1 Chronicles 26: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 26 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The divisions of the doorkeepers begin with Meshelemiah of the Korahites and his seven sons. Then come Obed-Edom and his eight sons, 'for God blessed him' (v. 5). His grandsons are 'able men in strength for the service', sixty-two in all. Meshelemiah's family numbers eighteen and Hosah's thirteen (vv. 1-12). Lots are cast for every gate, 'the small as well as the great'. The east falls to Shelemiah, the north to his son Zechariah. The south and the storehouse go to Obed-Edom, the west to Shuppim and Hosah. Six Levites stand eastward, four a day north and south, two and two at the storehouse (vv. 13-19).

Key verse

“Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in Yahweh’s house.”
1 Chronicles 26:12 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 26:1–8 Divisions of the Doorkeepers
1 Chronicles 26:9–12 Responsibilities of Doorkeepers
1 Chronicles 26:13–19 Casting Lots for Service
1 Chronicles 26:20–28 Treasurers and Their Duties
1 Chronicles 26:29–32 Oversight Beyond the Jordan

Discussion questions

In v1, who is named as the head of the doorkeepers?
What does it mean in v12 that the doorkeepers had 'offices like their brothers'?
In v13, why do they cast lots 'for every gate'?
In v30, what does it imply about Hashabiah and his brothers to say they had 'the oversight of Israel'?
When have you felt a strong sense of responsibility for a role in your community?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 26: 1 Chronicles 23, 1 Chronicles 9, 1 Chronicles 15.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 27.