1 Chronicles 9:2
1 Chronicles 9:2 in Multiple Translations
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.
¶ Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.
Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim.
Now the first to take up their heritage in their towns were: Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim.
The first to return and reclaim their property and live in their towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites, and Temple servants.
And the chiefe inhabitants that dwelt in their owne possessions, and in their owne cities, euen Israel the Priestes, the Leuites, and the Nethinims.
And the first inhabitants, who [are] in their possession, in their cities, of Israel, [are] the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim.
Now the first inhabitants who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.
Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were , the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.
Now the first that dwelt in their possessions, and in their cities, were the Israelites, and the priests, and the Levites, and the Nathineans.
The first people who returned to Judah 70 years later and lived in their own land and in their own cities and towns were some Israeli priests, other descendants of Levi, and men who worked in the temple.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 9:2
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/יּוֹשְׁבִים֙
הָ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בַּ/אֲחֻזָּתָ֖/ם
בְּ/עָרֵי/הֶ֑ם
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִֽים
וְ/הַ/יּוֹשְׁבִים֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | Art | V-Qal
הָ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בַּ/אֲחֻזָּתָ֖/ם
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
Prep | N-fs | Suff
בְּ/עָרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fp | Suff
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִֽים
Nâthîyn
H5411
temple servant
Conj | Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 9:2
וְ/הַ/יּוֹשְׁבִים֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
הָ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/אֲחֻזָּתָ֖/ם
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
בְּ/עָרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִֽים
Nâthîyn
H5411
"temple servant"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This term refers to temple servants, called Nethinim, who helped the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. They were assigned to serve in the temple, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. The Nethinim played a vital role in temple duties.
Definition: 1) Nethinims 1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary Aramaic equivalent: ne.tin (נְתִין "temple servant" H5412)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Nethinims. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:2; Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 11:21.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 9:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 9:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
Context — The People of Jerusalem
1So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.
2Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.
3Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem: 4Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 7:73 | So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns. |
| 2 | Ezra 2:58 | The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all. |
| 3 | Ezra 2:70 | So the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, along with some of the people, settled in their own towns; and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns. |
| 4 | Ezra 8:20 | They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. |
| 5 | Ezra 2:43 | The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, |
| 6 | Nehemiah 7:60 | The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all. |
| 7 | Joshua 9:21–27 | They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise. Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by telling us you live far away from us, when in fact you live among us? Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this. Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” So Joshua did this and delivered them from the hands of the Israelites, and they did not kill the Gibeonites. On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 11:3–22 | These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants— while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez; and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah. The descendants of Perez who settled in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of valor. From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah; and his followers Gabbai and Sallai—928 men. Joel son of Zichri was the officer over them, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the Second District of the city. From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib; Jachin; Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of the house of God; and their associates who did the work at the temple—822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; and his associates, the leaders of families—242 men; Amashai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer; and his associates —128 mighty men of valor. Zabdiel son of Haggedolim was their overseer. From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; Shabbethai and Jozabad, two leaders of the Levites, who supervised the work outside the house of God; Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. The Levites in the holy city totaled 284. And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men. The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the villages of Judah, each on his own inheritance. The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them. Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God. |
1 Chronicles 9:2 Summary
[This verse tells us that after the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, some of the first people to return to their homes were the Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. This shows that God was faithful to His people and helped them return to their cities, just like He promised in Deuteronomy 30:3. The return of these groups also highlights their importance in the community, as they were responsible for maintaining the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Israelites. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged by God's faithfulness to His people and trust Him to restore us, just as He did for the Israelites, as seen in Jeremiah 29:14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the first people to resettle their property after the exile?
According to 1 Chronicles 9:2, the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants, as the Bible records their return to their homeland after the Babylonian exile, similar to what is described in Ezra 1:5 and Nehemiah 7:73.
What is the significance of the Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants being the first to resettle?
The fact that these groups were the first to resettle highlights their importance in the community, as they were responsible for maintaining the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:10 and Numbers 3:6-10.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of 1 Chronicles 9, which lists the genealogies of the people who returned to Jerusalem, including those from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:3-4.
What can we learn from the fact that the Israelites returned to their cities after the exile?
The return of the Israelites to their cities after the exile demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people, as promised in Deuteronomy 30:3 and Jeremiah 29:14, and serves as a reminder of His desire to restore and redeem His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'resettle' in a spiritual sense, and how can I apply this concept to my own life?
- How can I, like the Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants, prioritize my role in maintaining the spiritual and cultural heritage of my community?
- What are some ways that God has been faithful to me, even in times of exile or hardship, and how can I trust Him to restore me?
- How can I balance my desire for personal restoration with the need to prioritize the spiritual well-being of my community, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities,.... Who first returned from Babylon upon the proclamation of Cyrus, and enjoyed their former possessions, and dwelt in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. The first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
The first inhabitants; the first after the return from Babylon. That dwelt in their possessions in their cities, i.e. that took possession of their own lands and cities, which had been formerly allotted to them; but of late years had been taken from them for their sins, and possessed by other people. The Israelites, i.e. the common people of Judah and Israel, called here by the general name of Israelites, which was given to them before that unhappy division of the two kingdoms, and now is restored to them when the Israelites are united with the Jews in one and the same commonwealth, that so all the names and signs of their former division might be blotted out. And although the generality of the ten tribes were yet in captivity, yet divers of them were now returned; either such as had long before the captivity fled to Jerusalem to worship God, and joined themselves with Judah, as those , and others; or such as, upon Cyrus’ s general proclamation, associated themselves, and returned with those of Judah and Benjamin. The priests, Levites; these took possession of the cities or places belonging to them, as they had need and opportunity. The Nethinims; a certain order of men, either Gibeonites, or others joined with them, devoted to the service of God, and of his house, and of the priests and Levites; who, that they might attend upon their work without distraction, had certain places and possessions given to them; which they are now said to repossess.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
1 Chronicles 9:2 Now the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in their possessions in their cities [were], the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.Ver. 2. Now the first inhabitants,] sc., After the return from captivity. That dwelt in their possessions.] The same they had before the captivity. A wonderful providence of God it was, that as the land kept her Sabbaths for those seventy years, so the country should be all that while kept empty, till the return of the natives: for we read not that any colonies were sent thither, nor any displaced to make room for these at their return. And the Nethinims.] Dedititii; these were the posterity of those old Gibeonites. Vocati ad vilia officia Deum respiciant, &c. Lavat.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
Verse 2. Now the first inhabitants] This is spoken of those who returned from the Babylonish captivity, and of the time in which they returned; for it is insinuated here that other persons afterwards settled at Jerusalem, though these mentioned here were the first on the return from the captivity. Properly speaking, the divisions mentioned in this verse constituted the whole of the Israelitish people, who were, ever since the days of Joshua, divided into the four following classes: 1. The priests. 2. The Levites. 3. The common people, or simple Israelites. 4. The Nethinim, or slaves of the temple, the remains of the Gibeonites, who, having deceived Joshua, were condemned to this service Joshua 9:21, &c. In David's time it is probable that other conquered people were added, as the successors of the Gibeonites were not sufficient to perform all the drudgery of the temple service.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 9:2
2. The text of this verse seems to be faulty, but the meaning is probably the same as in Ezra 2:70 (cp. ibid. Ezra 2:1). Now those who first returned from Babylon to dwell in Judaea, again, dwelt (not in Jerusalem, but) in their own cities; this did they all whether they were laymen, priests, Levites; or Nethinim. the first inhabitants] The word “first” here corresponds with the phrase “the chiefs of the province” in Nehemiah 11:3 (R.V.), and may be interpreted by it, for “first” gives no satisfactory sense if understood in reference to time. The list which follows (1 Chronicles 9:4 ff.) is a list of chief men. were] They belonged to the following four classes: the Israelites] R.V. Israel, i.e. laymen as distinguished from men of Levitical descent. According to 1 Chronicles 9:3 Israel included at least Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh (cp. Psalms 80:2, where Judah—the speaker—associates Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh with herself in her appeal to the God of Israel). This is a totally different usage from that of earlier times, when Israel meant the Northern kingdom, and Judah the Southern. Levites] R.V. the Levites.
Nethinims] R.V. Nethinim. These were a class of Temple servants reckoned as inferior to the Levites. Perhaps they were of foreign extraction and included the Gibeonites (cp. Joshua 9:23). They are mentioned nowhere else in the Old Testament except in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, See Ryle’s note on Ezra 2:43.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 9:2
The first inhabitants - i. e. the first inhabitants of the holy land after the return from the captivity. They are enumerated under four heads: (1) Israelites, i. e.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:2
2. Israelites… priests… Levites… Nethinim — Four classes of inhabitants. The Israelites here denote the mass of the people, the laity, as distinguished from the three classes next named. The Nethinim — The given ones.