(8) Able men.--Were men of power; in the original, a singular collective.

For strength.--Literally, In the strength, i.e., ability.

Were threescore and two . . .--A distinct sentence: There were sixty and two (belonging) to Obed-edom. Perhaps the word kol, "every," has fallen out before ish hayil (comp. 1Chronicles 10:12, where the same phrase occurred). In that case render, All these were of the sons of Obed-edom; they and their sons and their brethren, every man of power in the strength for service. The "sons and brethren" of the porters may be compared with those of the musicians (1Chronicles 25:9; 1Chronicles 25:29).

Verse 8. - Able men for strength for the service. The Hebrew gives this in the singular, אִישׁיחַיִל, etc. The apparent intention is to distribute equally to each and every one of all of the sons of Obed-edom, the high character for strength given to them as grouped here together.

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.All these of the sons of Obededom,.... And grandsons:

they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service; men of fortitude of mind and strength of body, as before observed: were

sixty two of Obededom: that sprung from him, which the Jews (s) account for in an extravagant manner, as the effect of miraculous births.

(s) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 63. 2. & 64. 1.