(7) And Obed, Elzabad.--This is probably corrupt, as the conjunction, which is used with the preceding names, is wanting between Obed and Elzabad. Probably Obed-Elzabad is a corruption of some single name, perhaps Obed-el: (comp. the Syriac and Arabic, Ubdael and Ufidilu), or Abdiel (1 Chronicles 5:15; Syriac, Abdael; Arabic, Afadilu); see Note on 1 Chronicles 26:12. (Those two versions, however, give six names, while the LXX. gives eight.)
Whose brethren were strong men.--The Hebrew has "his brethren." The conjunction appears to be missing again. Read: And his brethren, sons of strength, Elihu and Semachiah.
26:1-32 The offices of the Levites. - The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strength and valour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures. Much was expended daily upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps; quantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. From those sacred treasuries, the unsearchable riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied; and receiving from his fulness, we must give him the glory, and endeavour to dispose of our abilities and substance according to his will. We have an account of those employed as officers and judges. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and must not be neglected. None of the Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; one duty was enough to engage the whole man. Wisdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are requisite or useful for every station.
The sons of Shemaiah,.... The same before mentioned, the firstborn of Obededom:
Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, and Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men; Elihu and Semachiah; which may rather denote their valour and courage, as before, though strength of body was needful, particularly to open and shut the doors of the temple, which, Josephus (r) says, required the assistance of twenty men.
Whose brethren were strong men.--The Hebrew has "his brethren." The conjunction appears to be missing again. Read: And his brethren, sons of strength, Elihu and Semachiah.
Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, and Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men; Elihu and Semachiah; which may rather denote their valour and courage, as before, though strength of body was needful, particularly to open and shut the doors of the temple, which, Josephus (r) says, required the assistance of twenty men.
(r) Contr. Apion. l. 2. sect. 9.