Definition: And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 9:19. It’s a really important passage about leadership and responsibility within the Tabernacle – which was God's house in Jerusalem during the time of David. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: These people, called the Korahites, were responsible for keeping the gates and entry to the Tabernacle. They were essentially the security guards and watchmen. Let's unpack each part: “And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren…” - This names the specific group of people – they’re a family line descended from the Korahites. "...of the house of his father, the Korahites.” - They were the descendants of the original Korah family, who built the Tabernacle. "[were] over the work of the service..." - This means they were in charge of all the tasks involved in keeping the Tabernacle clean and organized – like cleaning the floors, making sure everything was properly placed, etc. It’s about maintaining a sacred space. "...keepers of the gates of the tabernacle:" - They guarded the entrances to the Tabernacle, ensuring only those who were permitted entered. "...and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD..." – This is a crucial part. The fathers of these Korahites were leaders of the people who served the Lord – they were in charge of the entire group and represented the whole community. They were overseeing the entire operation of the Tabernacle. "...were keepers of the entry." - This means they were responsible for ensuring that only those who were truly worthy could enter the sacred space of the Tabernacle. In short, these Korahites were vital figures who ensured the sanctity and security of the Tabernacle, protecting it and its purpose for God's people. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of responsibility, stewardship, and the connection between leadership and religious duties. It shows that those entrusted with guarding a sacred space had a profound duty to protect it and uphold its purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss what this verse might teach us about trust or responsibility in general?