91 This is the complete family tree for all Israel, recorded in the Royal Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah at the time they were exiled to Babylon because of their unbelieving and disobedient lives. 2 The first Israelites to return from exile to their homes and cities were the priests, the Levites, and the temple support staff. 3 Returning to Jerusalem from the families of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh were the following: 4 Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, from the line of Perez son of Judah; 5 from the Shilonites were Asaiah the firstborn and his sons; 6 from the family of Zerah there was Jeuel. There were 690 in the Judah group. 7 From the family of Benjamin were Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah, 8 and Ibneiah son of Jeroham, and Elah son of Uzzi, the son of Micri, and Meshullam son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah. 9 There were 956 in the Benjamin group. All these named were heads of families.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:1-9
Chapter Contents
Genealogies.
This chapter expresses that one end of recording all these genealogies was, to direct the Jews, when they returned out of captivity, with whom to unite, and where to reside. Here is an account of the good state into which the affairs of religion were put, on the return from Babylon. Every one knew his charge. Work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place, and makes a business of it. God is the God of order. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Revelation 4:8. Blessed be His name, believers there shall, not in turn, but all together, without interruption, praise him night and day: may the Lord make each of us fit for the inheritance of the saints in light.