1 Chronicles 9:1 - Meaning and Application

The first verse looks back at the genealogies just given and says they were taken from the books of the kings of Israel and Judah. These were not the books of Scripture we have now, but other official records, like the king’s records among us. By naming Israel and Judah, the writer also reminds us that they were carried away to Babylon because of their sin.

That judgment should never be forgotten. It should always warn later generations to avoid the sins that brought it on. Whenever we speak of a trouble that has come on us, it is good to add, “it was because of my sin,” so that God may be shown right and fair when he judges.

Then the account turns to the first people who returned from captivity and settled again in their towns, especially in Jerusalem. The first group named is the Israelites. That larger name is used because along with those from Judah and Benjamin, there were also many from Ephraim, Manasseh, and the other ten tribes (1 Chronicles 9:3). Some had escaped into Judah when the ten tribes were taken away, and others later came to Judah during changes in Assyria. So they went into captivity with Judah, or met them in Babylon, joined with them there, and shared in the blessing of their release.

This matched what had been promised, that the children of Judah and Israel would be gathered together and come up from the land (Hosea 1:11), and that they would again be one nation (Ezekiel 37:22). Trouble often brings together people who have been at odds. Pieces of metal that were once separated will come together again when melted in the same fire. Many from both Judah and Israel stayed behind in captivity, but some from both groups, stirred by God, looked for the way back to Zion.

Many are named here, and many more are counted, men who were chief fathers, leading family heads (1 Chronicles 9:9). They should be remembered with honor as true Israelites, genuine believers and covenant people.

Next come the priests (1 Chronicles 9:10). It was a credit to them that they came back early. If the Lord’s ministers do not lead in a good work, who should? It was also a credit to the people that they would not come without the priests. Who should keep and teach knowledge if not the priests? Who should bless the people in the Lord’s name if not they?

One priest is said to have been the ruler of the house of God (1 Chronicles 9:11). He was not the chief ruler, because the high priest was then Joshua, but the deputy, the one next under him. He may even have been more diligent in his work than the high priest himself. In God’s house there must be rulers, not to make new laws, but to see that God’s laws are kept by both priests and people.

Many of the priests are also described as very able men for the service of the house of God (1 Chronicles 9:13). God’s house has real work to be done in it, steady and ongoing work. It is a blessing to the church when those who serve there are fit for the task, able ministers of the new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). The temple service needed, especially at this serious time just after the return from Babylon, great courage and energy, as well as bodily strength. So these men are praised as mighty men of valor.