(26) Which Shelomith and his brethen.--He, viz., Shelomoth and his kinsmen.

Chief of fathers.--Heads of the clans.

The captains over thousands.--Heb., to the captains; a scribe's error.

Captains of the host.--Two are mentioned in 1Chronicles 26:28, viz., Abner and Joab (see 2Samuel 8:16; 1Chronicles 18:15; 1Chronicles 27:34).

Verse 26. - The treasures. The very first use of this word to signify a place where treasures were kept is in Joshua 6:19, 24. The same word is used for either the place or the treasures kept in it. Not found in the Books of Samuel, the word often occurs in the two Books of Kings and of Chronicles, once in Ezra, several times in Nehemiah, etc. In our next chapter (1 Chronicles 27:25, 27, 28) it appears in the Authorized Version as "storehouses" and "cellars." Captains over thousands and hundreds (so see Exodus 18:21, 25; Numbers 31:14, etc.; Deuteronomy 1:15; 1 Samuel 8:12, etc.). Captains of the host (so Deuteronomy 20:9; Joshua 5:14, 15; Judges 4:2; 1 Samuel 17:55, etc.).

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.Which Shelomith,.... The last mentioned in the lineage from Eliezer, the younger son of Moses:

and his brethren; or kinsmen:

were over all the treasures of the dedicated things; which had been devoted for the service of God, and of the temple particularly:

which David the king had dedicated; out of the spoils he took in war, see 2 Samuel 8:11,

the chief fathers; princes of tribes, and heads of families:

the captains over thousands and hundreds; in the several tribes of the kingdom, and were concerned in the administration of justice to the people:

and the captains of the host, had dedicated; of the army, out of the spoils in victory that came to their share, see Numbers 31:48 as follows.