All those that were chosen to be porters in the gates were
 two hundred and twelve
 As fixed in the days of David, and might not be fewer: 
 these were reckoned by their genealogies in their villages;
 where they dwelt: 
 whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office;
 the scheme was first drawn by Samuel the prophet, and communicated to David, who put it into execution, to be constantly and perpetually observed.