So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of Yahweh, even the house of the tent, by wards.
      IV. Many of the Levites were employed as porters at the gates of the house of God, four chief porters (1 Chronicles 9:26; 1 Chronicles 9:26), and, under them, others, to the number of 212, 1 Chronicles 9:22; 1 Chronicles 9:22. They had the oversight of the gates (1 Chronicles 9:23; 1 Chronicles 9:23), were keepers of the thresholds, as in the margin (1 Chronicles 9:19; 1 Chronicles 9:19), and keepers of the entry. This seemed a mean office; and yet David would rather have it than dwell in the tents of wickedness,Psalms 84:10. Their office was, 1. To open the doors of God's house every morning (1 Chronicles 9:27; 1 Chronicles 9:27) and shut them at night. 2. To keep off the unclean, and hinder those from thrusting in that were forbidden by the law. 3. To direct and introduce into the courts of the Lord those that came thither to worship, and to show them where to go and what to do, that they might not incur punishment. This required care, and diligence, and constant attendance. Ministers have work to do of this kind.