Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 26:13

"And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathers` houses, for every gate." — 1 Chronicles 26:13 (ASV)

And they cast lots. —Compare 1 Chronicles 25:8.

As well the small as the great... —Rather, Small and great (senior and junior) alike, according to their houses, for each gate. The posts of the porters were assigned by lot, without distinction of rank between the various families.

The Sanctuary was built square with the four points of the compass and had four gates, one on each side. The orientation of temples was customary for the ancient Semites, and the importance attached to the cardinal points is illustrated by the ancient designation of the Babylonian and Assyrian sovereigns as “King of the four quarters,” i.e., of heaven (sar arba’i kiprat).