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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 26:13 They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/26-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/13_1Ch_26_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 26:13 - The Divisions of the Gatekeepers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-12.htm" title="1 Chronicles 26:12">◄</a> 1 Chronicles 26:13 <a href="/1_chronicles/26-14.htm" title="1 Chronicles 26:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Lots were cast for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They were assigned by families for guard duty at the various gates, without regard to age or training, for it was all decided by means of sacred lots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And they cast lots by fathers’ houses, small and great alike, for their gates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And they cast lots for each gate, the small as well as the great, according to their father’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots, the small and the great alike, according to their fathers’ households, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They cast lots, the small and the great alike, according to their fathers&#8217 households, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they cast lots, the small and the great alike, according to their fathers’ households, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they cast lots, the small and the great alike, according to their fathers’ households, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_chronicles/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots, the small (younger) and great (older) alike, in accordance with their fathers’ households, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_chronicles/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots for each temple gate according to their ancestral families, young and old alike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots for each gate according to their ancestral houses, young and old alike. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_chronicles/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathers' houses, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_chronicles/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Each group, no matter how large or small, was assigned a gate to guard, and they let the LORD show them what he wanted done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_chronicles/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathers' houses, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They drew lots by families, youngest and oldest alike, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Each family, regardless of size, drew lots to see which gate it would be responsible for. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_chronicles/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />assigned by lottery according to their ancestral households, whether large or small alike, for their gate assignments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_chronicles/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots, both young and old, according to their families, to determine which gate they would be responsible for.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers' houses, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_chronicles/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they cause lots to fall, the small as well as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they cause to fall lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for gate and gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_chronicles/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will cast lots, according to small according to great, for the house of their fathers, to gate and gate.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they cast lots equally, both little and great, by their families for every one of the gates. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then they cast lots equally, for both the small and the great, by their families, concerning each one of the gates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They cast lots for each gate, small and large families alike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and they cast lots by ancestral houses, small and great alike, for their gates.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they cast lots, the least as well as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they cast lots, the young like the great, for the house of their fathers, for the gate and for the Gatekeeper.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathers' houses, for every gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_chronicles/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they cast lots for the small as well as for the great, for the several gates, according to their families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/26-13.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=7260" 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/26.htm">The Divisions of the Gatekeepers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yap·pî·lū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">They cast</a> <a href="/hebrew/1486.htm" title="1486: ḡō·w·rā·lō·wṯ (N-mp) -- Or goral; from an unused root meaning to be rough; properly, a pebble, i.e. A lot; figuratively, a portion or destiny.">lots</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: lə·ša·‘ar (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">for each gate,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: wā·šā·‘ar (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">according to their families,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇêṯ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6996.htm" title="6996: kaq·qā·ṭōn (Prep-k, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Small, young, unimportant. Or qaton; from quwt; abbreviated, i.e. Diminutive, literally or figuratively.">young</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: kag·gā·ḏō·wl (Prep-k, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">and old alike.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him.…<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="/numbers/26-55.htm">Numbers 26:55-56</a></span><br />Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. / Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/18-10.htm">Joshua 18:10</a></span><br />And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-41.htm">1 Samuel 14:41-42</a></span><br />So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. / Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24-26</a></span><br />And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen / to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” / Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/11-1.htm">Nehemiah 11:1</a></span><br />Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-31.htm">1 Chronicles 24:31</a></span><br />As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">1 Chronicles 25:8</a></span><br />They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm">Leviticus 16:8-10</a></span><br />After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, / he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. / But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/1-7.htm">Jonah 1:7</a></span><br />“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-35.htm">Matthew 27:35</a></span><br />When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-24.htm">John 19:24</a></span><br />So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-19.htm">Acts 13:19</a></span><br />And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">1 Samuel 10:20-21</a></span><br />Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-28.htm">1 Samuel 2:28</a></span><br />And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/24-31.htm">1 Chronicles 24:31</a></b></br> These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Alike</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-5.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-21.htm">Door</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-30.htm">Families</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-6.htm">Family</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-6.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-9.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-3.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-30.htm">Households</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-6.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Lots</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Small</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/3-19.htm">Alike</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-14.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-14.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-23.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-14.htm">Door</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-21.htm">Families</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-21.htm">Family</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-21.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-14.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/8-5.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-15.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-21.htm">Households</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-21.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-34.htm">Lots</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-16.htm">Small</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-1.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-1.htm">The divisions of the porters</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">The gates assigned by lot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-20.htm">The Levites that had charge of the treasures</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-29.htm">Officers and judges</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/26.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/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They cast lots for each gate</b><br>Casting lots was a common biblical practice used to discern God's will in decision-making. It reflects a reliance on divine providence rather than human judgment. In the context of <a href="/1_chronicles/26.htm">1 Chronicles 26</a>, the casting of lots was used to determine the specific duties and responsibilities of the gatekeepers in the temple. This practice ensured fairness and impartiality, as it was believed that the outcome was directed by God (<a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a>). The gates of the temple were significant as they controlled access to the sacred space, symbolizing the need for order and holiness in worship.<p><b>according to their families</b><br>The organization of the gatekeepers by family underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the Levitical duties. The Levites were set apart for service in the temple, and their roles were often passed down through generations. This familial structure ensured continuity and stability in temple service. It also highlights the communal aspect of worship in Israel, where families served together, reinforcing their identity and commitment to God's covenant.<p><b>young and old alike</b><br>The inclusion of both young and old in the casting of lots for gatekeeping duties emphasizes the value of all ages in service to God. It reflects the biblical principle that every member of the community, regardless of age, has a role to play in the worship and service of God. This inclusivity can be seen in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28</a>, where God's Spirit is poured out on all people, young and old. It also points to the idea of mentorship and the passing down of responsibilities and wisdom from one generation to the next, ensuring the faithfulness of future generations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gatekeepers.htm">The Gatekeepers</a></b><br>These were Levites assigned to guard the gates of the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/casting_lots.htm">Casting Lots</a></b><br>This was a common biblical practice used to discern God's will in decision-making. It ensured fairness and divine guidance in the allocation of duties.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/families_of_the_levites.htm">Families of the Levites</a></b><br>The Levites were divided into families, and each family had specific roles and responsibilities in temple service.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple_gates.htm">The Temple Gates</a></b><br>These were the entry points to the temple, symbolizing access to God's presence. Guarding them was a sacred duty.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/y/young_and_old_alike.htm">Young and Old Alike</a></b><br>This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity and shared responsibility among the Levites, regardless of age.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_in_decision-making.htm">Divine Guidance in Decision-Making</a></b><br>The practice of casting lots reflects a reliance on God's sovereignty. In our lives, we should seek God's guidance in our decisions, trusting that He directs our paths.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/shared_responsibility_in_ministry.htm">Shared Responsibility in Ministry</a></b><br>The inclusion of both young and old Levites in temple duties teaches us the importance of involving all generations in church ministry. Everyone has a role to play in serving God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fairness_and_order_in_service.htm">Fairness and Order in Service</a></b><br>The casting of lots ensured fairness in the distribution of duties. In our communities, we should strive for fairness and order, recognizing that each person's contribution is valuable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_sacred.htm">Guarding the Sacred</a></b><br>The gatekeepers' role was to protect the sanctity of the temple. We are called to guard our hearts and lives, ensuring that we remain pure and dedicated to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_gatekeeper_numbers_realistic_for_israel.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13–19: How realistic are the high numbers of gatekeepers given the estimated population sizes of ancient Israel? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_chronicles_26-32_historical_or_idealized.htm">1 Chronicles 26:1-32: Is the meticulous organizational structure for guarding and treasuries historically plausible, or is it an idealized religious account?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_detail_obed-edom's_lineage_precisely.htm">1 Chronicles 26:4-6: Why detail Obed-Edom's lineage so precisely with no external evidence to confirm these large family claims?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_benjamin's_lineages.htm">In 1 Chronicles 8:1-2, how can these names and lineages of Benjamin be reconciled with variations in other Old Testament genealogies?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">And they cast lots.</span>--Compare <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm" title="And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.">1Chronicles 25:8</a>.<p><span class= "bld">As well the small as the great</span> . . .--Rather, <span class= "ital">Small and great</span> (senior and junior) <span class= "ital">alike, according to their houses, for each gate.</span> The posts of the porters were assigned by lot, without distinction of rank between the various families. The Sanctuary was built square with the four points of the compass, and had four gates, one on each side. The orientation of temples was the rule with the ancient Semites; and the importance attached to the cardinal points is illustrated by the ancient designation of the Babylonian and Assyrian sovereigns as "King of the four quarters," <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> of heaven (<span class= "ital">sar arba'i kiprat</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span><p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/26-13.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">They cast</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּפִּ֨ילוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yap·pî·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lots</span><br /><span class="heb">גוֹרָל֜וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḡō·w·rā·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1486.htm">Strong's 1486: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lot -- a lot (for casting)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for each gate,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשַׁ֥עַר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ša·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to their families,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">young</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּקָּטֹ֧ן</span> <span class="translit">(kaq·qā·ṭōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6996.htm">Strong's 6996: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small, young, unimportant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and old alike.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּגָּד֛וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(kag·gā·ḏō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 26:13 They cast lots the small as well (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 26:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 26:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 26:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 26:14" /></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>