1 Chronicles 26:11

Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all.

Study Bible

Hilkiah the second
Hilkiah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly or Levitical duties. The mention of Hilkiah as "the second" indicates his position in the family hierarchy, suggesting a structured order among the sons of Hosah. This reflects the importance of lineage and order in the Levitical service, as seen in other parts of the Chronicles where genealogies and family roles are meticulously recorded.

Tebaliah the third
Tebaliah, being the third, continues the pattern of listing the sons in order of their birth or importance. The name Tebaliah means "Yahweh is good," which is a testament to the faith and religious devotion of the family. This naming convention underscores the cultural practice of embedding theological significance within personal names, a common practice in ancient Israel.

Zechariah the fourth
Zechariah, meaning "Yahweh remembers," is a name shared by several notable figures in the Bible, including a prophet and a priest. The recurrence of this name highlights its popularity and the hope it embodies—that God remembers His covenant with His people. The position of Zechariah as the fourth son may indicate his role within the family and the duties he might have been expected to perform in the service of the temple.

The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all
Hosah was a gatekeeper, and his family was part of the Levitical order responsible for the security and maintenance of the temple. The number 13, while not as symbolically significant as other numbers in the Bible, indicates a sizable family unit dedicated to temple service. This reflects the communal and familial nature of worship and service in ancient Israel, where entire families were often involved in religious duties. The role of gatekeepers was crucial, as they ensured the sanctity and order of the temple, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical narrative of maintaining holiness and reverence in worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hilkiah
The second son of Hosah, a gatekeeper in the temple. His name means "my portion is Yahweh" in Hebrew, indicating a heritage of faith.

2. Tebaliah
The third son of Hosah. His name means "Yahweh is good," reflecting a recognition of God's goodness and provision.

3. Zechariah
The fourth son of Hosah. His name means "Yahweh remembers," suggesting a theme of divine remembrance and faithfulness.

4. Hosah
A Levite and gatekeeper, responsible for the security and order of the temple. His family was entrusted with significant duties in the house of God.

5. Gatekeepers
Levites assigned to guard the gates of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter. This role was crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the temple.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Service
The role of gatekeepers, though seemingly mundane, was vital for the temple's function. This teaches us that every role in God's service is important, no matter how small it may seem.

Heritage of Faith
The names of Hosah's sons reflect a legacy of faith and trust in God. We are encouraged to pass on a spiritual heritage to our children and those we influence.

God's Remembrance
Zechariah's name reminds us that God remembers His promises and His people. We can trust in His faithfulness even when we feel forgotten.

Order and Holiness
The gatekeepers maintained order and holiness in the temple. Similarly, we are called to guard our hearts and lives, ensuring that we live in a way that honors God.

Community and Family in Ministry
Hosah's family served together in the temple, illustrating the importance of involving our families in ministry and serving God as a community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of a gatekeeper in the temple relate to our responsibilities as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are passing on a heritage of faith to the next generation?

3. How can we find value and purpose in seemingly small or unnoticed roles within our church or community?

4. What are some practical ways we can guard our hearts and maintain holiness in our daily lives?

5. How can we involve our families in serving God and participating in ministry together?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 9:17-27
This passage provides a broader context for the role of gatekeepers, detailing their duties and the importance of their service in the temple.

Psalm 84:10
Highlights the honor and blessing of serving as a gatekeeper in the house of God, emphasizing the value of even the humblest service in God's presence.

Nehemiah 12:25
Mentions the gatekeepers in the time of Nehemiah, showing the continuity and importance of this role throughout Israel's history.