(1) Concerning the divisions of the porters.—Literally, (as) to courses to porters. (Comp. 1Chronicles 23:6.) As many as 4,000 Levites were set apart for this function by the king’s orders. (Comp. 1Chronicles 23:25.)

Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah.—To the Korhites (sons of Korah) belonged Meshelemiah son of Kōrē. Meshelemiah is called Shelemiah (1Chronicles 26:14), and Shallum (1Chronicles 9:19).

Of the sons of Asaph.—Not the chief musician Asaph, who was a Gershonite (1Chronicles 6:39-48); whereas the Korhites were a Kohathite stock (Exodus 6:21). The name here is evidently an abbreviation of Ebiasaph (1Chronicles 9:19), as Ahaz of Jehoahaz.

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.The porters - See 1 Chronicles 9:17-27; 1 Chronicles 23:5. CHAPTER 26

1Ch 26:1-12. Divisions of the Porters.

1, 2. Concerning the divisions of the porters—There were four thousand (1Ch 23:6), all taken from the families of the Kohathites and Merarites (1Ch 26:14), divided into twenty-four courses—as the priests and musicians.

Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph—Seven sons of Meshelemiah are mentioned (1Ch 26:2), whereas eighteen are given (1Ch 26:9), but in this latter number his relatives are included.The division of the porters, 1 Chronicles 26:1-12. The gates assigned by lot, 1 Chronicles 26:13-19. The Levites have charge of the treasures of the temple, 1 Chronicles 26:20-28. Officers and judges, 1 Chronicles 26:29-32.

Not that famous Asaph the singer, but another Asaph, called also Ebiasaph, 1 Chronicles 6:37.

Concerning the divisions of the porters,.... Or doorkeepers, whose business it was to open and shut the doors of the temple, to keep all impure and improper persons from entering into it, or any of the vessels being carried out of it, and to prevent tumults and riots about it; these, as it seems, David divided into a like number of classes, as the singers, to take their turns in waiting:

of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph; not Asaph the singer, who was a Gershonite, but the same with Eliasaph, 1 Chronicles 6:23 a Korhite.

Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of {a} Asaph.

(a) This Asaph was not the notable musician, but another of that name also called Ebiasaph in 1Ch 6:23,37,9:19 and also Jasaph.