Study Desk

Prior to this time, they were responsible for the King's Gate on the east side. These men served as gatekeepers for the camps of the Levites.

Shallum was the son of Kore, a descendant of Abiasaph, from the clan of Korah. He and his relatives, the Korahites, were responsible for guarding the entrance to the sanctuary, just as their ancestors had guarded the Tabernacle in the camp of the Lord .

And later Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was responsible for guarding the entrance to the Tabernacle.

These gatekeepers and their descendants, by their divisions, were responsible for guarding the entrance to the house of the Lord when that house was a tent.

Their relatives in the villages came regularly to share their duties for seven-day periods.

The four chief gatekeepers, all Levites, were trusted officials, for they were responsible for the rooms and treasuries at the house of God.

Some of the gatekeepers were assigned to care for the various articles used in worship. They checked them in and out to avoid any loss.

Others were responsible for the furnishings, the items in the sanctuary, and the supplies, such as choice flour, wine, olive oil, frankincense, and spices.

all their mighty warriors brought the bodies of Saul and his sons back to Jabesh. Then they buried their bones beneath the great tree at Jabesh, and they fasted for seven days.

instead of asking the Lord for guidance. So the Lord killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

He was with David when the Philistines gathered for battle at Pas-dammim and attacked the Israelites in a field full of barley. The Israelite army fled,

Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you." So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops.

Some men from Manasseh defected from the Israelite army and joined David when he set out with the Philistines to fight against Saul. But as it turned out, the Philistine rulers refused to let David and his men go with them. After much discussion, they sent them back, for they said, "It will cost us our heads if David switches loyalties to Saul and turns against us."

They helped David chase down bands of raiders, for they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army.

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

From the tribe of Zebulun, there were 50,000 skilled warriors. They were fully armed and prepared for battle and completely loyal to David.

From the tribe of Dan, there were 28,600 warriors, all prepared for battle.

From the tribe of Asher, there were 40,000 trained warriors, all prepared for battle.

They feasted and drank with David for three days, for preparations had been made by their relatives for their arrival.

It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul."