This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors;

2 CHRONICLES 23:4KJV
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2 Chronicles 23:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 23:4 mean?

2 Chronicles 23:4 gives instructions for organizing the priests and Levites on duty during the Sabbath, assigning a third of them to serve as gatekeepers at the doors. This plan is part of a larger strategy to control access and protect the temple during a critical moment.

In this verse, Jehoiada the priest is speaking to the Levites and priests about their roles in a carefully coordinated plan to safeguard the temple and support the young king Joash. The instructions focus on dividing those on duty into groups, with one group specifically assigned as "porters" or gatekeepers, controlling who can enter through the doors. This careful organization reflects the seriousness of the situation, as they are preparing for a significant and potentially dangerous event—the public presentation of the rightful king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 23:4

  • "thing" (דָּבָר, davar): This word often means "word," "matter," or "command." Here, it signals that Jehoiada is giving a specific, authoritative instruction, not just a suggestion.
  • "porters" (שֹׁעֵרִים, sho‘arim): This term refers to gatekeepers or doorkeepers. Their role was crucial for security, especially during tense times, as they controlled who could enter or leave the temple area.
  • "doors" (דֶּלֶת, delet): This word means "doors" or "gates," emphasizing the physical entry points to the temple that needed guarding. The focus on doors highlights the need for vigilance and order.

Why 2 Chronicles 23:4 matters

  • This verse clears up that the priests and Levites were not only involved in worship but also had important security and organizational duties, especially during crises.
  • The emphasis on dividing the group and assigning specific roles shows the careful planning and seriousness with which Jehoiada approached the protection of the temple and the new king.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger story, where the safety of Joash and the success of the plan to restore the rightful king depended on strict organization and loyalty among the temple staff.

Where else these words appear

“doors” Hebrew H5592 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 12:22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
  • 2 Kings 25:18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:
  • Jeremiah 52:19 And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away.

“porters” Hebrew H7778 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
  • Ezra 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

“sabbath” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

“part” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
  • Judges 20:30 And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:23 And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.