1 Chronicles 9 10

1 Chronicles 9:10 kjv

And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,

1 Chronicles 9:10 nkjv

Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin;

1 Chronicles 9:10 niv

Of the priests: Jedaiah; Jehoiarib; Jakin;

1 Chronicles 9:10 esv

Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin,

1 Chronicles 9:10 nlt

Among the priests who returned were Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jakin,

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 10 Meaning

1 Chronicles 9:10 provides a record of three specific priestly families—Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin—who resided in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and were dedicated to temple service. Their inclusion in these comprehensive genealogical lists underscores the critical role of the re-established, legitimate priesthood in the restored community of Israel. This detail emphasizes the return to divine order and continuity with the sacred duties necessary for proper worship in the house of God.

1 Chronicles 9 10 Context

1 Chronicles 9:10 is found within an extensive record detailing the inhabitants of Jerusalem following the return from Babylonian captivity. Chapter 9 transitions from general tribal genealogies (chapters 1-8) to specific lists of those who re-settled in Jerusalem, the nation's spiritual and administrative center. The verses immediately preceding 9:10 describe other Israelites and Judahites who resided there, and this verse specifically shifts focus to the priestly class, recognizing their vital role in the spiritual renewal. The historical setting is the post-exilic era (c. 539 BCE onwards), a period marked by the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem, its temple, and re-establishing the theocratic structure. The meticulous cataloging by the Chronicler aims to affirm the community's legitimate continuity with past generations, their right to the land, and, crucially, their adherence to the divinely mandated forms of worship through a properly ordained priesthood. This listing tacitly serves to legitimize the newly established order by linking it to historical precedent.

1 Chronicles 9 10 Word analysis

• And of the priests; (וּמִן הַכֹּהֲנִים – ūmin hakohanim)

  • And: Connects this specific list of priestly families to the broader catalog of returnees settling in Jerusalem, showing a continuation and a shift in focus.
  • of the: The preposition "min" (מִן) indicates selection from the overall group of those returning and residing, highlighting that this is a segment of that larger population.
  • the priests: (hakohanim – הַכֹּהֲנִים) Refers to those divinely appointed descendants of Aaron. Their role was to minister in the temple, offer sacrifices, and teach the Mosaic Law. Their specific mention emphasizes their indispensable function in the restored spiritual life of the nation, requiring strict lineage for legitimacy.

• Jedaiah, (יְדָיָה – Yedayah)

  • Jedaiah: Means "Jehovah knows" or "Praise Yah." This name refers to one of the most significant priestly families. In 1 Chronicles 24:7, Jedaiah heads one of the original 24 priestly divisions established by King David for temple service. Its prominence in post-exilic lists (Ezra 2:36, Neh 7:39, Neh 11:10) suggests its significant return and re-establishment.

• and Jehoiarib, (וִיהוֹיָרִיב – vîhôyārîv)

  • and: Continues the enumeration, linking the families together.
  • Jehoiarib: Means "Jehovah contends" or "may Yah contend." Notably, this family was designated the first of the 24 priestly divisions established by David (1 Chr 24:7), indicating great historical importance. While listed second here, its presence signifies the continuity of the foundational priestly order after the exile.

• and Jachin. (וְיָכִין – vĕyākhîn)

  • and: Final element in this particular triplet of priestly families.
  • Jachin: Means "He will establish" or "He will confirm." Jachin was the head of the 21st priestly division according to David's arrangement (1 Chr 24:17). This name is particularly evocative, as "Jachin" was also one of the two grand pillars standing at the entrance of Solomon's Temple (1 Ki 7:21), alongside Boaz ("In Him is strength"). This dual association suggests both divine establishment and foundational strength for God's house and its worship.

• Words-group by words-group analysis

  • "And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin.": This clause specifically identifies a key group within the post-exilic community: the legitimate priests. By naming these three prominent families, the Chronicler reinforces the idea of proper lineage and divinely ordered service. Their inclusion underlines the renewed focus on temple worship and the re-activation of the priestly duties essential for atonement and communion with God. This detail was crucial for the identity and spiritual validation of the returning exiles, emphasizing that the God of Israel remained faithful to His covenant and was actively restoring His people according to His established patterns of worship and governance.

1 Chronicles 9 10 Bonus section

The placement of these particular names within the broader register of Jerusalem's inhabitants underscores the Chronicler's intense focus on the Temple, its services, and those who legitimately administered them. The full list of 24 divisions was crucial for maintaining a year-round system of temple service, ensuring the perpetual spiritual functioning of the nation. The selection of these specific three families (Jedaiah and Jehoiarib being prominent first or early divisions, and Jachin representing continuity with temple symbolism) indicates their significant re-establishment or perhaps symbolic representation of the restored whole. This meticulous recording combats any form of unauthorized or illegitimate religious practice, asserting that true worship must be conducted by those chosen and organized by God. It reminds the audience that even after great devastation, God’s structures for maintaining communion with His people remain intact and verifiable.

1 Chronicles 9 10 Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:10 serves a foundational purpose for the Chronicler: to affirm the theological principle of ordered worship through an appointed priesthood. In a post-exilic context where identity and continuity were paramount, this concise list validates the presence and authority of the returning priestly lines. By specifically mentioning families such as Jedaiah, Jehoiarib (the initial head of priestly courses), and Jachin (a name linked to one of the very pillars of the Temple), the Chronicler meticulously demonstrates that the second temple priesthood was no new, ad-hoc creation but a divinely ordained continuation of the Aaronic line and the organizational structure established by David. This provides both comfort and direction to the fragile, re-established community, reassuring them of God's unchanging faithfulness to His covenants and His desire for proper worship. It underscores the belief that even through devastating exile, God preserves a remnant and re-establishes the means for His people to approach Him rightly.

Examples of practical usage:

• Adherence to Divine Order: Emphasizes the importance of established order and God-given roles in any community, especially within the church.
• Value of Continuity: Illustrates the importance of respecting spiritual heritage and acknowledging those who have faithfully served before us in God's plan.
• Faithfulness in Specific Roles: Encourages believers to fulfill their unique, God-given callings or roles within the body of Christ with faithfulness, knowing that each part is essential for the whole.