John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. The sons of Shemaiah , etc.] The same before mentioned, the firstborn of Obededom: Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, and Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men; Elihu and Semachiah ; which may rather denote their valour and courage, as before, though strength of body was needful, particularly to open and shut the doors of the temple, which, Josephus says, required the assistance of twenty men.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The offices of the Levites.
--The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strengt and valour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures. Much was expended dail upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps quantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestment and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. Thes treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house enough and to spare. From those sacred treasuries, the unsearchabl riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied; and receiving from his fulness, we must give him the glory, and endeavour to dispose of ou abilities and substance according to his will. We have an account of those employed as officers and judges. The magistracy is an ordinanc of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and mus not be neglected. None of the Levites who were employed in the servic of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; one duty was enough to engage the whole man Wisdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are requisite or useful for every station _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew בני1121 שׁמעיה8098 עתני6273 ורפאל7501 ועובד5744 אלזבד443 אחיו251 בני1121 חיל2428 אליהו453 וסמכיהו׃5565
