Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 9

Verses 1-34

Inhabitants of Jerusalem, 9:1-34

In this last chapter of the genealogies of Chronicles is presented a listing of notable families dwelling in the city of Jerusalem. The opening verse states that they are the families who were there when the city fell and its inhabitants were carried away to exile by Nebuchadnezzar. It divides them as Israelites, priests, Levites, and Nethinim. The Nethinim were servants of the temple, and some think they included the Gibeonites (Joshua-Chapter 8).

Among those called Israelites were representatives of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Verses 4-6 enumerate Judahites; verses 7-9 the Benjamites. No names are given for the Ephraimites and Manassites. Beginning at verse 10 is a listing of the chief of the priests, said to have numbered 1,760 (verse 13). Houses of the Levites are listed beginning at verse 14. They are broken down into the porters (verse 17), of whom there were two hundred twelve (verse

22). Verse 22 states that the original arranging of these Levites in their orders was by David the king and Samuel the seer. Their distribution about the temple precincts, term of service, place of lodging, duties and responsibilities are discussed. They guarded the doors and gates on every side, had the oversight of the holy vessels, prepared and distributed the incense spices, had charge of the fine flour for the shewbread, the pure olive oil, the frankincense, etc.

Certain of the Levites prepared the precious ointment, baked the meal offering, and prepared the shewbread fresh every sabbath. The singers also lived in the chambers of the temple, and were free of all other responsibilities, being employed solely for music and singing.

Verse 35

1 Chronicles 8:29

Lessons to be noted: 1) the Lord is able to turn worldly talents to spiritual good; 2) the results of sin reach far and last long; 3) God’s people should keep their vows made in His name; 4) it is a blessing to be associated close to the work of the Lord and to participate in it.

Author’s Note: The remaining commentary [for users of the Hardbound Commentary 1^st Edition] on the Books of Chronicles will be found in the commentary on the Books of Samuel and Kings. These remaining chapters are often parallel and always contemporary to the events of Samuel and Kings. It was thought best to discuss these comparatively. (JWG)