Bible Commentaries

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

(a) Until now he has described their genealogies before they went into captivity, and now he describes their history after their return.

Now the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in their possessions in their cities [were], the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the ^b Nethinims.

(b) Meaning, the Gibeonites, who served in the temple, read (Joshua 9:23).

And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ^c ruler of the house of God;

(c) That is, he was the high priest.

And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the ^d work of the service of the house of God.

(d) To serve in the temple, every one according to his office.

Who hitherto [waited] in the ^e king's gate eastward: they [were] porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

(e) So called because the king came into the temple by it, and not the common people.

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 ^f tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry.

(f) Their charge was that no one should enter those places, which were only appointed for the priests to minister in.

And their brethren, [which were] in their villages, [were] to come after ^g seven days from time to time with them.

(g) They served weekly, as in (Exodus 29:30).

[Some] of them also [were] appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine ^h flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.

(h) Of which the meat offering was made, (Leviticus 2:8).

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

(i) But were continually occupied in singing praises to God.

And Ahaz begat ^k Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;

(k) Who was also called Jehoiada, (1 Chronicles 8:36).