עזרא, פרק ב׳, פסוק מ״ב

As the exiles journeyed back to the Land of Israel, they brought with them the specific families dedicated to restoring the daily operations of the Temple. Among these returnees were the gatekeepers, individuals tasked with guarding the entrances to the sacred site. This was not a new responsibility taken on upon their return. Rather, these families held this exact guarding role long before they were ever exiled from their homeland [מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא].

Some identify these dedicated guards specifically as members of the family of Asaph [אבן עזרא]. The gatekeepers, however, were not limited to a single family line. They were a collective group made up of several distinct families, including the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai. Together, these returning guards numbered one hundred and thirty-nine men, all prepared to reclaim their historical duties [ביאור שטיינזלץ].