“As for the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh. Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth, for God blessed him. Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers’ houses, for they were men of great ability. The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed and Elzabad, whose brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah. All these were of the sons of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers, able men qualified for the service; sixty-two of Obed-edom. Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, able men, eighteen. And Hosah, of the sons of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.
“These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties,.. ministering in the house of the Lord… Watch corresponded to watch.” 1 Chronicles 26:1-12,16b
“A day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10
David made meticulous preparations for his son Solomon who would be the one to build the temple. He organized and appointed men for every service in God’s house, taking care to cover appropriately every required duty. Those who kept the gates were to guard both inflow and outflow with an eye for the purity of place and worship. They were able and qualified and took the assignment seriously. What some might deem unimportant or unglamorous played a vital role in the ministry of the temple.
In the Lord’s eyes, every task or role we take on in His name has great value. Responding to needs, coming alongside those who lead, tending carefully and humbly to the small and mundane, or employing our particular abilities for a specific assignment all contribute to God’s kingdom work. He appoints the gifts and is honored when we use them, guarding and furthering His plans and will. (Romans 12:3-8,16; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
As for gatekeepers, we have responsibility both personally and corporately. The Lord calls us to keep our hearts as the wellspring of life, guarding them from insidious, creeping sin. We are to stand guard over our mouths, so we speak what is true and lovely and builds up others. We also, as God’s children, are to keep the gates of purity and truth and goodness in the church. We do what we can to protect marriages, families, teaching, and serve as sentries against gossip, unsavory entertainment, destructive heresies. (Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 4:23; Ephesians 6:12-18)
How well do we take to such an assignment- one that in the world’s eyes is insignificant? How seriously do we take gatekeeping ourselves and the Bride of Christ? What foreign affections or false teaching need we keep out? What treasures of purity and confidences need we keep in?
Lord, help me value with vigilance the gatekeeping You appoint, for Your honor.
As the rain and snow 
What a blessing to be able to serve the Creator of the universe, even as a gatekeeper!
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