The big picture
1 Chronicles 26 opens in verse 1 with “Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 16 with “To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the…”, and closes in verse 32 with “And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom…” Repeated or prominent terms include sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
1 Chronicles · King James Version · 321 Chronicles 26:1-8
1–8: Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah…
1 Chronicles 26:1–8 opens with “Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the…” and reaches “All these of the sons of Obed-edom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated, with particular weight carried by sons, Obed, edom.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of…” By verse 4, the text has turned to “Moreover the sons of Obed-edom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the…” It lands on “All these of the sons of Obed-edom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for…” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 1 verse naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as sons, Obed, edom, Shemaiah, brethren, fifth tie the complete block together. The central idea, “1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Obed, Shemaiah, Meshelemiah, All, Also, Ammiel. Its number language includes two. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 4: “Moreover the sons of Obed-edom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and…” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: sons, Obed, edom, Shemaiah, brethren, fifth
Verse-by-verse path
- 1 Chronicles 26:1
“Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.” Naming Asaph and Concerning keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:2
“And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the…” Naming Jathniel and Jediael keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:3
“Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.” Naming Elam and Elioenai keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:4
“Moreover the sons of Obed-edom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the…” Naming Jehozabad and Joah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:5
“Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.” Naming Ammiel keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:6
“Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they were mighty men…” Naming Also and Shemaiah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:7
“The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.” Naming Elihu and Elzabad keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:8
“All these of the sons of Obed-edom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service…” The number two makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
1 Chronicles 26:1-8
King James Version1Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
2And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
3Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.
4Moreover the sons of Obed-edom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,
5Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.
6Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they were mighty men of valour.
7The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.
8All these of the sons of Obed-edom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obed-edom.
1 Chronicles 26:9-16
9–16: Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.
1 Chronicles 26:9–16 opens with “And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.” and reaches “To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated, with particular weight carried by sons, chief, Hosah.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.” By verse 12, the text has turned to “Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one…” It lands on “To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway…” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 1 verse naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as sons, chief, Hosah, house, brethren, gate tie the complete block together. The central idea, “1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Hosah, Zechariah, Also, Among, Asuppim, Hilkiah. Its number language includes one. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 12: “Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the…” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: sons, chief, Hosah, house, brethren, gate
Verse-by-verse path
- 1 Chronicles 26:9
“And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.” Naming Meshelemiah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:10
“Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father…” Naming Also and Hosah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:11
“Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.” Naming Hilkiah and Hosah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:12
“Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister…” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
- 1 Chronicles 26:13
“And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.” The line’s distinctive content terms include fathers, gate, house. Its relationship to verses 12 and 14 shows what work it does in this passage.
- 1 Chronicles 26:14
“And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot…” Naming Shelemiah and Zechariah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:15
“To Obed-edom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.” Naming Asuppim and Obed keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:16
“To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward…” Naming Hosah and Shallecheth keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
1 Chronicles 26:9-16
King James Version9And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.
10Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)
11Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.
12Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD .
13And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.
14And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
15To Obed-edom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.
16To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.
1 Chronicles 26:17-24
17–24: Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day…
1 Chronicles 26:17–24 opens with “Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two…” and reaches “And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated, with particular weight carried by sons, treasures, Laadan.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim…” By verse 20, the text has turned to “And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the…” It lands on “And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 2 verses naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as sons, treasures, Laadan, Gershonite, house, Jehieli tie the complete block together. The central idea, “1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include Laadan, Gershonite, Jehieli, Levites, Parbar, Ahijah. Its number language includes six, four, two. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 20: “And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: sons, treasures, Laadan, Gershonite, house, Jehieli
Verse-by-verse path
- 1 Chronicles 26:17
“Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.” The number six makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
- 1 Chronicles 26:18
“At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.” The number four makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
- 1 Chronicles 26:19
“These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.” Naming Kore and Merari keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:20
“And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.” Naming Ahijah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:21
“As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite…” Naming Laadan and Gershonite keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:22
“The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD .” Naming Jehieli and Joel keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:23
“Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:” Naming Amramites and Hebronites keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:24
“And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.” Naming Gershom and Moses keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
1 Chronicles 26:17-24
King James Version17Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.
18At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.
19These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.
20And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.
21As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli.
22The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD .
23Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:
24And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.
1 Chronicles 26:25-32
25–32: His brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and…
1 Chronicles 26:25–32 opens with “And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and…” and reaches “And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on 1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated, with particular weight carried by brethren, dedicated, king.
Deep dive
The movement opens with “And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and…” By verse 28, the text has turned to “And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab…” It lands on “And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom…” The distance between those lines matters as much as any isolated phrase. The passage has a voice and pulse of its own, including 3 verses naming the LORD or God. Those features reveal where the narrative slows down, speaks directly, or changes direction.
The narrator makes meaning through who acts first, who responds, what changes, and which consequences remain. A reported action is not automatically an approved action. Words such as brethren, dedicated, king, chief, David, fathers tie the complete block together. The central idea, “1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated,” should remain answerable to the text. Some conclusions are explicit, some gather support across several verses, and others remain strong inferences or interpretations.
Names or load-bearing terms in this scene include David, Hebronites, Shelomith, Israel, Abner, Among. Its number language includes thousand, seven, hundred, two. The nearest hinge to the center comes in verse 28: “And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and…” That detail helps separate the opening situation from what the passage changes next.
Words to trace: brethren, dedicated, king, chief, David, fathers
Verse-by-verse path
- 1 Chronicles 26:25
“And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and…” Naming Eliezer and Jeshaiah keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:26
“Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the…” Naming David and Shelomith keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:27
“Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD .” Naming Out keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:28
“And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had…” Naming Abner and Joab keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:29
“Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.” Naming Chenaniah and Israel keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:30
“And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among…” The number thousand makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
- 1 Chronicles 26:31
“Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In…” Naming Hebronites and Among keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
- 1 Chronicles 26:32
“And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over…” The number two makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.
1 Chronicles 26:25-32
King James Version25And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.
26Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.
27Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD .
28And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.
29Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.
30And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD , and in the service of the king.
31Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.
32And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.
Resources gathered for this chapter
The story map and deeper reflection are available as distinct resources alongside this teaching plan. Each opens on its own page.
A chapter-specific teaching brief
These anchors come from this chapter itself. They help a teacher use the Level 1 story map, the Level 2 analysis, and the Scripture text as one lesson.
Open with the chapter’s first image
1 Chronicles 26:1: “Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.”
Slow down at the turning point
1 Chronicles 26:16: “To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.”
Keep this word trail visible
sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated, fathers
Observation and teaching prompt
- Track who acts, who speaks, who is affected, and what changes.
- Notice repeated promises, failures, rescues, and consequences.
- Do not assume the narrator approves every action that is reported.
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.
Learning objectives
- Place 1 Chronicles 26 within 1 Chronicles 26 and explain its role in 1 Chronicles.
- Describe from the text how the passage develops this focus: 1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated.
- Distinguish an explicit statement, a Scripture-supported conclusion, and an interpretation.
- Explain how narrative shapes a responsible reading of this unit.
- Compare a related song or video with the passage, then return to the text to test it.
- Form a personal and communal response that does not exceed the evidence of Scripture.
Teacher preparation
- Read 1 Chronicles 26 twice, then read the material immediately before and after it.
- Review the book movement: 1 Chronicles 26 (1 Chronicles 26).
- Mark speakers, actions, repeated words, commands, contrasts, promises, and consequences.
- Preview each related song or video and note where it condenses, interprets, or dramatizes the text.
- Prepare a participation option that lets learners respond without forced personal disclosure.
Evidence and interpretation checks
Explicit
Record two claims that 1 Chronicles 26 states directly and cite the verses.
Scripture-supported
Form one conclusion that joins several parts of 1 Chronicles 26. Show each step.
Strong inference
Identify a conclusion that follows the text closely even though it is not stated in one sentence.
Possible or traditional reading
Where responsible readings differ, present the difference without turning it into certainty.
Limit
Do not use speculation as a teaching conclusion.
Discussion with answer guidance
1. What does 1 Chronicles 26 state directly about God, people, or the situation?
Show teacher guidance
Begin with the passage’s words and actions. Require an exact verse before accepting a conclusion.
2. How does this focus develop across the passage: 1 Chronicles 26 develops its own movement around sons, brethren, chief, house, dedicated?
Show teacher guidance
Trace the opening, change, and outcome. Do not rely on one sentence when the unit presents a sequence.
3. Which word, action, contrast, or response repeats, and what work does it do?
Show teacher guidance
Repetition may signal structure or emphasis, but explain its meaning inside the immediate context.
4. How does this unit contribute to the 1 Chronicles 26 movement?
Show teacher guidance
Compare the unit with what comes before and after it in the same book.
5. What interpretive caution does narrative require here?
Show teacher guidance
Follow the narrator, the choices people make, their consequences, and what God does without assuming every reported action is approved.
6. What faithful response follows for an individual and for a community?
Show teacher guidance
Form a concrete, proportionate response. Do not turn a description into a command without evidence.
Responsible application
Heart and habits
Name one belief, desire, or practice that 1 Chronicles 26 corrects, strengthens, or redirects.
Relationships and community
Form one action that protects dignity, truth, justice, mercy, or faithfulness in a real relationship.
Worship and prayer
Write a prayer using the vocabulary and concerns of the passage.
Service and witness
Choose one observable response for this week and one person who can support accountability.
Audience adaptations
Children
Use a short reading block, a people-and-actions map, and one concrete response. Explain difficult vocabulary before reading.
Youth
Ask learners to identify pressure, loyalty, power, and consequences. Permit written responses without public disclosure.
Adults
Add literary and historical context, compare responsible readings, and require evidence for each claim.
Intergenerational group
Pair different ages, assign observation before interpretation, and close with a shared prayer.
Online or at home
Send the reference in advance, use media as an observation pause, and gather responses in a shared document.
Complete 75-minute teaching path
A shorter group can omit the extended discussion while preserving the Scripture reading, evidence check, and closing response.
Orient the group
Name the book, 1 Chronicles 26, genre, and central question. Explain that every conclusion will be checked against the text.
Read the complete unit
Read aloud or silently. Learners mark speakers, repetitions, commands, contrasts, and changes.
Work through the reading blocks
Summarize each block in one sentence and record the verse that supports the summary.
Use a song or video
Play one related resource. Compare its emphasis and omissions with the passage.
Discuss from evidence
Use the questions and require a Scripture reference for every major answer.
Form responsible application
Develop one personal and one communal response. Avoid promises or commands that the text does not establish.
Summarize and pray
Let each learner complete one sentence about the passage. Pray with its vocabulary and concerns.
Song and video learning lab
A song or video may interpret, compress, or dramatize the text. Its value becomes clearer when its choices are compared with Scripture.
- Before the media: the exact passage and its central movement.
- During the media: the words, people, events, and emotions the artist emphasizes.
- After the media: what it clarifies, what it leaves out, and what belongs back in the biblical text.