11. Hilkiah was Hosah’s second son, Tebaliah his third, and Zechariah his fourth son. In all Hosah had 13 sons and relatives who were gatekeepers.
12. These were the leaders of the groups of the gatekeepers. The gatekeepers had a special way to serve in the Lord’S Temple, just as their relatives did.
13. Each family was given a gate to guard. Lots were thrown to choose a gate for a family. Young and old were treated the same.
14. Meshelemiah was chosen to guard the East Gate. Then lots were thrown for Meshelemiah’s son Zechariah. Zechariah was a wise counselor. Zechariah was chosen for the North Gate.
15. Obed Edom was chosen for the South Gate. And Obed Edom’s sons were chosen to guard the house where the valuable things were kept.
16. Shuppim and Hosah were chosen for the West Gate and the Shalleketh Gate on the upper road. Guards stood side by side.
17. Six Levites stood guard every day at the East Gate. Four Levites stood guard every day at the North Gate. Four Levites stood guard at the South Gate. And two Levites guarded the house where the valuable things were kept.
18. There were four guards at the western court and two guards on the road to the court.
19. These were the groups of the gatekeepers from the families of Korah and Merari.
20. Ahijah was from the tribe of Levi. Ahijah was responsible for taking care of the valuable things in God’s Temple. Ahijah also was responsible for the places where the holy things were kept.