To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

1 CHRONICLES 26:16KJV
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1 Chronicles 26:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 26:16 mean?

1 Chronicles 26:16 describes how the responsibilities for guarding the west side of the temple, specifically at the Shallecheth Gate by the causeway, were assigned by lot to Shuppim and Hosah, with their duties organized shift by shift. The verse records the practical arrangement of temple gatekeepers, ensuring each group had a specific post and time for their service.

The book of 1 Chronicles is listing the divisions of the gatekeepers for the temple in Jerusalem, as organized by King David. This verse notes that Shuppim and Hosah were chosen by lot to guard the western gate, called Shallecheth, which was near a raised road or causeway. The phrase "ward against ward" means their shifts or watches were set up in an orderly rotation, making sure the gate was always guarded.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:16

  • שַׁלֶּכֶת (Shallecheth): This is the specific name of the gate on the west side of the temple. The name likely means "casting out" or "refuse," possibly hinting at its use or location.
  • מַסְלוּל (maslul, "causeway"): This word refers to a raised road or ramp leading up to the temple area. It highlights the importance of this gate as an entry point for people coming up to the temple.
  • מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmeret, "ward"): This word means a watch, guard duty, or shift. The repetition "ward against ward" shows the careful organization of the gatekeepers' rotations to maintain constant security.

Why 1 Chronicles 26:16 matters

  • This verse shows the detailed and organized way temple duties were assigned, reflecting the seriousness with which the Israelites approached worship and security.
  • The mention of specific gates and locations helps readers picture the physical layout of the temple and its surroundings, grounding the story in real places.
  • Understanding the system of "ward against ward" clarifies how the Levites worked in shifts, ensuring the temple was always protected and accessible for worship.

Where else these words appear

“Shuppim” Hebrew H8206 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 7:12 Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, and Hushim, the sons of Aher.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:15 And Machir took to wife the sister of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maachah;) and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.

“Hosah” Hebrew H2621 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief,(for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)

“westward” Hebrew H4628 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 7:28 And their possessions and habitations were, Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
  • Psalms 107:3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

“ward” Hebrew H4929 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
  • Leviticus 24:12 And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.
  • Nehemiah 12:24 And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.