooms in the Temple and for the supplies kept there.

27 They lived near the Temple, because it was their duty to guard it and to open the gates every morning.

28 Other Levites were responsible for the utensils used in worship. They checked them out and checked them back in every time they were used.

29 Others were in charge of the other sacred equipment, and of the flour, wine, olive oil, incense, and spices.