דברי הימים א, פרק ט״ו, פסוק כ״ד

The grand procession bringing the Ark of God up to Jerusalem is marked by a carefully orchestrated musical ceremony. Every group involved has a highly specific role, ensuring the celebration is both joyful and orderly. The responsibility of sounding the trumpets belongs exclusively to the priests, who march at the very front of the procession, leading the way before the Ark [ביאור שטיינזלץ, רלב״ג]. Meanwhile, the Levites are tasked with providing the vocal music and playing all the other musical instruments [רלב״ג].

Walking closely alongside the priests and right next to the Ark are two men, Obed-edom and Jehiah [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This specific Obed-edom is considered by some to be a different individual from the one mentioned earlier in the narrative [מצודת דוד]. His companion, Jehiah, is understood to be the same person as Jeiel from earlier accounts, simply known by two different names [רד״ק].

These two men are identified as gatekeepers for the Ark, a title that prompts different explanations. The primary approach among commentators is that while their official, original role was indeed as gatekeepers, they shifted their duties for this specific procession, participating fully as singers and musicians alongside the others [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Conversely, another perspective suggests that the title refers to their past service. According to this view, back when the Ark was temporarily housed in Obed-edom's home, these men acted as its dedicated guards [רלב״ג].