Gatekeepers held a very important position in ancient Israel, far more than just being gate guards, they had several critical duties.

1 Chronicles 9:24. The Gatekeepers were in four quarters, toward the east, west, north, and south. 25. And their brothers, who were in their villages, were to come with them for seven days from time to time. 26. For these Levites, the four chief gatekeepers were in their set office and were over the Chambers and Treasuries of the House of God. 27. And they lodged around the House of God, because the charge was upon them, and they were over its Opening Every Morning. 28. And certain of them had the charge of the Ministering Vessels, that they should bring them in and out by number. 29. Some of them also were appointed to Oversee the Vessels and all the Instruments of the Sanctuary and the Fine Flour, the Wine, the Oil, the Frankincense and the Spices. 30. And some of the sons of the priests made the Ointment of the Spices. 31. And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite had the set office over the things that were made in the pans. 32. And others of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the Showbread, to Prepare it every Sabbath.