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1 Chronicles 9

44 verses

TL;DR

1 Chronicles 9 records the genealogies of Israel’s leaders, priests, Levites, and porters, emphasizing their appointed roles in the service of the Tabernacle and the House of God.

Summary

The chapter begins with a census of Israel’s peoples, noting the exiled kings of Israel and Judah. It then lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem from Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim, including notable families such as Uthai and the Shilonites. The text details the priestly lineages—Jedaiah, Azariah, and others—and describes the Levites’ organization: their families, the four chief porters, and their responsibilities over the gates, treasuries, and ministerial vessels. It also recounts the porters’ duties, the distribution of sacred items, and the singers who worked day and night. Finally, the genealogy of the Gibeonite family, culminating in King Saul, is presented, linking the tribal leaders to the royal line.

Outline
  1. Genealogical list of Israelites, priests, and Levites in Jerusalem
  2. Description of priestly and Levite duties and organization
  3. Genealogy of Gibeonites leading to King Saul
Themes
Importance of lineage and record-keepingDivinely appointed priestly serviceOrder and structure in worshipLink between tribal leaders and monarchy
Keywords
genealogypriestleviteportertabernaclegatessacred vesselsJerusalemGibeonservicehouse of God
People
UthaiAsaiahJeuelSalluJedaiahAzariahAdaiahMaasiaiShemaiahBakbakkarHereshGalalMattaniahObadiahBerechiahShallumAkkubTalmonAhimanPhinehasZechariahMattithiahAbdonZurKishSaulJonathanMeribbaalMicahPithonMelechTahreaAhazJerahAlemethAzmavethZimriMozaBineaRephaiahEleasahAzel
Places
JerusalemGibeon
Things
TabernacleGatesMinistering vesselsSpicesSewbreadSingers
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 9:1: Introduces the census of Israel's people and notes the exiled kings.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:11: Details the priestly lineage of Azariah, showing the continuity of the temple office.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:20: Highlights the appointed chief porters and their divine guidance.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:30: Shows the role of singers in the continuous service of the temple.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:35: Begins the Gibeonite genealogy, linking tribal leaders to the royal line.
Questions
  • Why does the author emphasize genealogies in this chapter?
  • What can we learn about the organization of the temple service from the roles assigned to priests and Levites?
  • How does the genealogy of the Gibeonites contribute to the narrative of Israel’s leadership?
  • In what ways does the appointment of porters reflect divine order?
  • What is the significance of the singers’ continuous service day and night?
Sentiment

neutral
Descriptive record of genealogies and temple roles with no overt emotional tone.