6. Obed Edom’s son was Shemaiah. Shemaiah also had sons. His sons were leaders in their father’s family because they were brave soldiers.
7. Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, Elihu, and Semakiah. Elzabad’s relatives were skilled workers.
8. All these men were Obed Edom’s descendants. These men and their sons and relatives were powerful men. They were good guards. Obed Edom had 62 descendants.
9. Meshelemiah had sons and relatives who were powerful men. In all there were 18 sons and relatives.
10. These are the gatekeepers from the Merari family: Hosah, son of Merari, chose his son Shimri to be the leader, even though he was not the oldest son.
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.
21. Ladan was from Gershon’s family. Jehieli was one of the leaders of the tribe of Ladan.