²⁴ There was a gate facing in each direction, north, south, east, and west, and each had a chief guard. ²⁵ These guards were assisted by their relatives, who lived in the villages and who had to take turns at guard duty for seven days at a time. ²⁶ The four chief guards were Levites and had the final responsibility. They were also responsible for the rooms in the Temple and for the supplies kept there.