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Book of 1 Chronicles - Chapter 16 - Verse 38

16:38
And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Chronicles, it mentions Obed-edom along with their brethren, numbering sixty-eight in total. Obed-edom, the son of Jeduthun and Hosah, were appointed as porters. The term "porters" in this context refers to gatekeepers or doorkeepers who were tasked with guarding the entryways of the temple. They were responsible for maintaining order, controlling access, and ensuring the security of the sacred spaces within the temple.

The use of the term "brethren" indicates that Obed-edom served alongside fellow Levites in this role. The Levites were a tribe of Israel dedicated to serving in the temple and assisting the priests in their duties. This verse highlights the importance of having dedicated individuals like Obed-edom and his brethren to fulfill the essential role of porters in guarding the entrance and maintaining the sanctity of the temple.

Overall, this verse emphasizes the significance of each person's role within the temple and the importance of working together as a community to uphold the sacred duties assigned to them. It serves as a reminder of the value of commitment, responsibility, and service in the spiritual life of the Israelites.

Theological Overview

The verse about Obededom and his brethren being appointed as porters in the Bible holds theological significance within the context of ancient Israelite culture and religious practices. The term "porters" refers to gatekeepers or those responsible for guarding the entryways to sacred spaces such as the tabernacle or temple. In this verse, Obededom and his relatives were chosen for this important role, signifying their trustworthiness and dedication to the service of God. Obededom is mentioned as the son of Jeduthun, a prominent Levite musician, highlighting the interconnection between different roles within the religious community. Furthermore, the number "threescore and eight" (68) indicates a significant group of individuals working collectively to maintain order and sanctity within the sacred space. This verse emphasizes the importance of organization and teamwork in fulfilling the duties required for the proper functioning of the religious community.

American Standard Version

and Obed-edom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obed-edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers;
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