1 Chron. 9 The chief of the tribe of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, who returned from captivity, and dwelt at Jerusalem, 1 Chron. 9:1–9. Also the priests and Levites, and how they executed their office in the temple at Jerusalem, 1 Chron. 9:10–34. The family of Saul, 1 Chron. 9:35–44.

In the book of the kings of Israel and Judah; not in that sacred and canonical book so called, but (as hath been oft observed before) in the public records, wherein there was an account of that kingdom, and of the several families in it, according to their genealogies. Who were carried away, i.e.

The first inhabitants; the first after the return from Babylon. That dwelt in their possessions in their cities, i.e. that took possession of their own lands and cities, which had been formerly allotted to them; but of late years had been taken from them for their sins, and possessed by other…

i.e. Some of each of these tribes; either such as offered themselves, or such as were chosen by lot: See Neh. 11:1–2

That there is so great a diversity of names between this catalogue and that Neh. 11:0, may be ascribed to two causes: 1. To the custom of the Hebrews, who used very frequently to give two or three several names to one person; and, 2.

Or, Shelanites, as they are called from Shelah, Num. 26:20. Asaiah, called also Masseiah, Neh. 11:5.

Salu the son of Meshullam, who is mentioned, but described by other parents, Neh. 11:7, or at least by persons under other names. Possibly these were his more immediate, and those his more remote parents; or he might be born of one, and adopted by another.

Nine hundred and fifty and six: they are reckoned but nine hundred and twenty-eight in Neh. 11:8, either because there he mentions only those that were by lot determined to dwell at Jerusalem, to whom he here adds those who freely offered themselves to it; see Neh.

Azariah; the same called Seraiah, Neh. 11:11. Hilkiah; either of him in Josiah’s time, 2 Kings 22:8, or rather another of the same name. The ruler of the house of God; or, a ruler in the house of God; not the high priest, who was Ezra, Ezra 3:8, but a chief ruler under him; either the second…

The son of Pashur, i.e. his great-grandson, as appears from Neh. 11:12–13.

Very able men, Heb. mighty men of valour; which is here noted as an excellent qualification for their place; because the priests might meet with great opposition and difficulty in the faithful discharge of their office, in the execution of the censures upon all impure persons without exception, and…

The Netophathites were in Judah, 1 Chron. 2:54. There they now dwelt, either because their proper cities were not yet built, or because they were not yet numerous enough to replenish them.

Porters; whose office it was to keep all the gates of the temple, that no unclean person or thing might enter into it.

In the king’s gate eastward; in the east gate of the temple, which was so called, either because it was the chief and most magnificent of all the gates, or because the kings of Judah used to go to the temple through that gate, 2 Kings 16:18, Ezek. 44:1–2.

Keepers of the gates of the tabernacle; or, who were, to wit, in time past, which is expressed in a like case, 1 Chron. 9:20, when the tabernacle was standing, before the temple was built. Their fathers; the Kohathites, of whom see on Num. 4:4.

Over them, i.e. over all the porters, and other Levites and priests before mentioned. The Lord was with him, to direct, and assist, and bless him in the discharge of his place; which seems here related to encourage his successor, and consequently all the priests and Levites of this time, to go on…

To wit, in the, time of David, as the following verse showeth. See 1 Chron. 26:1–2, 1 Chron. 27:2. Porter, i.e. chief porter. Of the door of the tabernacle, i.e. of the door which led out of the priests’ court into the tabernacle, in which the ark was placed, 2 Sam. 6:17.

In their villages; where their usual residence was, and whence they came to Jerusalem in their courses. Did ordain: in the times of the judges there was much disorder and confusion, both in the Jewish state and church, and the Levites came to the tabernacle promiscuously, and as their inclinations…

To wit, in David’s time. The house of the tabernacle: this is added to explain what he means by the house of the Lord; not that tabernacle which David had set up for the ark, but that more solemn tabernacle, which Moses had made by God’s express command and most particular direction; which in…

The porters, i.e. the chief porters, as this is explained, 1 Chron. 9:26.

From their several villages to the place of worship. After seven days: every sabbath or seventh day the courses were changed, and the new comers were to tarry till the next sabbath day. See 2 Kings 11:5, 2 Kings 11:7, 2 Kings 11:9. With them, i.e. to be with them, i.e.

Were in their set office, i. e. these were constantly upon the place, and in the execution of their office, that so they might oversee and direct the inferior porters in their work. Or, as others render the words, agreeably to the Hebrew text, For these (i.e. their brethren, 1 Chron.

They lodged round about the house of God; therefore they were obliged to constant residence in the place; and were not permitted to dwell in the villages, as their brethren were.

This is added to prevent a mistake, and to show that although the Levites were intrusted with the keeping of this ointment, yet none but the priests could make it. See Ex. 30:22, etc.

i.e. Was to take care that fine flour might be provided and kept safely and well, that when occasion required they might make cakes in pans to be offered to the Lord; of which See Poole “Lev. 2:5”.

Of which see Ex. 35:13.

These, i.e. others of the Levites; of whose several offices he had spoken before. Are the singers; or rather, were, which is understood, and all along in the foregoing and following verses, and again in this very verse.

Upon their return from Babylon they were not suffered to choose their habitations in the country, as others were, but were obliged to settle themselves at Jerusalem, that they might constantly attend upon God’s service there, and be ready to instruct the younger Levites in their office, as they…

In this and the following verses to the end of this chapter he repeats what he said before, 1 Chron. 8:29;c., concerning Saul’s genealogy, that he might make way for the following history; which is a figure called epanalepsis, which is frequent both in sacred and profane writers.