Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 15:23

"And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark." — 1 Chronicles 15:23 (ASV)

Doorkeepers for the ark. —“Porters” (1 Chronicles 15:18). Guards are meant. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also guards of the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:24). In the procession two may have walked in front of it and two behind. They would be responsible for preventing all unauthorized approach to the Ark of God.