1. These are the assignments of work for the Levites who served as temple guards. From the clan of Korah there was Meshelemiah son of Kore, of the family of Asaph.
2. He had seven sons, listed in order of age: Zechariah, Jediael, Zebadiah, Jathniel,
3. Elam, Jehohanan, and Eliehoenai.
4. There was also Obed Edom, whom God blessed by giving him eight sons, listed in order of age: Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sachar, Nethanel,
5. Ammiel, Issachar, and Peullethai.
6-7. Obed Edom's eldest son, Shemaiah, had six sons: Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, Elihu, and Semachiah. They were important men in their clan because of their great ability; the last two were especially talented.
8. Obed Edom's family furnished a total of 62 highly qualified men for this work.
9. Meshelemiah's family furnished eighteen qualified men.
10. From the clan of Merari there was Hosah, who had four sons: Shimri (his father made him the leader, even though he was not the eldest son),
11. Hilkiah, Tebaliah, and Zechariah. In all there were thirteen members of Hosah's family who were temple guards.
12. The temple guards were divided into groups, according to families, and they were assigned duties in the Temple, just as the other Levites were.
13. Each family, regardless of size, drew lots to see which gate it would be responsible for.
14. Shelemiah drew the east gate, and his son Zechariah, a man who always gave good advice, drew the north gate.
15. Obed Edom was allotted the south gate, and his sons were allotted to guard the storerooms.