(26) For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office.--The Heb. says, or seems to say, "For in fixed position (or trust) were they, viz., the four heroes of the warders." (See 1Chronicles 9:17 which apparently names four chief "porters.") The temporary chiefs of the warder guilds abode in the Temple; the mass of their members was settled in the neighbouring villages, and occupied with pastoral pursuits.

And were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.--This statement belongs to the following verse. The preceding account of the porters or warders seems to terminate with the words. "For in fixed position are they, the four stalwart warders; they are the Levites;" that is, the Levites par excellence. And they were over the cells and over the treasuries of the house of God (viz., the warders); and they used to pass the night (1Chronicles 9:27) in the places round the house of God, for upon them was the ward, and they were over the opening (key) every morning--a brief recapitulation of the main duty of the Levitical warders. Some have proposed to alter the text of 1Chronicles 9:26 b, and to read, "And some of the Levites were over the cells," &c, thus constituting a new paragraph, although 1Chronicles 9:27 obviously recurs to the warders. Probably the paragraph mark should be transferred to 1Chronicles 9:28. From this point to 1Chronicles 9:34 we have a review of the other special charges of the Levites.

9:1-44 Genealogies. - This chapter expresses that one end of recording all these genealogies was, to direct the Jews, when they returned out of captivity, with whom to unite, and where to reside. Here is an account of the good state into which the affairs of religion were put, on the return from Babylon. Every one knew his charge. Work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place, and makes a business of it. God is the God of order. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Re 4:8. Blessed be His name, believers there shall, not in turn, but all together, without interruption, praise him night and day: may the Lord make each of us fit for the inheritance of the saints in light.For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office,.... The four chief porters who were over all the two hundred and twelve, and had one over them, 1 Chronicles 9:17, these were never changed, nor went into the country villages; but were always upon the spot, and in their office, superintending the rest:

and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God; see 1 Chronicles 26:20.