Overview
Jathniel is mentioned as one of the sons of Meshelemiah, a Korahite gatekeeper during King David's time. He was among those appointed to guard the gates of the tabernacle, representing a line of faithful servants dedicated to maintaining the holy sanctuary. The Korahites were descendants of Korah and were assigned specific temple duties by David's organizational structure.
Key Scriptures
"Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, eighteen in all. And Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons and brethren, thirteen in all. These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties for serving in the house of the LORD" (1 Chronicles 26:9-12, ESV).
"Jathniel the sixth, Elzabad the seventh" (1 Chronicles 26:12, ESV) - listing him among Meshelemiah's sons appointed as gatekeepers.
Application
Jathniel's faithful service in temple gatekeeping reminds us that all work done for God's kingdom, whether prominent or behind-the-scenes, holds eternal significance.