The chapter is part of the section from chapters 22-26, the preparation of David for Solomon to build the temple.

Verses 1-19 – The assignment of gatekeepers to be responsible for security for the practical and spiritual aspects of the temple. First, they ensure those who serve and worship in the temple are in line with the law. The role seems humble, but it is a great privilege just as Korah the Psalmist said I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness (Psalm 84:10).

Shemaiah, a gatekeeper whose sons rose to positions of high responsibility was described as an “able man,” better translated as “strong man,” as the job required them to remove unwelcome people or objects in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:16-20).

Shimri the first (not firstborn, but his father made him first). Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; and all thirteen sons and brethren of Hosah. Among them were chief men who like their brethren served in the temple. Although God is our Refuge, we are responsible for the security of God’s house and not let anyone divide or destroy it.

Verses 20-32 – The treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things were assigned to the treasurers’ care. David set up the financial organization to administrate the building of the temple. They had oversight of all the riches brought by David’s conquest of the peoples dedicated to God and the temple (the dedicated things).

Shelomith and his brethren were put in charge of the treasuries of the dedicated things given by David and the heads of fathers’ houses, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army. Some of the spoils from their victories in battles were dedicated to maintaining the temple along with those dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah.

Other servants were assigned to decide the matters that pertained to God and the king's affairs, expound the law, answer cases, solve doubts, and supervise. They amounted to 2,700 Levites to maintain the laws of “God and king” among the tribes west of the Jordan.

The distinction between the temple's spiritual work and the temple's practical workwas made in this chapter. And many people considered spiritual work is more important than practical work. As the gatekeeper and treasury work are practical, we may think less of them but in God’s eyes, they are important and valuable. Thus, we should not make a distinction between them like we do with the spiritual and practical or the sacred and the secular. All the tasks God gave to us, mundane or specialized, “religious” or “lay,” are valuable in His eyes. We also need “gatekeepers” to watch over our hearts and minds as evil thoughts are constantly intruding our hearts and minds. They can create distance and alienation from God. The “gatekeepers” of our souls will protect us from intrusions so we will not sin against God.

Prayer: Lord, whatever you have assigned for me to do, they are just as valuable as any other work you have assigned to others. Guard my heart and mind against the things and thoughts that are trying to keep a distance and alienate me from You O Lord I pray. Deliver me from all evil thoughts and temptations that I may not sin against You.