But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God.  They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.  I Chronicles 9:26-27 (NIV)

I feel like I just stepped off a cliff and am falling headlong into deep water.  This is a scripture seemingly intent on taking me to a place I am not “qualified” to go.  Maybe, if I go deep enough, I will find sunken treasure and find the key to open the treasure chest and bring the gold back to the surface so I can further examine the treasures I find.   So, bear with me as I take a deep breath and use all my strength to dive to the bottom, and search the depths for the richness it contains.  I know  a wealth of spiritual importance is here because the Levites were charged with guarding it (the house of God) and ensuring access each morning.  Like the first rays of sun penetrate the depths of the sea, the Holy Spirit will illuminate His Word and His mercies are new every morning.  (Lamentations 3:22-23)

In the Temple, not just anyone could enter.  Like a treasure chest in the deep, chords, hinges, and locks protect all the contents found inside.  The Tabernacle of the wandering Israelites and the Temple built by Solomon as a permanent abode for the LORD were to be built after the “pattern” shown to Moses by God Himself. (Hebrews 8:5, Exodus 25:9, 40)  In other words, these special places were to be replicas of Heaven and God’s throne room.  In heaven angels guard the throne of God but on earth the Levites were given this unimaginable responsibility.

Originally, the “firstborn” of every family were to serve the Lord,  This was the direction at the Passover when God told the Israelites He desired for them to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.   However, while Moses was on the mountain hearing directly from God, the Israelites were building a golden calf to worship…………..all except the tribe of Levi.  Because of the faithfulness of this family, they were set apart to serve the nation and God as “priests.”  The Levites provided assistance to the priests in worship of the Temple” and had political responsibilities as well as played music, served as guards but were not part of Kohanim: priests who performed acts of holiness, directed the sacrifices, and are direct descendants of Aaron.  (from Bob Jones Food for Hungry Christians)

When this scripture in I Chronicles was written, it was during the time of the return of the Jews from captivity in Babylon after seventy years of captivity and the Temple and the wall surrounding Jerusalem were being rebuilt. (Nehemiah is a great study)  The priests were validated as part of the tribe of Levi prior to serving.  This was no small feat and was by no means insignificant.  What they were guarding were the furnishings from Solomon’s temple that had been returned to the Jews when they were released to return to Jerusalem.  All except, the Ark of the Covenant.  It is “missing” to this day.  The other treasuries include the gifts provided to the Levites by the other tribes for their service in the temple for Levites were given no land in the land of Israel for the Lord said He would be their inheritance.

Priests act as “go betweens.”  In the Old Testament the priests stood between the Jews and Holy God by offering the sacrifices and the HIGH Priest was the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies (picture of God’s throne room) ONCE a year after insuring his own purity by offering of sacrifices for himself and the nation.  In the New Testament, Jesus offered the final sacrifice and opened the Holy of Holies to all believers and the church became part of the holy nation, “a peculiar people”  and a “witness to the world of the grace of God.”  Today, believers are the “priests’ standing between God and the world, pointing the way and unlocking the gifts of grace to them by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  (Food for Hungry Christians)

Unlocking God’s treasure house for others.  What a responsibility!!!  What a challenge.  What a wakeup call.  God has made me part of a holy priesthood!   I am to point the way out of the dark to the SON.   We are God’s proof there is no one between the believer and our High Priest, (Hebrews 4:14)  Jesus, and all believers have direct access to God through Christ as adopted sons of God. (Hebrews 13:15-16)   Colossians 2:10 says “we are complete in him which is the head of ALL principality and power.”

The guarding of the house of God and the key for opening His house is symbolic of our authority as “a kingdom of priests.”  The question I must ask myself is will I use the key in my keeping to open the door of heaven and light the way to the High Priest, Jesus.

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.  Exodus 19:6  (KJV)

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.   9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  1 Peter 2:5, 9  (KJV)

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.  Revelation 5:10 (KJV)

https://youtu.be/l6LyTE3Cibw  Jewish Worship Song