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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Chronicles 23:5 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/23-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/13_1Ch_23_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 23:5 - The Divisions of the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, <i>said David</i>, to praise <i>therewith</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />four thousand <i>were</i> gatekeepers, and four thousand praised the LORD with <i>musical</i> instruments, “which I made,” <i>said David,</i> “for giving praise.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and four thousand <i>were</i> gatekeepers, and four thousand <i>were</i> praising the LORD with the instruments which David made for giving praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and 4,000 were gatekeepers, and 4,000 were praising the LORD with the instruments which David made for giving praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and 4,000 <i>were</i> gatekeepers, and 4,000 <i>were</i> praising the LORD with the instruments which David made for giving praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and 4,000 <i>were</i> gatekeepers, and 4,000 <i>were</i> praising Yahweh with the instruments which David made for giving praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_chronicles/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and 4,000 were gatekeepers, and 4,000 [musicians] were to praise the LORD with the instruments which David made for giving praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />four thousand are to be gatekeepers, and four thousand are to praise the LORD with the instruments that I have made for worship.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br /> 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments that I have made for worship.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_chronicles/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised Jehovah with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_chronicles/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />4,000 will be guards at the temple, and 4,000 will praise the LORD by playing the musical instruments I have given them." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_chronicles/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />4,000 were appointed to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 were appointed to praise the LORD with the instruments David had made for praising God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />four thousand to do guard duty, and four thousand to praise the LORD, using the musical instruments provided by the king for this purpose. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_chronicles/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />with 4,000 gatekeepers, and with 4,000 offering praises to the LORD with the musical instruments that I have had crafted."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_chronicles/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />4,000 are to be gatekeepers; and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I supplied for worship."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, for giving praise."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Moreover, four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_chronicles/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />four thousand were doorkeepers, and four thousand praised Yahweh with the instruments which I made for giving praise.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand giving praise to YHWH, “with instruments that I made for praising,” [says David.]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand giving praise to Jehovah, 'with instruments that I made for praising,' saith David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And four thousand gate keepers, and four thousand praising to Jehovah with instruments which I made to praise.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Moreover four thousand were porters: and as many singers singing to the Lord with the instruments, which he had made to sing with. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Moreover, four thousand were porters. And the same number were the singers of psalms to the Lord, with the musical instruments which he had made for the music.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />four thousand were to be gatekeepers, and four thousand were to praise the LORD with the instruments which [David] had devised for praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand shall offer praises to the LORD with the instruments that I have made for praise.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />To look after the building, to carry on their work, to oversee the resources and the work, and to give an accounting of wealth and the alms which they had distributed to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />That they would be watching the building and standing, and they were eager in their strength, and with their resources, and in their works, and in their accounts, and with their goods, and in charity that they would be distributing to the poor, and David appointed Stewards and Governors over the poor and over the afflicted, that they would be providing for and distributing to the poor, each over ten, and nothing was lacking to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised the LORD 'with the instruments which I made to praise therewith.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_chronicles/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and four thousand door-keepers, and four thousand to praise the Lord with instruments which he made to praise the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=6372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/23.htm">The Divisions of the Levites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: wə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ (Conj-w:: Number-msc) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">4,000</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7778.htm" title="7778: šō·‘ă·rîm (N-mp) -- A gatekeeper. Or shomer: active participle of sha'ar; a janitor.">are to be gatekeepers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: wə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ (Conj-w:: Number-msc) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">and 4,000</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: mə·hal·lîm (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To shine.">are to praise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: bak·kê·lîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">with the instruments</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I have made</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: lə·hal·lêl (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To shine.">for giving praise.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">1 Chronicles 25:1-7</a></span><br />Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25-30</a></span><br />Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-12.htm">2 Chronicles 5:12-13</a></span><br />all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a></span><br />In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/35-15.htm">2 Chronicles 35:15</a></span><br />The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/12-24.htm">Nehemiah 12:24-36</a></span><br />The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. / Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. / They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/150-3.htm">Psalm 150:3-5</a></span><br />Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-25.htm">Psalm 68:25</a></span><br />The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/81-2.htm">Psalm 81:2</a></span><br />Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-1.htm">Psalm 92:1-3</a></span><br />A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, / to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night / with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Psalm 33:2-3</a></span><br />Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. / Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-9.htm">Psalm 144:9</a></span><br />I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/149-3.htm">Psalm 149:3</a></span><br />Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm">1 Samuel 10:5</a></span><br />After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">2 Samuel 6:5</a></span><br />David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.</p><p class="hdg">porters</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/9-17.htm">1 Chronicles 9:17-27</a></b></br> And the porters <i>were</i>, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum <i>was</i> the chief; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/15-23.htm">1 Chronicles 15:23,24</a></b></br> And Berechiah and Elkanah <i>were</i> doorkeepers for the ark… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/16-38.htm">1 Chronicles 16:38</a></b></br> And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah <i>to be</i> porters:</p><p class="hdg">praised</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-31.htm">1 Chronicles 6:31-48</a></b></br> And these <i>are they</i> whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/9-33.htm">1 Chronicles 9:33</a></b></br> And these <i>are</i> the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, <i>who remaining</i> in the chambers <i>were</i> free: for they were employed in <i>that</i> work day and night.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/15-16.htm">1 Chronicles 15:16-22</a></b></br> And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren <i>to be</i> the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy… </p><p class="hdg">the instruments</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/10-12.htm">1 Kings 10:12</a></b></br> And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25,26</a></b></br> And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for <i>so was</i> the commandment of the LORD by his prophets… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Amos 6:5</a></b></br> That chant to the sound of the viol, <i>and</i> invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/23-4.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-38.htm">Doorkeepers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-38.htm">Door-Keepers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-4.htm">Four</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-38.htm">Gatekeepers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-23.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-15.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-42.htm">Musical</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-24.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-42.htm">Porters</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-36.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-36.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-9.htm">Praises</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-10.htm">Praising</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-4.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-4.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-4.htm">Thousand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-1.htm">Doorkeepers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-1.htm">Door-Keepers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-10.htm">Four</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-1.htm">Gatekeepers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-26.htm">Musical</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-31.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-1.htm">Porters</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-30.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-10.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-30.htm">Praises</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-30.htm">Praising</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-16.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/2-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/16-6.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-30.htm">Thousand</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-1.htm">David in his old age makes Solomon king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-2.htm">The number and distribution of the Levites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-7.htm">The families of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-12.htm">The sons of Kohath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-21.htm">The sons of Merari</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-24.htm">The office of the Levites</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_chronicles/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>4,000 are to be gatekeepers</b><br>In the context of ancient Israel, gatekeepers held a significant role in the temple service. They were responsible for maintaining the security and order of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter. This role is reminiscent of the Levites' duties in <a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">Numbers 3:5-10</a>, where they were appointed to assist the priests and guard the tabernacle. The number 4,000 indicates the large scale of the operation and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the temple. Gatekeepers can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate guardian of the spiritual temple, the Church, as seen in <a href="/john/10-7.htm">John 10:7-9</a>, where Jesus refers to Himself as the gate for the sheep.<p><b>and 4,000 are to praise the LORD</b><br>The appointment of 4,000 Levites to praise the LORD highlights the centrality of worship in Israel's religious life. This organized worship was a key aspect of temple service, reflecting the importance of music and praise in expressing devotion to God. The use of such a large number of Levites for this purpose underscores the communal nature of worship and the emphasis on glorifying God collectively. This practice is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (<a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Ephesians 5:19</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a>), showing continuity in the importance of musical worship.<p><b>with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”</b><br>David's involvement in creating instruments for worship indicates his deep commitment to enhancing the worship experience. This reflects the cultural and historical context of the time, where music played a vital role in both religious and royal ceremonies. The specific mention of instruments made by David suggests a personal investment in the worship of God, aligning with his reputation as a skilled musician (<a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23</a>) and a man after God's own heart (<a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a>). The use of instruments in worship is a precursor to the heavenly worship described in <a href="/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8-14</a>, where harps are used to praise God, symbolizing the eternal nature of worship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The king of Israel who organized the Levites and assigned their duties, including those mentioned in this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>The tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties, including temple service and worship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gatekeepers.htm">Gatekeepers</a></b><br>Levites assigned to guard the gates of the temple, ensuring the sanctity and security of the holy place.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/musicians.htm">Musicians</a></b><br>Levites designated to praise the LORD with instruments, highlighting the importance of worship in Israel's religious life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/instruments.htm">Instruments</a></b><br>Tools made by David for the purpose of worship, emphasizing the role of music in praising God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_order_in_worship.htm">The Importance of Order in Worship</a></b><br>David's organization of the Levites underscores the need for order and structure in worship, ensuring that all aspects of worship are conducted with reverence and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_music_in_worship.htm">The Role of Music in Worship</a></b><br>Music is a powerful tool for worship, as seen in David's provision of instruments. It enhances the worship experience and helps express the community's praise to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_sacred.htm">Guarding the Sacred</a></b><br>The role of gatekeepers highlights the importance of protecting what is sacred. In our lives, we must guard our hearts and minds, ensuring that our worship remains pure and focused on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/using_our_gifts_for_god's_glory.htm">Using Our Gifts for God's Glory</a></b><br>Just as the Levites used their specific skills for temple service, we are called to use our unique gifts and talents to serve and glorify God in our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuity_of_worship_practices.htm">Continuity of Worship Practices</a></b><br>The practices established by David continued through generations, reminding us of the importance of maintaining and passing down traditions of faith and worship.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/priests_vs._levites__role_differences.htm">How do priests and Levites differ in their roles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_records_confirm_288_musicians_under_david.htm">In 1 Chronicles 25:6–7, does any historical record confirm 288 skilled singers and musicians existed under David? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_chronicles_23_stress_david's_new_levite_roles.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 23 emphasize a new organizational structure under David, when some historical records suggest Levite roles evolved more gradually? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_international_house_of_prayer.htm">What is the International House of Prayer?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Moreover four thousand were porters.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">and four thousand</span> (are to be) <span class= "ital">warders.</span> (Comp. <a href="/context/1_chronicles/9-21.htm" title="And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.">1Chronicles 9:21-27</a>.) Reuss thinks 4,000 warders too many; but the different clans went on duty in turn.<p><span class= "bld">And four thousand praised the Lord</span> . . .--Rather, <span class= "ital">and four thousand</span> (are to be) <span class= "ital">praising the Lord with the instruments that I have made for praising.</span> (On "praising," see <a href="/1_chronicles/16-4.htm" title="And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:">1Chronicles 16:4</a>.) We have here an interesting reference to the fact that David was not only a minstrel and inspired psalmist, but also an inventor of stringed instruments. So the prophet Amos (<a href="/1_chronicles/6-5.htm" title="And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,">1Chronicles 6:5</a>) speaks of the effeminate nobles of Israel, "who prattle on the mouth of the <span class= "ital">nebel,</span> that invent themselves instruments of music, like David." The reference is repeated in <a href="/nehemiah/12-36.htm" title="And his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.">Nehemiah 12:36</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Which I have made.</span>--This expression proves that <a href="/context/1_chronicles/23-4.htm" title="Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:">1Chronicles 23:4-5</a> should be within inverted commas, as representing a spoken decree of David. Ewald thinks that the narrative is interrupted in <a href="/1_chronicles/23-5.htm" title="Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.">1Chronicles 23:5</a> by a fragmentary quotation from an ancient poet who speaks in the name of Jehovah, characterising <span class= "ital">the musicians</span> as "those whom I have formed to sing my praise." (But see <a href="/2_chronicles/7-6.htm" title="And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of music of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endures for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.">2Chronicles 7:6</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Porters</span> (Hebrew <span class="hebrew">שֹׁעְרִים</span>); <span class="accented">doorkeepers.</span> The word is so translated in <a href="/1_chronicles/15-23.htm">1 Chronicles 15:23, 24</a>. It was the duty of these to keep the entrances of the sanctuary, by day and night, in their courses (see also <a href="/2_kings/7-10.htm">2 Kings 7:10, 11</a>). The Chaldaic equivalent of this word is <span class="hebrew">תָּרָע</span> (<a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Ezra 7:24</a>; <a href="/daniel/2-49.htm">Daniel 2:49</a>). There is no connection between either the word or idea we have here, and those of <a href="/psalms/84-11.htm">Psalm 84:11</a>, where the Hithp. conjugation of <span class="hebrew">סָפפ</span> is used, and the sense of residence probably intended to be conveyed. <span class="cmt_word">The instruments which I made... to praise</span>. Possibly the quotation of a short sentence often on David's lips. Men given to music may have been very conscious of it, in ancient days, as well as in modern. The language, however, does not necessarily assert that David claimed the inventing or in any similar sense the <span class="accented">making</span> of these musical instruments, but that he <span class="accented">appointed</span> them for the service of praise. What some of them were may be seen in <a href="/2_chronicles/5-12.htm">2 Chronicles 5:12</a> - "cymbals, psalteries, harps, trumpets" (see also <a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25-27</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/12-35.htm">Nehemiah 12:35, 36</a>; <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Amos 6:5</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">4,000</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַרְבַּ֥עַת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are to be gatekeepers,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁעֲרִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(šō·‘ă·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7778.htm">Strong's 7778: </a> </span><span class="str2">A gatekeeper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and 4,000</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַרְבַּ֤עַת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ar·ba·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are to praise</span><br /><span class="heb">מְהַֽלְלִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·hal·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">לַיהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with the instruments</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּכֵּלִ֕ים</span> <span class="translit">(bak·kê·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prepared, any apparatus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have made</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִׂ֖יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for giving praise.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַלֵּֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">1 Chronicles 23:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 23:5 And four thousand were doorkeepers (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 23:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 23:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 23:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 23:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>