Joy — Even at ‘Parbar’

October 12, 2006

By George O. Wood

The noted late Presbyterian pastor Donald Grey Barnhouse told about the time he attended an evening Bible study as a seminary student. The leader asked each person in the group to give a Bible verse that had been a special blessing.

Another seminary student, known for his irreverence and flippant comments, volunteered 1 Chronicles 26:18 (KJV), “At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.” The seminarian said, “If you believe in the inspiration of the Bible, get something out of that verse.” Fortunately, this student did not go on to be a minister.

Many years later, Barnhouse researched the verse and found that “Parbar” was the name for the Temple’s western colonnade. The sons of Korah were assigned to gates in that colonnade — “four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.” 

Now, here’s the kicker. Psalm 84 was written by that group, the sons of Korah, who took joy in their service as gatekeepers and janitors in the house of God. No wonder, from their own experience, the Psalm says, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (Psalm 84:10). In all, 12 psalms are attributed to them — and they were not preachers, prophets or priests.

What do we make of this? No matter what our job, even if it’s at the location of “Parbar” with a broom and a mop, God can give us a song to sing that will bless others — our companions at work, our families and all those touched by our extended reach.

“I would rather be a doorkeeper [pick your location] than dwell in the tents of the wicked!”

George O. Wood is general secretary of the Assemblies of God.