Bible Commentaries

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, ^a to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.

(a) Because their enemies dwelt round about them, they provided that it might be replenished with men, and used this policy because there were few who offered themselves willingly.

And at Jerusalem dwelt [certain] of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of ^b Perez;

(b) Which came from Perez the son of Judah.

Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, ^c [was] the ruler of the house of God.

(c) That is, was the high priest.

And their brethren ^d that did the work of the house [were] eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

(d) That served and ministered in the temple.

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to ^e begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

(e) That is, he began the psalm and was the chanter.

Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the ^f gates, [were] an hundred seventy and two.

(f) Meaning of the temple.

And the ^g residue of Israel, of the priests, [and] the Levites, [were] in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

(g) Of them who dwelt not in Jerusalem.

And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, ^h [was] at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.

(h) Was chief about the king for all high affairs.