Bible Commentaries

1 Chronicles 9:1. So all Israel, &c.— But all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and behold they were written in the book of the kings of Israel. But Judah were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. Houbigant. The first clause in this verse is written to give a reason why the genealogies of Israel, that is, of the ten tribes, are omitted; because they were already written in the book of the kings of Israel. Houbigant renders the beginning of the next verse thus: now they who first returned, every one into the possession of his own city, were, &c.

1 Chronicles 9:2. The Nethinims— נתינים Nethinim, from the word נתן natan, to give, signifies persons given to the priests and Levites for performing the servile offices of the tabernacle or temple: accordingly, the LXX in this place render the word by Δεδομενοι, persons given. The Gibeonites, of whom we read, (Joshua 9:21; Joshua 9:27.) that Joshua יתנם itnem, "gave them for hewers of wood, and drawers of water for the congregation and altar of Jehovah," were the first of this kind. We next read of the Nethinims, which David and the princes נתן natan, gave for the service of the Levites, Ezra 8:20. It is likely that these were taken from some of the people conquered by David; and it is highly probable, that of the remaining Canaanites also conquered by Solomon, some were devoted to his service. Compare Ezra 2:58. 1 Kings 9:20-21 and see Calmet.

1 Chronicles 9:11. The ruler of the house of God— Rather a ruler; for he was not the high-priest. See Ezra 3:2 and Haggai 1:1.

REFLECTIONS.—Israel never more returned from Assyria; there all their genealogies perished; so that the writer could carry them no farther: but Judah (as it should be rendered) being returned again, their families were preserved, and the places where their ancestors resided, particularly those who were fixed at Jerusalem. It is remarked, that they were carried away for their transgression, a warning to those who were returned, to beware of their fathers' sins. Many of Ephraim and Manasseh, either at the captivity of Israel, or when Judah was in Babylon, joined them, and returned with them to Jerusalem. It is a mercy if affliction drive us together, and, forgetting former variance, we unite in the work and service of God, Ephraim no more vexing Judah, nor Judah Ephraim. The priests appear to have the greatest zeal for returning to Jerusalem: more of them came, than of Judah and Benjamin put together; and their peculiar commendation was, that they were as able as willing for the service of God. It is an unspeakable mercy, when abilities and zeal unite in a minister of the sanctuary: under such rulers in the house of God, the cause may be expected to prosper.

1 Chronicles 9:18. Who hitherto waited in the kings-gate eastward— And Adane was over the eastern gate, which is called the king's. Houbigant.

1 Chronicles 9:22. In their set office— In their stations. Houbigant.

1 Chronicles 9:25-26. And their brethren, &c.— And their brethren were in their villages, that they might come at set times after seven days; for they had their stated turns; 1 Chronicles 9:26 and with these were four chief porters, Levites, who were over, &c. Houbigant.

1 Chronicles 9:33. And these are the singers, &c.— And these were the ministers, the chief of the families of the Levites, who dwelt in their chambers, every one in his turn, because they were employed day and night in their work. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, The Levites imitated their brethren the priests in their zeal for the work of the Lord. Long had they been destitute of temple, altar, and sacrifice; immediately on their return, therefore, till a temple can be built, a tabernacle is reared, 1 Chronicles 9:19 and the service commences. According to their distribution in the days of David, which he had planned with Samuel the prophet, they were divided into courses, two hundred and twelve by turns succeeding to keep the charge of the tabernacle. Those who were in waiting, had their lodging round about the house of God, that they might be at hand for their work. Every one had his several duty; and some, discharged from all other employments, were, at stated hours, by turns, engaged day and night in singing God's praises. Note; (1.) Order in the house of God conduces greatly to the profitableness of the service. (2.) They who begin with God, may hope to prosper in their undertakings. (3.) Residence, labour, and zeal, are indispensably required from every minister of God.

2nd, The verses from 1 Chronicles 9:35-44, are a repetition of chap. 1 Chronicles 8:29-38 to introduce the history of Saul in the following chapter.