(17) Eastward were six Levites.--Literally, To the east the Levites were six; to the northward for the day four; to the southward for the day four; and to the Stores two two (i.e., two apiece, or two by two). We must supply for the day in the first clause, with the LXX.

Toward Asuppim two and two.--The magazine appears to have had two doors, with two warders stationed at each.

Verses 17, 18. - These verses give the number of individuals who composed the watch at a time, beginning again from Shelemiah's eastward position. The two and two toward Asuppim suggest most naturally the suppositon of two attendants at each of two gates, or else of two succeeding two. Parbar (פַרְבָּר). This word appears as פָּרְוָר in 2 Kings 23:11. These words, with forms akin to them, are often found in the Targums, but not elsewhere in the Scriptures. The nearest approach to the meaning of the word, as yet discovered, is a "suburb." The connection may just do as much as indicate that, whereas four porters kept the causeway gate, the Parbar gate was in closer proximity to the temple that was to be, but what this Parbar really was is not yet ascertained. Possibly it is the προάστειον of Josephus ('Ant.,' 15. 11:5). If we add the numbers of Levites given in these two verses, it will be noticed that they mount up to twenty-four.

26:1-32 The offices of the Levites. - The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strength and valour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures. Much was expended daily upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps; quantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. From those sacred treasuries, the unsearchable riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied; and receiving from his fulness, we must give him the glory, and endeavour to dispose of our abilities and substance according to his will. We have an account of those employed as officers and judges. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and must not be neglected. None of the Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; one duty was enough to engage the whole man. Wisdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are requisite or useful for every station.Eastward were six Levites,.... The eastern gate, being the way of entrance into the temple, required more porters:

northward four a day; in the daytime, or every day, where was the gate Teri or Tedi, 1 Chronicles 26:14, southward four a day: at the two gates of Huldah, 1 Chronicles 26:15 and toward Asuppim two and two; which were two gates, two at each gate, 1 Chronicles 26:15.