1 Chronicles 9:28
And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
And certain of them had the charge of
H5921
עַל
And certain of them had the charge of
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כְּלֵ֣י
vessels
H3627
כְּלֵ֣י
vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
3 of 9
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וּבְמִסְפָּ֖ר
by tale
H4557
וּבְמִסְפָּ֖ר
by tale
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
6 of 9
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
יְבִיא֔וּם
that they should bring them in
H935
יְבִיא֔וּם
that they should bring them in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Solomon's temple contained extensive precious metalwork: golden lampstands, tables, bowls, censers, etc. (1 Kings 7:48-50). Babylonian looting (586 BC) took most treasures (2 Kings 25:13-17), but returnees brought back some (Ezra 1:7-11). The Second Temple initially lacked much of the First Temple's grandeur, making careful stewardship of existing vessels crucial. This verse's emphasis on accountability reflects post-exilic economic scarcity—they couldn't afford to lose even one sacred utensil through carelessness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'by tale' accountability system for temple vessels challenge modern casualness about sacred spaces, objects, and responsibilities?
- What does the dignifying of 'counting dishes' as Spirit-empowered Levitical service teach about the sanctification of mundane church administrative work?
Analysis & Commentary
And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels (וּמֵהֶם עַל־כְּלֵי הָעֲבוֹדָה)—this describes a specialized Levitical role: inventory control of sacred utensils used in temple ritual. The Hebrew charge (עַל al, 'over' or 'upon') indicates assigned responsibility and accountability. These weren't merely storage clerks but liturgical stewards ensuring ritual purity and proper usage of consecrated objects—bowls, basins, knives, censers, etc., each with specific halakhic requirements.
That they should bring them in and out by tale (כִּי־בְמִסְפָּר יְבִיאוּם וּבְמִסְפָּר יוֹצִיאוּם)—the phrase by tale (בְמִסְפָּר bemispar, 'by number') means they counted vessels in and out, like library checkout systems. This accountability prevented loss, theft, or unauthorized use of holy objects. The meticulous care reflects Uzzah's death for touching the ark improperly (2 Samuel 6:6-7) and Nadab/Abihu's destruction for unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-2)—holy things require holy handling.
This mundane administrative detail—counting dishes—illustrates the sanctification of ordinary tasks when done for God's house. The New Testament parallel appears in Acts 6:1-6, where deacons served tables so apostles could focus on Word and prayer; both roles were vital, requiring Spirit-filled servants. The principle: there are no 'mere' tasks in God's service, only consecrated or profaned ones.