The gatekeepers were to the city what mothers are to the home (Titus 2:5)—Gk, oikouros, home guards.
We’re impressed with the priests and their ministry. We’re grateful for the assistance of the Levites. We delight in the contributions of the musicians. But gatekeepers, David? Is this the job of a king, to be arranging gatekeepers? But there they are (1 Chron 26:1-19), and what a pivotal role they have! Of course, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps 84:10). But don’t underestimate these men and their ministry. First, notice our friend Obed-Edom (1 Chron 26:4). Remember him? He and his family had been greatly blessed for looking after the ark of the covenant (13:13-14). How greatly? Here’s his family, now in Jerusalem, protecting the Lord’s things! How many? Eight sons, “for God blessed him” (26:4-5), plus his grandsons—“sixty-two” in all (v 8)! How are they described? “They were men of great ability” (v 6) and “able men with strength for the work” (v 8). Their responsibilities were varied. It seems sitting in the gate involved more than GPS services, directing people to the temple; they helped in directing lives as well. One of Obed-Edom’s grandsons, Zechariah, is described as “a wise counselor” (v 14), like the husband of the virtuous woman who also sat in the gate (Prov 31:23). Some protected access to “the storehouse” (1 Chron 26:15), others patrolled “the ascending highway—watchman opposite watchman” (v 16). “As for the Parbar on the west” (v 18), that was the suburb on the Western Hill where the priests had their homes. So, like elders of the church and mothers in the home, keepers were vital for watching what went in and out, giving sage advice, and protecting the treasure in their care, serving the Lord in guarding what’s precious to Him.