1 Chronicles 9 2

1 Chronicles 9:2 kjv

Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.

1 Chronicles 9:2 nkjv

And the first inhabitants who dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and the Nethinim.

1 Chronicles 9:2 niv

Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.

1 Chronicles 9:2 esv

Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.

1 Chronicles 9:2 nlt

The first of the exiles to return to their property in their former towns were priests, Levites, Temple servants, and other Israelites.

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 2 Meaning

This verse delineates the four foundational groups of inhabitants who initially resettled and established themselves in their inherited territories and cities within Judah, specifically focusing on Jerusalem, after their return from the Babylonian exile. These groups are identified as the general population of Israel (the laity), the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants, all of whom played vital roles in re-establishing community life and temple worship.

1 Chronicles 9 2 Context

First Chronicles chapter 9 continues the extensive genealogies begun in earlier chapters, shifting focus in verses 1-34 to those who resettled Jerusalem and other cities after the Babylonian exile. This verse (9:2) serves as an introductory summary, naming the four primary groups that formed the initial post-exilic community in their regained cities. Historically, this period marks the return of Jewish exiles to Judah, notably under figures like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, a return allowed by Cyrus's decree. The Chronicler emphasizes the divine faithfulness in bringing the people back and re-establishing the ordered religious life centered on the Temple, even though the return was incomplete and challenging. The precise listing of groups highlights the restored structure and proper function of the covenant community in their God-given land. This mirrors Nehemiah 11 in part, but the Chronicler places a greater emphasis on the full scope of tribes and the organized return to the ancestral lands as a continuation of God's covenant with David and His people.

1 Chronicles 9 2 Word analysis

• Now the first inhabitants:

  • Hebrew: wᵉhā·rišō·nīm (וְהָרִאשׁוֹנִים) – literally "and the first ones."
  • Significance: This phrase indicates the initial group of people who returned from exile and began re-populating Jerusalem and other cities. It emphasizes their pioneering role in establishing the post-exilic community. It refers to a foundational re-settlement, not necessarily the very first people ever to inhabit the land, but the first wave in this specific restoration period. The Chronicler uses "first" to mark the new beginning of an ordered community.

• who lived in their possessions in their cities:

  • Significance: This phrase highlights the tangible reality of the return. It wasn't merely a spiritual homecoming but a physical re-establishment of daily life, taking possession of and residing in the ancestral lands and urban centers. "Possessions" (Hebrew: ba'achuzztam) underlines the divine gift of the land, reinforced by their physical occupation. The phrase implies an organized and divinely sanctioned return and resettlement, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His promises concerning the land.

• were Israel:

  • Hebrew: Yiśrāʾēl (יִשְׂרָאֵל)
  • Significance: This refers to the general population of the covenant people, the laity. Their presence underscores that the community was not solely composed of religious officials but was a complete body of God's chosen nation. Their re-establishment was crucial for the restoration of the covenant community beyond mere temple functionaries. This refers primarily to Judah and Benjamin who formed the bulk of the returnees, along with remnant from other tribes (1 Chr 9:3).

• the priests:

  • Hebrew: hakkōhănîm (הַכֹּהֲנִים) – "the priests."
  • Significance: The descendants of Aaron, responsible for offering sacrifices, burning incense, ministering in the Holy Place, and teaching God's Law to the people. Their return and presence were essential for resuming the proper sacrificial system and maintaining covenant holiness. The Chronicler, focusing heavily on temple worship, would view their role as paramount.

• the Levites:

  • Hebrew: halĕwiyyim (הַלְוִיִּם) – "the Levites."
  • Significance: Descendants of Levi, who served the priests in the Temple, carried the Tabernacle, taught the Law, oversaw the treasury, provided music, and were gatekeepers. Their various functions were vital for the practical operation and maintenance of the temple and its services. They acted as assistants and enablers for the priests' functions, representing order and faithfulness within worship.

• and the temple servants:

  • Hebrew: wᵉhannaṯînîm (וְהַנְּתִינִים) – "and the Nethinim."
  • Significance: The Nethinim means "the given ones" or "those appointed." These were non-Israelites (e.g., descendants of Gibeonites in Josh 9:27, and others who joined them during exile) dedicated to subservient temple duties, such as cutting wood and drawing water (Ezra 8:20). Their inclusion demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic community and the full restoration of all roles necessary for temple operations, regardless of their ethnic origin. It shows that even those in humble, support roles were recognized and important in God's restored order.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants": This four-fold listing reveals a comprehensive picture of the post-exilic community’s social and religious structure. It shows a complete body, from the general populace (Israel) to the specifically designated spiritual leaders (priests and Levites), and even those in more menial, support roles (Nethinim). This ordered enumeration emphasizes the functional diversity and collective contribution required for the renewed worship of God and the rebuilding of the nation. It reflects God's meticulous care for the various aspects of community life centered around His dwelling place.

1 Chronicles 9 2 Bonus section

The Chronicler's inclusion of this specific list, particularly the "temple servants" (Nethinim), differentiates his genealogical records somewhat from Nehemiah's account, offering a slightly different nuance or emphasis on the functional aspect of the returned community in relation to the temple. The consistent focus on precise identification and familial/tribal lineage across these genealogies underscored the Chronicler's concern for legitimate claims to property, service, and identity within the post-exilic covenant community, particularly crucial for re-establishing priestly and Levitical lines and for ensuring that the roles connected to the reconstructed temple were properly filled by those designated. It also subtly prepares the reader for the detailed accounts of priestly and Levitical divisions and duties in the subsequent verses.

1 Chronicles 9 2 Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:2 acts as a foundational statement, setting the stage for the detailed lists that follow concerning the inhabitants of post-exilic Jerusalem. It highlights that the restoration of God's people was not just a theological concept but a concrete act of resettlement and re-establishment of communal life. The Chronicler emphasizes divine faithfulness by demonstrating the structured return and dwelling of specific, God-ordained groups. The inclusion of "the first inhabitants" speaks to the renewed beginnings and the laying of fresh foundations for a future generation, firmly rooted in their covenant heritage. The four categories—Israel (the people), priests, Levites, and Nethinim—illustrate a complete and functioning society, oriented towards the worship of God through the re-established Temple. Every part of the community, from the highest spiritual office to the most humble service, was essential for the restored life. This comprehensive structure underlines God's intention for His people to be a distinct, consecrated nation, ordered for His purposes, demonstrating the vital role of every member in His divine plan.