9. Meshelemiah had sons and relatives who were skilled workers. In all, there were eighteen.
10. From the Merari family, Hosah had sons. Shimri was chosen to be in charge. Although he was not the oldest son, his father chose him to be in charge.
11. Hilkiah was his second son, Tabaliah was third, and Zechariah was fourth. In all, Hosah had thirteen sons and relatives.
12. These were the leaders of the groups of gatekeepers, and they served in the Temple of the Lord. Their relatives also worked in the Temple.
13. By throwing lots, each family chose a gate to guard. Young and old threw lots.
14. Meshelemiah was chosen by lot to guard the East Gate. Then lots were thrown for Meshelemiah’s son Zechariah. He was a wise counselor and 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 storehouse.
16. Shuppim and Hosah were chosen for the West Gate and the Shalleketh Gate on the upper road.Guards stood side by side with guards.
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 every day at the South Gate; and two Levites at a time guarded the storehouse.
18. There were two guards at the western court and four guards on the road to the court.
19. These were the groups of the gatekeepers from the families of Korah and Merari.
20. Other Levites were responsible for guarding the treasuries of the Temple of God and for the places where the holy items were kept.
21. Ladan was Gershon’s son and the ancestor of several family groups. Jehiel was a leader of one of the family groups.