1 Chronicles 9
1 Chronicles 9 organizes the genealogical records of the people of Israel and Judah, and introduces those who lived in Jerusalem after the return from exile. The preceding list of genealogies continues, and it especially deals with historical changes after the exile. In the final part, Saul’s genealogy is mentioned again, completing the overall flow of the genealogies.
1verseSo all Israel were listed by genealogies; and behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. Judah was carried away captive to Babylon for their disobedience.
2verseNow the first inhabitants who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.
3verseIn Jerusalem, there lived of the children of Judah, of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim and Manasseh:
4verseUthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah.
5verseOf the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.
6verseOf the sons of Zerah: Jeuel and their brothers, six hundred ninety.
7verseOf the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;
8verseand Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri; and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;
9verseand their brothers, according to their generations, nine hundred fifty-six. All these men were heads of fathers’ households by their fathers’ houses.
10verseOf the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin,
11verseand Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of God’s house;
12verseand Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;
13verseand their brothers, heads of their fathers’ houses, one thousand seven hundred sixty; they were very able men for the work of the service of God’s house.
14verseOf the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
15verseand Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph,
16verseand Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.
17verseThe gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brothers (Shallum was the chief),
18versewho previously served in the king’s gate eastward. They were the gatekeepers for the camp of the children of Levi.
19verseShallum was the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers, of his father’s house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent. Their fathers had been over the LORD’s camp, keepers of the entry.
20versePhinehas the son of Eleazar was ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.
21verseZechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper of the door of the Tent of Meeting.
22verseAll these who were chosen to be gatekeepers in the thresholds were two hundred twelve. These were listed by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer ordained in their office of trust.
23verseSo they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the LORD’s house, even the house of the tent, as guards.
24verseOn the four sides were the gatekeepers, toward the east, west, north, and south.
25verseTheir brothers, in their villages, were to come in every seven days from time to time to be with them,
26versefor the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s house.
27verseThey stayed around God’s house, because that was their duty; and it was their duty to open it morning by morning.
28verseCertain of them were in charge of the vessels of service, for these were brought in by count, and these were taken out by count.
29verseSome of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the frankincense, and the spices.
30verseSome of the sons of the priests prepared the mixing of the spices.
31verseMattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.
32verseSome of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the show bread, to prepare it every Sabbath.
33verseThese are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the rooms and were free from other service, for they were employed in their work day and night.
34verseThese were heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, throughout their generations, chief men. They lived at Jerusalem.
35verseJeiel the father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, lived in Gibeon.
36verseHis firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,
37verseGedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth.
38verseMikloth became the father of Shimeam. They also lived with their relatives in Jerusalem, near their relatives.
39verseNer became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
40verseThe son of Jonathan was Merib-baal. Merib-baal became the father of Micah.
41verseThe sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.
42verseAhaz became the father of Jarah. Jarah became the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri became the father of Moza.
43verseMoza became the father of Binea, Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.
44verseAzel had six sons, whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
The Flow of the Text
- Verses 1–2: The people of Israel were taken captive to Babylon because of their crimes, and those who returned afterward are mentioned.
- Verses 3–9: The various tribes that settled in Jerusalem and their families are recorded. (Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh, etc.)
- Verses 10–34: The genealogies and roles of the priests of the temple, the Levites, and those responsible for temple service (such as gatekeepers, those in charge of singing, temple managers, etc.) are described in detail.
- Verses 35–44: Saul’s genealogy is organized again, preparing for the historical flow of the royal line of Saul that follows.
Overall Meaning
1 Chronicles 9 shows a story of restoration: although the people of Israel received judgment and were taken to Babylon as captives, God brings them back again. It emphasizes how people from various tribes live together in Jerusalem, and how each group remains faithful in its own duties, such as the priests and the Levites. It is also a symbolic scene that shows God’s community being rebuilt according to order and roles. It suggests that even after the return from exile, the community centered on God must be restored.
Points to Ponder
- Let’s remember that God’s people are restored again through God’s guidance even after suffering.
- By seeing that there are those who serve God faithfully in various roles and positions, we can reflect on how all the offices and acts of service in the community are precious.
Applying It to Me
- Let’s consider what roles and positions I am currently serving in the community (home, faith community, and society).
- Even if there were past failures or disappointments, let’s commit to living today with hope, holding onto the belief that God gives an opportunity to start again.