Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Chronicles 9:22

22 All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates, were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages : whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office .

Where their usual Residence was, and whence they came to Ierusalem in their Courses.

In the times of the Judges there was much Disorder and Confusion both in the Jewish State and Church, and the Levites came to the Tabernacle promiscuously and as their Inclinations or occasions brought them. But Samuel the best of Judges, having some prospect and good hopes of deliverance from their Enemies and of an happy Settlement of the Israelitish Church and Nation; and observing that the Levites were greatly increased, he began to think of establishing some Order among the Levites in their Ministration about the Tabernacle. And these Intentions of his probably were communicated by him to David, who after Samuels death and his own peaceable Settlement in his Throne, revived and perfected Samuels Design and took care to put it in execution.

Heb. in their faith or faithfulness, i. e. either 1. in their Office, which is called faithfulness, because this is required in that Office. Or, 2. In the Faithful discharge of their Duty and in obedience to the Will of God signified to them by Revelation or by the spirit, as it is said of David, 1 Chron. 28. 12. which they received by Faith, and accordingly designed and David executed it. And so this is added to shew that this was no Humane Invention, as some might conceive, but a Divine Appointment, to which all ought to submit.

Marginal references: Ch▪ [illegible: 1+ letters]6. 1[illegible: 1+ letters].; 1 Sa[illegible: 1+ letters] 9 9.; Heb. [illegible: 1 word].; Or, [illegible: 1 word].