“Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he! 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them.”
Psalms 99:5-6 ESV
Samuel was the last of the judges but was also considered the first of the prophets. He came along at an interesting time in history as Israel had not yet had a king. His life was full of faithful service to the Lord. A great example of that is what we read here in 1 Chronicles 9. The 212 gatekeepers were established by Samuel and most likely reformed by David. Both of these faithful men used their lives to train others up in the faith.
“The gatekeepers had been appointed in the days of David and Samuel (1Ch 26:1-19). Since Samuel died long before David made his appointments, the chronicler must be saying that David was encouraged and instructed by the prophet from the days of his youth. In a sense, Samuel appointed the gatekeepers through David.”
Nelson’s New Illustrated Commentary
The temple work involved a detailed regimen of specific tasks. Each worker had a responsibility and a timeframe in which to accomplish the work. They structured their lives around their service to God. Some of these responsibilities were done directly toward God and some of them were done toward the house of God. Others were directed at their fellow Israelites who were dependent upon the Levites to fulfill their obligations.
The priests would have been descendants of Aaron, the first high priest, and they would have taken up the responsibility of temple work and offering sacrifices. The Levites had a diverse set of tasks that corresponded with the practical needs of the community. Their work set the table for the spiritual nourishment of the people. The Nethinim were considered special assistants to the Levites. Many speculate they were Gentiles who had been assigned to this work after being captured in battle (Numbers 31:30).
Overall, the over point is clear. This community was dedicated to God had many working parts which would only be effective if every worker stuck to their role. There was no room for laziness or jealousy. Unfortunately, in recent times, a consumerist mentality has swept over the western church. Many believers want a church that serves them instead of finding a body where they can serve. Though the church should allow for both, we must remember that the church is a living organism fueled by individual parts working as one. When one member suffers, the entire body will suffer.