Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 9

Introduction

First Chronicles Chapter 9

1 Chronicles 9:1 "So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they [were] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, [who] were carried away to Babylon for their transgression."

The Israelites were all very good record keepers. Some of the records were, probably, lost when the ten tribes broke away from Judah, however. Some of the details of some of the records were, probably, lost during the Babylonian and Assyrian captivities. Basically, they are remarkably accurate. It is explained, again, just why they went into captivity. All Israel speaks of the twelve tribes. There were records kept for the ten tribes, as well as the two of Judah. We might relate this record of God’s people, then, to the fact that our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, if we belong to Christ.

1 Chronicles 9:2 "Now the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in their possessions in their cities [were], the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims."

Nethinims were temple servants. This could be speaking of the people, the Levites, and the temple servants, before the captivity in Babylon, or after. In either case, this is speaking of the land of promise. It is basically speaking of the land of Judah. Specifically, it is speaking of the temple in Jerusalem. We do know that it was totally destroyed just before the captivity in Babylon. The temple servants were not spoken of as Nethenims, until after the captivity in Babylon.

1 Chronicles 9:3 "And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;"

We see from this, that the families of Judah and Benjamin came back to the land, where they were before the captivity. They are spoken of collectively as Judah. The mention of Ephraim and Manasseh is very unusual, because they are supposedly part of the ten lost tribes. The ten tribes, known as Israel, or sometimes as Ephraim, never came back into their land to re-establish Israel. Their families were absorbed into many different tribes. Perhaps, some of them came back and joined Judah.

1 Chronicles 9:4 "Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of Judah."

These are some of the first settlers who came back into the land after the Babylonian captivity. In Nehemiah 11:6, we see that the descendents of Pharez {Perez} were 468 valiant men.

1 Chronicles 9:5 “And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons. These are the descendents of Shelah, the youngest son of Judah. “

1 Chronicles 9:6 "And of the sons of Zerah; Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety."

Zerah is, also, called Zara, and Zararh. Zerah was the twin brother of Pharez. Zerah was the father of the Zarhites. This 690 has to do with the number of his descendents who were chief men.

1 Chronicles 9:7 "And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah,"

Nehemiah 11:7-8 says these descendents were 928. This Sallu lived about 445 years before the coming of Christ. It is very difficult to do much tracing on these men. It might be interesting to note that many years later, Paul {Saul} will be spoken of as from the tribe of Benjamin {Romans 11:1}.

1 Chronicles 9:8 “And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;”

1 Chronicles 9:9 "And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men [were] chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers."

These 956 are the same men who are numbered 928 in Nehemiah. This is not a great concern, because of the records in those days. Someone, probably, misread the number. The small difference does not matter. Even in our day, the census is never 100% correct. It is like the spelling of some of the names vary a little. The basic message never varies. Every Word in the Bible is true. Sometimes, our understanding of the Word is in error.

1 Chronicles 9:10 "And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,"

1 Chronicles 9:11 "And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;"

This line of Levitical priests lead to Zacharias and Elisabeth, the father and mother of John the Baptist. In some instances above, a generation or two is skipped, bringing the names of the priests who have had direct influence in the temple and with God’s people.

1 Chronicles 9:12 "And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;"

1 Chronicles 9:13 "And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God."

We know that the Levites were set aside for the work of the LORD. We see the large number here, 1,760. This same group is listed in Nehemiah 11:11-14. It is not identical, but is speaking of the same people.

1 Chronicles 9:14 "And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;"

1 Chronicles 9:15 "And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;"

1 Chronicles 9:16 "And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites."

In Nehemiah 11:15-18, there is more information on these people. All the Levites in the holy city were 284. Mattaniah was singled out to begin the thanksgiving in prayer. Bakbukiah, the same as Bakbakkar, was the second among his brethren. We must remember, that all of these are Levites in the service of the LORD. These were the later Levites that came back into the land. Netophathites are people who live in Netophah, which is actually the outskirts of Bethlehem. Jerusalem and Bethlehem are just 5 miles apart. It would be safe to say, this place was the outskirts of Jerusalem, as well.

1 Chronicles 9:17 "And the porters [were], Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum [was] the chief;"

1 Chronicles 9:18 "Who hitherto [waited] in the king’s gate eastward: they [were] porters in the companies of the children of Levi."

The porters were stationed at the doors of the sanctuary. They were gatekeepers. Shallum is mentioned in Ezra 10:24.

1 Chronicles 9:19 "And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry."

We see, from this, that Shallum was directly descended from Korah. All of the families of the Levite tribe had specific work to do in the service of the LORD. The family of Korah were keepers of the gates.

1 Chronicles 9:20 "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, [and] the LORD [was] with him."

Phinehas was one of the more powerful priests. He was the grandson of Aaron. God stopped the plague, when Phinehas drove a lance through two of the people involved in the revolting sin. God was so pleased with Phinehas, that God promised the priesthood would remain in his family forever. Eleazar was the high priest after Aaron.

1 Chronicles 9:21 "[And] Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah [was] porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."

Meshelemiah and his sons were keepers of the gates. He and all of his sons, except Zechariah, guarded the eastern gate. Zechariah guarded the northern gate. They were Levites in service of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 9:22 "All these [which were] chosen to be porters in the gates [were] two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office."

These 250 men, who kept the gates of the temple, were ordained by David and Samuel for their special tasks. Each family had their own special service to the LORD. This family were gate keepers from generation to generation. David brought the tabernacle to Jerusalem. That is why it speaks of him, coupled with Samuel, instead of Saul.

1 Chronicles 9:23 "So they and their children [had] the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, [namely], the house of the tabernacle, by wards."

1 Chronicles 9:24 "In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south."

1 Chronicles 9:25 "And their brethren, [which were] in their villages, [were] to come after seven days from time to time with them."

1 Chronicles 9:26 "For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God."

This is an explanation of their duties, and how they were carried out. Most of the time, these men lived in the villages the LORD had alloted to them. They took turns coming to the tabernacle at a specific time to be a guard at the gate, that had been designated as their post. It seems, their duty lasted seven days, and then, some of their brothers came to relieve them. There were four men that were in charge of the operation. Not only were they to keep the gates, but they guarded the treasuries, as well.

1 Chronicles 9:27 "And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge [was] upon them, and the opening thereof every morning [pertained] to them."

This is, probably, speaking of the four, that were in charge, living at the tabernacle. They did not live in the out-lying villages. They supervised the work that the other porters did on their duty. Their places of dwelling were around the tabernacle. The opening of the tabernacle for worship was on their shoulders.

1 Chronicles 9:28 "And [certain] of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale."

1 Chronicles 9:29 "[Some] of them also [were] appointed to oversee the vessels and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices."

They were responsible for the vessels. They must count them and make sure none are misplaced. They were in charge of the tale {snuffers or tongs}, as well as the vessels. All of the things used in the sacrifices were cared for by these porters.

1 Chronicles 9:30 "And [some] of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices."

The holy ointment had to be made by the priests. The porters cared for it after it was made, however. The formula was given to the priests for the ointment, and no one else. This particular ointment was to be used for nothing else, except service in the tabernacle.

1 Chronicles 9:31 "And Mattithiah, [one] of the Levites, who [was] the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans."

1 Chronicles 9:32 "And [other] of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, [were] over the shewbread, to prepare [it] every sabbath."

This is showing how the services for the LORD were divided among the people the LORD had called to His service. The shewbread was twelve loaves set on the table in the tabernacle. Each of the loaves represented one of the tribes. Each sabbath, the bread was changed to keep it fresh. These 63 loaves of bread represent the body of Christ. The gift of everlasting life, we have in Jesus {our Bread}, is never stale.

1 Chronicles 9:33 "And these [are] the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, [who remaining] in the chambers [were] free: for they were employed in [that] work day and night."

In Ezra 7:24, we find that singers are so much a part of the ministering body of the church, that they are not to be taxed. That is what is meant by the word {free}. This is showing how important the singers are in the ministry. Singing in the church choir should be a call of God, just like preaching.

1 Chronicles 9:34 "These chief fathers of the Levites [were] chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem."

The service in the LORD’s work was handed down from generation to generation. Each generation did the same service their parents before them had done. It was necessary for them to live in Jerusalem, because they served in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 9:35 "And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife’s name [was] Maachah:"

This is saying, that Gibeon was founded by Jehiel the husband of Maachah.

1 Chronicles 9:36 "And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,"

1 Chronicles 9:37 "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth."

1 Chronicles 9:38 "And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem, over against their brethren."

This is just a list of the sons and one grandson of Jehiel, who lived in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 9:39 "And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal."

It appears from the verses above, that Kish and Ner were brothers. The real thing to note here, is that Kish was the father of Saul. This is the same Saul who was the first king of the Jews. Jonathan, Saul’s son was the friend of David. Abinadab, Malchi-shua, and Esh-baal were brothers of Jonathan. Malchi-shua is the same as Melchi-shua. Esh-baal is the same as Ishbosheth. He was, also, called Ishui. He was king over 11 tribes for 2 years, and was killed by two of his own captains.

1 Chronicles 9:40 "And the son of Jonathan [was] Merib-baal: and Meribbaal begat Micah."

Merib-baal was the same as the crippled son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth. His son, Micah, was known by Michah, Mica, and Micha. David befriended Mephibosheth, because he was the son of Jonathan.

1 Chronicles 9:41 "And the sons of Micah [were], Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, [and Ahaz]."

1 Chronicles 9:42 "And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;"

1 Chronicles 9:43 "And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son."

1 Chronicles 9:44 "And Azel had six sons, whose names [are] these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these [were] the sons of Azel."

This is a list of the descendents of Saul through Jonathan. Some of these people are mentioned just in this light, and it is difficult to know for certain any more about them.

1 Chronicles 9 Questions

1. When were some of the records they had kept lost, or confused somewhat?

2. The records are, however, remarkably _________.

3. Why had they gone into captivity?

4. How can we relate their record keeping to the record of the believers?

5. Who were the Nethinims?

6. What land is 1 Chronicles 9:2 speaking of?

7. When did the temple servants begin to be called Nethinims?

8. Who came back to their same land, after the captivity in Babylon?

9. Why is it unusual to speak of Ephraim and Manasseh as returning?

10. What is another name for Pharez?

11. Zerah was the twin brother of _________.

12. What tribe was Saul, or Paul, a descendent of?

13. The line of the Levitical priests lead to __________ and ___________, the father and mother of John the Baptist.

14. The Levites were set aside for the ________ of the _______.

15. What service was Mattaniah singled out for?

16. How far apart are Jerusalem and Bethlehem?

17. The family of Korah were ___________ of the ________.

18. What did they do, besides guard the gates?

19. Why did their leaders live in Jerusalem?

20. What does "tale" mean in 1 Chronicles 9:28?

21. Who made the ointments of the spices?

22. What was the shewbread?

23. What did the shewbread symbolize?

24. Who founded Gibeon?

25. Who was the father of Saul?

26. What distinction did this Saul have?

27. Which of Saul’s sons was friend to David?

28. Who is the same as Merib-baal?

29. Who was his son?

30. Who are the people mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:41-44?

Verses 1-9

1Ch 9:1-9

1 Chronicles 9:1-9

"So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. And Judah was carried away captive to Babylon for their transgression. Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinem. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim and Manasseh: Uthai 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. And of the Shilonites: Asaiah the first-born, and his sons. And of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel and their brethren, six hundred and ninety. And of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah, and 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; and their brethren according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty six. All these men were heads of father’s houses by their fathers’ houses."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 9:1. Genealogies is from YACHAS, and Strong defines it, "to enroll by pedigrees." Written in the book is explained by my comments on 1 Kings 14:19.

1 Chronicles 9:2. The preceding verse closed with a reference to the Babylonian captivity. Up to that point in this book, the writer was giving a list of the different families of Israel, showing the proper place and rank of the people. Between the 1st verse of this chapter and the one we are studying, the 70 years of the captivity took place and the people were released to return to Jerusalem. This verse, as well as the rest of the chapter, will give us a brief list of those who returned, and their places of residence, as well as the particular rank and service accepted. It will be instructive for us to note the list, to compare it with that contained in the preceding chapters of this book. First is from a word that Strong defines, "first, in time, place or rank." The connection indicates the last word of the definition is the one that applies here. This conclusion is justified by the special naming of priests, Levites and Nethinims. The last word was never used until after the captivity, although the special temple service, which distinguished them as a class, had been used previously.

1 Chronicles 9:3-8. This paragraph begins stating the various persons who located in Palestine after returning from Babylon. Men from four tribes, Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh, dwelt in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 9:9. There were 956 of these, said to be chief men, which agrees with the definition of rank as the meaning of first in 1 Chronicles 9:2.

Verses 10-13

1Ch 9:10-13

1 Chronicles 9:10-13

"And of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, Jachin, and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshallam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pushhur, 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; and their brethren, heads of their fathers’ houses, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 9:10-12. The priests would logically dwell in Jerusalem since their work was there. Ruler of the house of God means he was a leader through prestige.

1 Chronicles 9:13. The reason for naming this group as a unit is expressed in V. 13; they were very able men.

Verses 14-16

1Ch 9:14-16

1 Chronicles 9:14-16

"And of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; and Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah, the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph, the son of Obadiah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 9:14-16. The Levites as a tribe were mentioned in V. 2. Now certain men of the Levites are singled out for honorable mention. The Netoph,athites were the inhabitants of Netophath. These people spread out and occupied the villages in the surrounding territory, and Levites already named resided in some of these villages. Not all Levites would need to be in active service at the same time, so they could reside in places other than Jerusalem.

Verses 17-27

1Ch 9:17-27

1 Chronicles 9:17-27

"And the porters: Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren (Shallum was their chief), who hitherto waited in the king’s gate eastward: they were the porters for the camp of the children of Levi. And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of his father’s house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent: and their fathers had been over the camp of Jehovah, keepers of the entry. And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was over them in time past, and Jehovah was with him. Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tent of meeting. All these that were chosen to be porters in the thresholds were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their office of trust. So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of Jehovah, even the house of the tent, by wards. On the four sides were the porters, on the east, west, north, and south. And their brethren, in their villages, were to come in every seven days from time to time with them: for the four chief porters who were Levites were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God, and they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge thereof was upon them; and to them pertained the opening thereof morning by morning."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 9:17-18. The porters were janitors or doorkeepers. These men attended the gate at the east side of the city.

1 Chronicles 9:19. Gates of the tabernacle. We know the tabernacle proper had vanished long before this time, which was after the return from captivity. In describing the work assigned to these men it is based on their former work. Moffatt’s translation throws light on this passage which I will quote: "Were in charge of the service as keepers of the sacred thresholds, as their fathers had been keepers in the sacred camp of the Eternal."

1 Chronicles 9:20. Phinehas was doorkeeper in early times; now that the people get their liberty to return from the captivity, some others will need to take up the work; that prepares us for the next verse.

1 Chronicles 9:21. Zechariah performed the service that was referred to in preceding verse.

1 Chronicles 9:22. These 212 were admitted to this service after the return because their names were found in the register. This was an official record, having been made under the supervision of David and Samuel the seer, or prophet.

1 Chronicles 9:23. The tabernacle is mentioned again because that had been the institution that originated this kind of service. After the return from Babylonian captivity the same kind of service was rendered for the temple.

1 Chronicles 9:24. This means the four points of the compass. The original word for quarters is literally defined as "winds." When used to denote directions it is as when we say "the four winds under heaven."

1 Chronicles 9:25. This means the brethren changed shifts on this service every seven days.

1 Chronicles 9:26. The Levites that were the chief porters or doorkeepers for these four gates had their position as a set office, which means "trust," and they had also the charge of the treasury. However, they would need some help, so their brethren relieved them by turns at intervals of seven days.

1 Chronicles 9:27. While they were relieved at times of some of the weight of the office, they remained near the temple to supervise the opening of the gates in the morning.

Verses 28-32

1ch 9:28-32

1 Chronicles 9:28-32

"And certain of them had charge of the vessels of service; or by count were these brought in and by count were these taken out. Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, and over the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. And some of the sons of the priests prepared the confection of the spices. And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the first-born of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans. And some of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the showbread, to prepare it every sabbath."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 9:28. Vessels means any implement or utensil. These men had a general charge to care for the utensils needed about the temple. By tale denotes a counting of the utensils when they were taken out of their storing place for service, then counted again when ready to be put back. This was in the nature of a "check."

1 Chronicles 9:29. Every man had his own task. Some had that of supervising the utensils, also the materials used in the service.

1 Chronicles 9:30. In Exodus 30:23-25 the formula was given for the anointing oil. There were restrictions about the making and using of this ointment, therefore it was appropriate that the sons of the priests have charge of its mixing as indicated here.

1 Chronicles 9:31. According to Leviticus 2:5 some of the materials used in the service were prepared in pans. Mattithiah had charge of this part of the work.

1 Chronicles 9:32. Kohathites were the descendants of Aaron through his son Kohath. Their special charge was to see after the bread for the table in the holy place. To prepare it meant to see that the 12 loaves were put on the table each sabbath, to replace those that had been there since the previous sabbath. This was according to the law in Leviticus 24:5-9.

Verses 33-34

1Ch 9:33-34

1 Chronicles 9:33-34

"And these are the singers, heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites who dwelt in the chambers and were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night. These were heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, throughout their generations, chief men; these dwelt in Jerusalem."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 9:33-34. The singers were free from other duties because their services kept them in the temple day and night.

Verses 35-44

1ch 9:35-44

1 Chronicles 9:35-44

"And in Gibeon there dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose wife was Maacah; and his first-born son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab, and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth. And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against their brethren. And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malcashua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah. And the sons of Micah: Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz. And Ahaz begot Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza; and Moza begat Benia; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheriah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the sons of Azel."

1 Chronicles 9:35-44 is a duplicate of 1 Chronicles 8:29-38. Twelve generations of King Saul are listed here; and the reason for their being repeated would appear to be that they are an appropriate background for the record of the death of Saul, related in the very next chapter.

This brings us to the end of these amazing genealogies. Unbelieving scholars have leveled all kinds of critical allegations against these records; but the truth is that not any of them has been able to shed any light whatever upon these records.

"These genealogies are the skeletal framework of the entire O.T. They bind the whole book together and afford the most convincing demonstration that the O.T. is genuine history as contrasted with myth or legend."

"This chapter has a list of the post-exilic inhabitants of Jerusalem, to which has been appended a list of the ancestors of king Saul as a fitting introduction to the story of Saul which immediately follows." J. Barton Payne sharply disagreed with Dentan’s statement here, affirming that, "This chapter enumerates the inhabitants of Jerusalem prior to the city’s capture and the removal of its people to Babylon." This writer believes that Payne’s opinion is the more trustworthy. The principal support of Dentan’s view comes, "From an emendation that changes the meaning of verse 2 in this chapter." It is a weakness of the RSV that it follows that change of the sacred text without adequate authority.

The truly significant fact that comes to light here is that with the records before the Chronicler (whom we believe to have been Ezra) as revealed in this chapter, "It was possible for Ezra to restore the legitimate theocracy in Jerusalem after their return from Babylon."[5] This may have resulted from the detailed account in this chapter of the various services and responsibilities of the Levites.

These nine chapters, composed principally of genealogical tables, must, without doubt, be among the most neglected chapters in the Bible.

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 9:35-44. This paragraph is practically the same as 1 Chronicles 8:29-38.