The Keeper of the Gates of Praise
The name Bakbakkar appears only once in the entire biblical record, situated in the meticulous genealogies preserved in the book of Chronicles, a book dedicated to reaffirming the identity and purpose of the restored nation of Israel. Though obscure, his sole mention places him within the venerable lineage of the Levites who served as the chief musicians and gatekeepers of the Temple—essential roles for maintaining pure worship.
The name Bakbakkar is generally translated to mean “searcher” or “diligent investigator,” a meaning that perfectly suits his role within the spiritual administration of God’s house.
His Role in the Temple Ministry
Baaseiah was a Levite descended from Aaron, belonging to the line of Korah (often referred to as the Korahites or Kohathites). After the return from the Babylonian captivity, these Levites were vital in re-establishing the proper functions of Temple service that had been neglected or destroyed.
Bakbakkar’s name is listed among the leading men responsible for the administration of the Temple and the organization of the service:
1 Chronicles 9:12 (KJV): “And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, and Maaseiah the son of Adiel, and Jozabad the son of Hashabiah, and Nethaneel the son of Zichri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, and Jozabad the son of Hashabiah, and Nethaneel the son of Zichri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, and Rephaiah the son of Azariah, and Jabshiah the son of Maaseiah, and Bakbakkar, and Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, and Zichri the son of Asaph.”
While the verse groups several individuals, Bakbakkar’s inclusion here signifies his standing as a man of note among the post-exilic Levites. In this context, the Levites were primarily responsible for:
- Gatekeeping: Ensuring that only authorized personnel and ritually clean people entered the sacred courts of the Temple.
- Musical Ministry: Leading the choirs and orchestras that maintained the atmosphere of perpetual praise.
- Treasury: Overseeing the Temple’s finances and stores.
Bakbakkar, as a key leader in this group, would have been involved in the diligent searching or investigation (as his name suggests) required to ensure the Temple service was administered according to the Law, preventing the very compromises that led to the exile.
The Significance of Order and Diligence
The mention of Bakbakkar, alongside so many other names, reinforces a core truth about the restoration of God’s people: The grand work of revival is built upon diligence and order. No sweeping national change occurs without countless faithful individuals performing their duties with precision.
Bakbakkar’s quiet prominence testifies to the truth that:
- Purity Requires Guardians: The “Defence of the Truth” requires men and women who are willing to be “searchers”—people who diligently guard the boundaries of pure doctrine and worship against compromise.
- The Unseen Work Sustains the Seen: The beauty of the restored Temple praise was dependent on the diligent, behind-the-scenes work of men like Bakbakkar, who ensured the services and supplies were prepared and the integrity of the house was maintained.
The Defence of Preparation
For those anticipating the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, the life of Bakbakkar serves as an urgent example of preparation. His name, the “diligent searcher,” calls us to a personal ministry of diligence: diligently searching the Scriptures, diligently guarding our hearts, and diligently ensuring the purity of the worship we offer.
The Lord’s Return will be to a Temple—His Church—made ready for Him. May we all strive to be like Bakbakkar: found diligent in the work of the LORD, serving as faithful gatekeepers of our hearts and homes until our Master returns to His pure sanctuary.