What does 1 Chronicles 26:13 mean?

"¶ And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate." - 1 Chronicles 26:13

"¶ And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate." - 1 Chronicles 26:13

Sure! Here is a detailed and in-depth meaning and commentary for 1 Chronicles 26:13 from the King James Version of the Bible:

1 Chronicles 26:13 (KJV) "And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate."

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of 1 Chronicles that details the divisions of gatekeepers for the temple in Jerusalem. In this specific verse, it describes the process by which the gatekeepers were assigned their duties. The phrase "they cast lots" indicates that the duties were assigned by chance or by the casting of lots, rather than by personal choice or preference. The use of the phrase "as well the small as the great" indicates that this process was applied to all the gatekeepers, regardless of rank or status. The phrase "according to the house of their fathers" suggests that the gatekeepers were assigned based on their familial lineage or heritage.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance within the broader narrative of 1 Chronicles. The book of 1 Chronicles is part of the Old Testament and is primarily concerned with chronicling the history of the Israelites, particularly the genealogies of the twelve tribes of Israel and the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem. The specific section in which this verse appears is focused on the organization and administration of the temple, including the various roles and responsibilities of the priests, Levites, and gatekeepers.

One of the key themes that can be gleaned from this verse is the idea of divine order and organization within the religious community of ancient Israel. The process of casting lots was a common practice in the Old Testament for making decisions or determining outcomes, and it was often seen as a way to discern the will of God. By casting lots to assign the duties of the gatekeepers, the Israelites were acknowledging God's sovereignty and trusting in His guidance. This theme aligns with the broader theological concept of God as the ultimate authority and the source of order and justice.

Furthermore, the emphasis on familial lineage in this verse speaks to the importance of heritage and tradition within ancient Israelite society. The roles and responsibilities of the gatekeepers were not arbitrary or based on individual merit, but rather were determined by the familial connections of the individuals. This underscores the significance of lineage and ancestry within the Israelite community, as well as the idea of communal identity and solidarity. The use of the phrase "for every gate" also highlights the meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness with which the duties of the gatekeepers were assigned.

In terms of symbolism, the casting of lots can be seen as representative of the idea of surrendering control to a higher power. By leaving the allocation of duties to chance, the Israelites were demonstrating their willingness to submit to God's will and their trust in His wisdom. Additionally, the emphasis on familial lineage and the uniform application of the casting of lots to all the gatekeepers reflects the egalitarian values of ancient Israelite society, as well as the idea of collective responsibility and communal harmony.

In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 26:13 is a verse that speaks to the themes of divine order, familial heritage, and communal solidarity within the religious community of ancient Israel. The process of casting lots to assign the duties of the gatekeepers underscores the Israelites' trust in God's guidance and their adherence to traditional customs and values. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, submission, and trust in the divine order, as well as the value of familial and communal ties.

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1 Chronicles 26:13 Artwork

1 Chronicles 26:13 - "¶ And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate."

1 Chronicles 26:13 - "¶ And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate."

"¶ And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate." - 1 Chronicles 26:13

"¶ And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate." - 1 Chronicles 26:13

1 Chronicles 1:26 - "Serug, Nahor, Terah,"

1 Chronicles 1:26 - "Serug, Nahor, Terah,"

1 Chronicles 8:26 - "And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,"

1 Chronicles 8:26 - "And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,"

1 Chronicles 26:23 - "Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:"

1 Chronicles 26:23 - "Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:"

1 Chronicles 26:1 - "Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph."

1 Chronicles 26:1 - "Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph."

"Serug, Nahor, Terah," - 1 Chronicles 1:26

"Serug, Nahor, Terah," - 1 Chronicles 1:26

1 Chronicles 12:26 - "Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred."

1 Chronicles 12:26 - "Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred."

1 Chronicles 26:3 - "Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh."

1 Chronicles 26:3 - "Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh."

1 Chronicles 26:18 - "At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar."

1 Chronicles 26:18 - "At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar."

1 Chronicles 26:24 - "And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures."

1 Chronicles 26:24 - "And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures."

1 Chronicles 26:9 - "And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen."

1 Chronicles 26:9 - "And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen."

1 Chronicles 16:26 - "For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens."

1 Chronicles 16:26 - "For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens."

1 Chronicles 26:15 - "To Obed-edom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim."

1 Chronicles 26:15 - "To Obed-edom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim."

1 Chronicles 29:26 - "¶ Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel."

1 Chronicles 29:26 - "¶ Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel."

2 Chronicles 26:13 - "And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy."

2 Chronicles 26:13 - "And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy."

1 Chronicles 26:19 - "These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari."

1 Chronicles 26:19 - "These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari."

1 Chronicles 24:26 - "The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno."

1 Chronicles 24:26 - "The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno."

1 Chronicles 1:13 - "And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth,"

1 Chronicles 1:13 - "And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth,"

1 Chronicles 7:26 - "Laadan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,"

1 Chronicles 7:26 - "Laadan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,"

1 Chronicles 26:27 - "Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD."

1 Chronicles 26:27 - "Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD."

1 Chronicles 26:5 - "Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him."

1 Chronicles 26:5 - "Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him."

1 Chronicles 25:26 - "The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"

1 Chronicles 25:26 - "The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"

1 Chronicles 13:1 - "And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader."

1 Chronicles 13:1 - "And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader."

1 Chronicles 6:26 - "As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,"

1 Chronicles 6:26 - "As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,"

"And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah," - 1 Chronicles 8:26

"And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah," - 1 Chronicles 8:26

1 Chronicles 27:26 - "And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:"

1 Chronicles 27:26 - "And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:"

1 Chronicles 24:13 - "The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,"

1 Chronicles 24:13 - "The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,"

1 Chronicles 12:13 - "Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh."

1 Chronicles 12:13 - "Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh."

1 Chronicles 26:20 - "¶ And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things."

1 Chronicles 26:20 - "¶ And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things."