1 Chronicles 9

1 Chronicles 9 provides a detailed record of the people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon, emphasizing the genealogies of the key tribes, specifically Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. This chapter highlights the priests, Levites, and other officials responsible for maintaining the temple and worship in Jerusalem. It underscores the importance of preserving religious practices, the temple, and God's covenant with Israel, especially after returning from captivity.

1 Chronicles 9:1-5 (NKJV)
1 So all Israel was recorded by genealogies, and indeed, they were inscribed in the book of the kings of Israel. But Judah was carried away captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.
2 And the first inhabitants who dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and the Nethinim.
3 Now in Jerusalem the children of Judah dwelt, and some of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim and Manasseh:
4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the descendants of Perez the son of Judah.
5 Of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.

The genealogies reflect the return of the exiles after the Babylonian captivity, and Judah's exile is linked to their unfaithfulness to God. The first inhabitants to resettle in Jerusalem were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants (Nethinim). These verses provide a glimpse into the returning exiles from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Uthai and Asaiah are mentioned, representing key figures from the line of Judah. These records were essential to preserve the continuity of Israel’s identity and leadership in post-exilic times.

1 Chronicles 9:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel, and their brethren—six hundred and ninety.
7 Of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah;
8 Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;
9 and their brethren, according to their generations—nine hundred and fifty-six. All these men were heads of a father's house in their fathers' houses.

These verses continue the genealogical record, this time focusing on the descendants of Zerah and Benjamin. Jeuel and Sallu are among the notable leaders from the line of Judah and Benjamin. The passage emphasizes that these men were heads of their family lines, responsible for leading their clans as they resettled in their ancestral land. This detailed listing underscores the importance of leadership and family continuity, even in the aftermath of the exile.

1 Chronicles 9:10-13 (NKJV)
10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin;
11 Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the officer over the house of God;
12 Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;
13 and their brethren, heads of their fathers' houses—one thousand seven hundred and sixty. They were very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.

Here, the focus shifts to the priests who returned to Jerusalem. Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin are listed along with Azariah, who was in charge of the temple. These priests played a critical role in maintaining the worship and sacrifices in the restored temple. The passage notes that 1,760 men were responsible for the work in the temple, highlighting their capability and dedication to the service of God. This dedication was essential in restoring religious life after the exile.

1 Chronicles 9:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
15 Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;
16 Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.

These verses list the Levites, a tribe set apart for temple service, but not priests. Shemaiah, Bakbakkar, and others are identified as descendants of the Merarites, Asaphites, and Jeduthunites, emphasizing their lineage and importance in the musical and administrative duties of the temple. Levites like Obadiah and Berechiah played a key role in supporting the priests in their service, ensuring that the temple functioned smoothly.

1 Chronicles 9:17-19 (NKJV)
17 And the gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brethren. Shallum was the chief.
18 Until then they had been gatekeepers for the camps of the children of Levi at the King's Gate on the east.
19 Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, from his father's house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, gatekeepers of the tabernacle. Their fathers had been keepers of the entrance to the camp of the Lord.

The gatekeepers, led by Shallum, were tasked with guarding the temple gates. Their lineage traces back to the Korahites, a family historically associated with serving the tabernacle. The gatekeepers were essential in controlling access to the temple, ensuring that only those who were ritually pure could enter. They were a vital part of maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple.

1 Chronicles 9:20-23 (NKJV)
20 Phinehas the son of Eleazar had been the officer over them in time past; the Lord was with him.
21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was keeper of the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
22 All those chosen as gatekeepers were two hundred and twelve. They were recorded by their genealogy, in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted office.
23 So they and their children were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, the house of the tabernacle, by assignment.

The gatekeepers had a significant history, with notable leaders like Phinehas and Zechariah serving in this role. The 212 gatekeepers were carefully chosen based on their genealogies and were appointed to their duties by King David and Samuel. Their task was passed down through generations, ensuring that the house of God was protected and orderly. This hereditary role reinforced the importance of maintaining order and reverence for the sacred space.

1 Chronicles 9:24-27 (NKJV)
24 The gatekeepers were assigned to the four directions: the east, west, north, and south.
25 And their brethren in their villages had to come with them from time to time for seven days.
26 For in this trusted office were four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites, and they had charge over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
27 And they lodged all around the house of God because they had the responsibility, and they were in charge of opening it every morning.

The gatekeepers were stationed in all four directions of the temple, ensuring comprehensive security and control over access. They worked in shifts, with rotations that involved their brethren from surrounding villages. The chief gatekeepers were responsible not only for guarding the gates but also for the chambers and treasuries within the temple. Their dedication was so great that they lived near the temple and opened it every morning, demonstrating their devotion and responsibility.

1 Chronicles 9:28-32 (NKJV)
28 Now some of them were in charge of the serving vessels, for they brought them in and took them out by count.
29 Some of them were appointed over the furnishings and over all the implements of the sanctuary, and over the fine flour and the wine and the oil and the incense and the spices.
30 And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.
31 Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans.
32 And some of their brethren of the sons of the Kohathites were in charge of preparing the showbread for every Sabbath.

Beyond guarding the temple, some Levites were responsible for various items used in temple service, such as vessels, furnishings, and sacred supplies like flour, oil, and incense. Their roles were highly specialized, ensuring that everything necessary for worship was available and handled properly. Others, like Mattithiah, had the responsibility of baking bread and preparing the showbread for the Sabbath. These tasks highlight the Levites' vital role in the day-to-day functioning of the temple.

1 Chronicles 9:33-34 (NKJV)
33 These are the singers, heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites, who lodged in the chambers, and were free from other duties; for they were employed in that work day and night.
34 These heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites were heads throughout their generations. They dwelt at Jerusalem.

The singers among the Levites had a unique and important role, dedicated solely to leading worship through music. Their duty was continuous, day and night, as music played an integral part in temple worship. These individuals lived in special chambers near the temple and were free from other duties so they could focus entirely on their role. Their leadership was passed down through generations, maintaining a tradition of musical worship in the temple.

1 Chronicles 9:35-44 (NKJV)
35 Jeiel the father of Gibeon, whose wife's name was Maacah, dwelt at Gibeon.
36 His firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,
37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth.
38 And Mikloth begot Shimeam. They also dwelt alongside their relatives in Jerusalem, with their brethren.
39 Ner begot Kish, Kish begot Saul, and Saul begot Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal.
40 The son of Jonathan was Merib-Baal, and Merib-Baal begot Micah.
41 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.
42 And Ahaz begot Jarah, Jarah begot Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begot Moza;
43 Moza begot Binea, Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.
44 And Azel had six sons whose names were these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

This passage concludes with the genealogy of Saul, Israel’s first king, and his descendants, including Jonathan and his son Merib-Baal (Mephibosheth). This genealogy emphasizes the importance of Saul’s family line, tracing their descendants and their connections to Jerusalem. The detailed record of Saul’s family highlights their ongoing presence and significance in Israel’s history, even after Saul’s reign.