“So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.”
Hitherto he hath described their genealogies before they went into captivity, and now he describeth their history after their return.
“Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.”
Meaning, the Gibeonites, which served in the Temple, read Josh. 9:13 .
“And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;”
That is, he was the high Priest.
“And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God. very: Heb. mighty men of valour”
To serve in the Temple, every one according to his office.
“Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.”
So called because the king came into the Temple thereby, and not the common people.
“And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry. gates: Heb. thresholds”
Their charge was that none should enter into those places, which were only appointed for the Priests to minister in.
“And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.”
They served weekly, as Ezek. 4:10 .
“Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. instruments: or, vessels”
Whereof the meat offering was made, Lev. 1:8 .
“And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread , to prepare it every sabbath. shewbread: Heb. bread of ordering”
Cross references: : Exod. 25:30
“And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free : for they were employed in that work day and night. they: Heb. upon them”
But were continually occupied in singing praises to God.
“And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;”
Who was also called Jehoaddah, 1 Chron. 8:36 .