8. All these men were Obed-Edom’s descendants. They and their sons and relatives were capable men. They were strong enough to do the work. Obed-Edom had 62 descendants in all.
9. Meshelemiah had sons and relatives. They were skilled workers. In all, there were 18 sons and relatives.
10. These are the gatekeepers from the Merari family. Hosah had sons. Shimri was chosen to be in charge. He was not the oldest son, but his father chose him to be in charge.
11. Hilkiah was his second son. Tabaliah was his third son, and Zechariah was his fourth son. In all, Hosah had 13 sons and relatives.
12. These were the leaders of the groups of the gatekeepers. They had jobs for serving in the Temple of the Lord. Their relatives also had jobs in the Temple.
13. Each family was given a gate to guard. They were chosen by throwing lots. 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. He 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.