New International Version The gatekeepers of the temple: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita and Shobai 139 New Living Translation The gatekeepers of the families of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai 139 English Standard Version The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, in all 139. Berean Standard Bible The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 139 in all. Berean Literal Bible The sons of the gatekeepers: The sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty-nine. King James Bible The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine. New King James Version The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-nine in all. New American Standard Bible The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, 139 in all. NASB 1995 The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, in all 139. NASB 1977 The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, in all 139. Legacy Standard Bible The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, in all 139. Amplified Bible The sons of the gatekeepers: of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, in all 139. Berean Annotated Bible The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum (retribution), the descendants of Ater (binder), the descendants of Talmon (oppressor), the descendants of Akkub (insidious), the descendants of Hatita (exploring), and the descendants of Shobai (glorious), 139 in all. Christian Standard Bible The gatekeepers’ descendants included Shallum’s descendants, Ater’s descendants, Talmon’s descendants, Akkub’s descendants, Hatita’s descendants, Shobai’s descendants, in all 139 Holman Christian Standard Bible The gatekeepers’ descendants included: Shallum’s descendants, Ater’s descendants, Talmon’s descendants, Akkub’s descendants, Hatita’s descendants, Shobai’s descendants, in all 139 American Standard Version The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty and nine. English Revised Version The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine. GOD'S WORD® Translation These gatekeepers returned from exile: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai 139 International Standard Version The Descendants of the Gatekeepers: Descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, totaling: 139 NET Bible The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai: 139. New Heart English Bible The descendants of the gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, the descendants of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine. Webster's Bible Translation The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty and nine. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 139 in all. World English Bible The children of the gatekeepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSons of the gatekeepers: sons of Shallum, sons of Ater, sons of Talmon, sons of Akkub, sons of Hatita, sons of Shobai, the whole [are] one hundred thirty-nine. Berean Literal Bible The sons of the gatekeepers: The sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty-nine. Young's Literal Translation Sons of the gatekeepers; sons of Shallum, sons of Ater, sons of Talmon, sons of Akkub, sons of Hatita, sons of Shobai, the whole are a hundred thirty and nine. Smith's Literal Translation The sons of the gates: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatite, the sons of Shobi, all, a hundred thirty and nine. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe children of the porters: the children of Sellum, the children of Ater, the children of Telmon, the children of Accub, the children of Hatita, the children of Sobai: in all a hundred thirty-nine. Catholic Public Domain Version The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai: altogether one hundred thirty-nine. New American Bible The gatekeepers: descendants of Shallum, descendants of Ater, descendants of Talmon, descendants of Akkub, descendants of Hatita, descendants of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-nine in all. New Revised Standard Version The descendants of the gatekeepers: of Shallum, of Ater, of Talmon, of Akkub, of Hatita, and of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe descendants of Tarael: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Atar, the children of Altman, the descendants of Jacob, the descendants of Hattota, the descendants of Shobai, in all one hundred and thirty-nine. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The children of Taril, and the children of Shallum, the children of Atar, the children of Altman, the children of Yaqob, the children of Khetuta, the children of Shabbi, all of them one hundred and thirty and nine. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty and nine. Brenton Septuagint Translation The children of the porters, the children of Sellum, the children of Ater, the children of Telmon, the children of Acub, the children of Atita, the children of Sobai, in all a hundred and thirty-nine. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The List of Returning Exiles…41The singers: the descendants of Asaph, 128. 42 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 139 in all. 43The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth,… Cross References The gatekeepers: 1 Chronicles 9:17-27 These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; / he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. / Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. … 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. / Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, / Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. … the descendants of Shallum, 1 Chronicles 9:17 These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; 2 Chronicles 23:19 He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that no one who was in any way unclean could enter. the descendants of Ater, Nehemiah 7:21 the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98; Nehemiah 10:17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, the descendants of Talmon, Nehemiah 11:19 And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men. 2 Chronicles 29:14 Jehiel and Shimei from the Hemanites; and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the Jeduthunites. the descendants of Akkub, 1 Chronicles 26:12-19 These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. … 2 Kings 11:6-9 a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— / the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king. / You must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who approaches the ranks must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.” … the descendants of Hatita, 2 Chronicles 8:14 In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God. Nehemiah 13:19 When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem, just before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I posted some of my servants at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day. and the descendants of Shobai, 1 Chronicles 23:5 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” 2 Chronicles 35:15 The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them. 139 in all. Nehemiah 7:45 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all. 1 Chronicles 9:22 The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. Treasury of Scripture The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine. the porters 1 Chronicles 26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. etc. Nehemiah 7:45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight. Jump to Previous Akkub Ater Children Descendants Door-Keepers Gatekeepers Hatita Hati'ta Hundred Nine Porters Shallum Shobai Sho'bai Talmon Temple Thirty Thirty-NineJump to Next Akkub Ater Children Descendants Door-Keepers Gatekeepers Hatita Hati'ta Hundred Nine Porters Shallum Shobai Sho'bai Talmon Temple Thirty Thirty-NineEzra 2 1. The number that return of the people36. of the priests 40. of the Levites 43. of the Nethinims 55. of Solomon's servants 61. of the priests who could not show their pedigree 64. The whole number of them, with their substance 68. Their offerings The gatekeepers: Gatekeepers served at the entrances to the temple precincts, guarding the holiness of the place where God’s people gathered for worship. Their work required faithfulness, alertness, and careful obedience to the regulations God had given. The restored community recognized that worship involved both joyful access to God and reverent regard for His holiness. 1Ch 9:17-27 These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman… the descendants of Shallum, Shallum belonged to a family associated with gatekeeping from earlier generations. First Chronicles identifies Shallum as a chief gatekeeper connected with the Korahites, whose fathers had guarded the entrances to the sanctuary. His descendants continued a long-established Levitical service, showing that the return from exile restored not merely buildings but the ordered worship God had appointed. 1Ch 9:17 These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman… the descendants of Ater, Ater, meaning “left-handed” or “bound,” family was among those entrusted with guarding the temple entrances. Their inclusion among the returnees demonstrates that seemingly humble service was essential to the restoration of covenant life in Jerusalem. God’s work required laborers at every level, from priests at the altar to guards at the gates. Neh 7:21 the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98; the descendants of Talmon, Talmon’s descendants—Talmon means “oppressor” or “support”—also appear among the gatekeepers in the later community of Jerusalem. Their continued service helped preserve the proper order of temple worship and protected the sacred spaces from misuse. Spiritual service calls for both welcome toward those who seek God and steadfastness in preserving what He has declared holy. Neh 11:19 And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates,… the descendants of Akkub, Akkub, meaning “insidious” or “deceptive,”’s family is named elsewhere among the Levitical gatekeepers who lived near Jerusalem and served by appointed rotations. Their presence in the returnee list reveals the care taken to restore every necessary aspect of temple ministry. God preserved families whose inherited responsibilities would support the worship of the nation after decades of exile. 1Ch 26:12-19 These divisions of the gatekeepers had duties… the descendants of Hatita, Hatita’s descendants shared in the demanding work of guarding the house of God. Their assignment required vigilance, since the temple was not an ordinary public place but the center of Israel’s covenant worship. Such watchfulness points to the need for God’s people to guard their lives and worship from sin, falsehood, and spiritual compromise. Hatita, meaning “explorer” or “searcher,” suggests a role of vigilance and discernment. The gatekeepers' task of discerning who could enter the temple parallels the spiritual discernment required of believers, as encouraged in 1 John 4:1. 2Ch 8:14 In keeping with the ordinances of his father David,… and the descendants of Shobai, Shobai, meaning “glorious” or “splendid,” reflects the honor associated with serving in the temple. Shobai’s family completed the listed gatekeeping divisions. Though their names receive little narrative attention, their service mattered before God and contributed to the renewal of worship in Jerusalem. Faithful service is measured not by public prominence but by obedience to the task God gives. This highlights the biblical principle that service to God, regardless of the role, is a noble calling, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24. 1Ch 23:5 4,000 are to be gatekeepers and 4,000 are to praise the LORD… 139 in all. The recorded number reflects the careful organization of the returning community. A relatively small company of gatekeepers accompanied the larger body of exiles, yet they were sufficient to begin restoring the temple’s ordered ministry. Their return testified that God had preserved a remnant committed to rebuilding worship according to His word. Neh 7:45 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum… Persons / Places / Events 1. ShallumA leader among the gatekeepers, responsible for the security and order of the temple. 2. Ater Another family line of gatekeepers, contributing to the temple's protection and service. 3. Talmon A family of gatekeepers, playing a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity of the temple. 4. Akkub Part of the gatekeeping families, ensuring the temple's operations ran smoothly. 5. Hatita A family involved in the gatekeeping duties, integral to the temple's daily functions. 6. Shobai Another family of gatekeepers, highlighting the communal effort in temple service. Teaching Points The Importance of Service RolesThe gatekeepers, though not as prominent as priests or Levites, played a vital role in the temple's function. Every role in God's work is significant, and we should value and honor all forms of service. Faithfulness in Small Things The gatekeepers' duties required diligence and faithfulness. In our lives, being faithful in small tasks can lead to greater responsibilities and blessings. Community and Cooperation The listing of families shows the communal effort in temple service. In the church, cooperation and unity are essential for effective ministry and worship. Heritage and Legacy The mention of specific families highlights the importance of spiritual heritage. We should strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness and service for future generations. Security and Sanctity The gatekeepers ensured the temple's security, symbolizing the need to guard our hearts and communities against spiritual threats. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 2:42?2. How does Ezra 2:42 emphasize the importance of temple service in our lives? 3. What role did the "gatekeepers" play, and how can we serve similarly today? 4. How does the dedication of gatekeepers in Ezra 2:42 inspire our church involvement? 5. Compare the gatekeepers' duties to New Testament teachings on spiritual vigilance. 6. How can we apply the commitment of Ezra 2:42's gatekeepers in our communities? 7. What is the significance of the temple servants mentioned in Ezra 2:42? 8. How does Ezra 2:42 reflect the historical context of post-exilic Israel? 9. Why are the descendants of the gatekeepers specifically listed in Ezra 2:42? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 2? What Does Ezra 2:42 Mean The gatekeepers• Ezra spotlights a special class of Levites charged with guarding worship space. As 1 Chronicles 9:22 records, “In all, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds were 212 men… David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted positions.” • Their ministry was not optional security but obedience; compare 1 Chronicles 23:5, where David assigns “four thousand… to be gatekeepers.” • New-temple worship would need the same watchfulness (2 Chronicles 31:14), so naming them here assures readers that God’s house will again be protected. the descendants of Shallum • 1 Chronicles 9:17 lists Shallum first among the pre-exilic gatekeepers, and verse 19 notes that his family “were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the tent.” • By returning, this clan re-embraces its God-given calling—an encouragement that past faithfulness can resume after judgment. the descendants of Ater • Earlier in the same chapter the “sons of Ater (through Hezekiah)” appear among lay Israelites (Ezra 2:16); here members of that larger family have a Levitical branch. • Nehemiah 7:21 repeats their name, underscoring continuity between the two returns. God preserves even small households for His service. the descendants of Talmon • Talmon is paired with Shallum in 1 Chronicles 9:17 and again in Nehemiah 11:19, where 172 of their descendants are still keeping watch a generation later. • Their persistence illustrates Psalm 84:10: “I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” the descendants of Akkub • Also named in 1 Chronicles 9:17 and Nehemiah 11:19, Akkub’s line shows that God restores specific families, not just anonymous crowds. • Their post-exilic appearance fulfills Jeremiah 29:11’s promise of a hopeful future for those exiled. the descendants of Hatita • Although Scripture gives little background, their inclusion asserts that every obedient servant counts. Jesus echoes this truth in Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” the descendants of Shobai • Like Hatita, Shobai’s family is obscure yet indispensable. Nehemiah 7:45 repeats their name, proving that God’s record book never omits quiet laborers (cf. Malachi 3:16). 139 in all • Ezra tallies the six families to 139 men, while Nehemiah 7:45 records 138—likely one man died or was added between the lists, showing real-life accuracy rather than inflated legend. • The specific number reminds us of Luke 12:7: “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” highlighting God’s personal care. summary Ezra 2:42 calls attention to six Levitical families who resumed the humble, vital task of guarding the temple. Their names tie the new community to pre-exilic worship, prove God’s faithfulness to preserve servants large and small, and model steadfast devotion for every generation that longs to keep the doors of God’s house open and holy. (42) The children of the porters.—The porters, or gatekeepers, number six families, three of which appear in the old Jerusalem (1Chronicles 9:17).Verse 42. - The porters. Six families of doorkeepers returned; three of which bear old names, those of Shallum, Talmon, and Akkub (1 Chronicles 9:17), while the other three have names that are new to us. One hundred and thirty-nine. The smallness of this and the two preceding numbers is remarkable. While the returning priests numbered 4289, the returning Levites of all classes were no more than 341 (350, Nehemiah). It would seem as if some jealousy of the priests, like that which animated Korah and his followers (Numbers 16:1-10), must have grown up during the captivity (comp. below, Ezra 8:15).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The descendantsבְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of the gatekeepers: הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֗ים (haš·šō·‘ă·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper the descendants בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Shallum, שַׁלּ֤וּם (šal·lūm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7967: Shallum -- the name of a number of Israelites the descendants בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Ater, אָטֵר֙ (’ā·ṭêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 333: Ater -- a leader in Israel the descendants בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Talmon, טַלְמ֣וֹן (ṭal·mō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2929: Talmon -- an Israelite name the descendants בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Akkub, עַקּ֔וּב (‘aq·qūḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6126: Akkub -- the name of several Israelites the descendants בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Hatita, חֲטִיטָ֖א (ḥă·ṭî·ṭā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2410: Hatita -- a Levite and the descendants בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Shobai, שֹׁבָ֑י (šō·ḇāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7630: Shobai 139 מֵאָ֖ה (mê·’āh) Number - feminine singular Strong's 3967: A hundred in all. הַכֹּ֕ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every Additonal Resources Ezra 2:42 Blue Letter BibleEzra 2:42 Bible Gateway Ezra 2:42 Bible.com Ezra 2:42 NIV |
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