What Was Parbar in the Bible?
Biblical Context and Meaning
Parbar is a term found in 1 Chronicles 26:18. In Hebrew, Parbar is transliterated as פַּרְבַּר (Parbar). Depending on the translation, Parbar is rendered differently: the King James Version (KJV) translates it as a colonnade, while the New International Version (NIV) translates it as a court. Regardless of the specific translation, Parbar is understood to be a specific area within the temple complex.
1 Chronicles 26:18 mentions Parbar in the context of assigning duties to the gatekeepers of the temple: “As for the court to the west, there were four at the road and two at Parbar.” This passage implies that Parbar was a designated location where specific gatekeeping duties were performed.
Significance in the Temple Complex
Parbar likely referred to an outer court or a colonnade in the temple structure. The temple in Jerusalem was meticulously organized, with specific areas designated for different functions and purposes. The gatekeepers played a crucial role in maintaining order and security within the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean and authorized could enter.
The detailed description of the temple’s layout, including areas like Parbar, underscores the importance of reverence, order, and meticulous attention to detail in worshiping God. Every aspect of the temple, from the Holy of Holies to the outer courts, was designed with a specific purpose, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Importance of Order and Reverence in Worship
The mention of Parbar and the detailed organization of the temple highlight the importance of order and reverence in worship. Modern Christians can learn from this by ensuring that their worship practices honor God’s holiness and are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner. 1 Corinthians 14:40 states, “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” This principle can be applied to personal devotions, church services, and any act of worship, emphasizing the need to approach God with the respect He deserves.
Faithfulness in Small Duties
The gatekeepers assigned to Parbar had specific duties that, while they might seem minor, were essential to the overall function of the temple. This teaches modern believers the value of faithfulness in small tasks. Every role within the body of Christ is important, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages Christians, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” By being faithful in small responsibilities, believers contribute to the larger mission of the Church.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Attention to Detail
The detailed descriptions of the temple, including specific areas like Parbar, reflect God’s attention to detail and His desire for excellence in all things. This attention to detail is an expression of God’s care and provision for His people, ensuring that their place of worship was designed to reflect His glory and holiness. Psalm 139:13-14 speaks of God’s intricate involvement in creation: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This same meticulous care is evident in how God instructed the construction and organization of the temple.
A Place for Everyone in God’s Plan
Parbar’s inclusion in the temple complex indicates that every place and role has significance in God’s plan. Just as the temple had specific areas for different functions, the body of Christ has many members with various gifts and roles. 1 Corinthians 12:18 states, “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” This assures believers that their unique contributions are valuable and integral to God’s purposes.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Temple
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple and all its components, including areas like Parbar. He is the perfect high priest and the ultimate sacrifice for sin. John 2:19-21 records Jesus saying, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of His body, indicating that He is the true temple where God’s presence dwells. Through Christ, believers have direct access to God, rendering the physical temple obsolete but fulfilling its intended purpose.
Christ’s Role in the Church
Just as Parbar had a specific function within the temple, Jesus assigns roles and duties within the Church, His body. He equips believers with spiritual gifts to serve and build up the Church. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” By fulfilling their roles, Christians contribute to the health and growth of the Church, mirroring the organized and purposeful design of the temple.
Conclusion
Parbar, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:18, serves as a testament to the meticulous organization and reverence required in the worship of God. It highlights the importance of order, faithfulness in small duties, and the value of every role within the body of Christ. For modern Christians, Parbar symbolizes God’s attention to detail, His provision for His people, and the significant role each believer plays in His divine plan. By reflecting on the lessons from Parbar, believers are encouraged to approach their worship with reverence, fulfill their God-given roles faithfully, and recognize their integral place in God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
References:
1. 1 Chronicles 26:18 – At the Parbar on the west there were four at the road and two at the Parbar.
3. Hebrew Lexicon H6503 – Strong’s Concordance