These Levites and their children after them were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord. The house of the Lord was also called the tent of meeting.
They spent the night in their positions around the house of God. That’s because they had to guard it. They were in charge of the key that opened it each morning.
Those who led the music lived in rooms in the temple. They were the leaders of their Levite families. Their only duty was to lead the music. They had to do that work day and night.
If the Lord doesn’t build a house, the work of the builders is useless. If the Lord doesn’t watch over a city, it’s useless for those on guard duty to stand watch over it.
I wait for the Lord to help me. I want his help more than night watchmen want the morning to come. I’ll say it again. I want his help more than night watchmen want the morning to come.
Lord, my heart isn’t proud. My eyes aren’t proud either. I don’t concern myself with important matters. I don’t concern myself with things that are too wonderful for me.
Stay at the entrance to the tent of meeting for seven days. Stay here day and night. Do what the Lord requires. Then you won’t die. That’s the command the Lord gave me.”
At that time the Lord set the tribe of Levi apart. He appointed them to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord. He wanted them to serve him. He told them to bless the people in his name. And they still do it today.
Then a voice came from the throne. It said, “Praise our God, all you who serve him! Praise God, all you who have respect for him, both great and small!”
So “they are in front of the throne of God. They serve him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will be with them to keep them safe.