And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.
They cast lots for each gate, giving both the youngest and oldest family members an equal chance, organizing the assignments by their family groups.
The writer is showing that gate assignments for the temple were made fairly through casting lots, with every family member having an equal opportunity regardless of age or status.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes the organization of gatekeepers for Solomon's temple in Jerusalem. The Levites were divided into family groups and given specific responsibilities for guarding different gates of the temple complex. Casting lots was a common biblical method for making decisions that were believed to be guided by God's will.
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