9:1-34

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First group to return to Jerusalem (1Chr 9:1-34)

At the time of writing, the first of the exiles had just returned to Jerusalem, having been given permission by the Persian king Cyrus (2 Chron 36:22-23).

The writer lists the heads of the families who returned (1Chr 9:1-9).

He points out that priests, Levites and temple servants also returned, to emphasize that the re-establishment of the nation Israel had to be on the basis of the religious order appointed by David before the captivity (1Chr 9:10-16).

Just as gate-keepers were needed to guard the tabernacle and the temple in former times, so they would be needed to guard the temple in rebuilt Jerusalem (1Chr 9:17-21).

The writer records how David organized the guards’ working hours and duties in the former temple (1Chr 9:22-27).

Even everyday matters, such as the care of temple equipment and the preparation of incense, spices and sacred foods, were carefully planned and supervised (1Chr 9:28-32).

People such as musicians and singers, who were to be ready for duty any time, day or night, lived in some of the temple buildings (1Chr 9:33-34).