1 Chronicles 9:1

ยถ 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.

So all Israel {H3478} were reckoned by genealogies {H3187}; and, behold, they were written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063}, who were carried away {H1540} to Babylon {H894} for their transgression {H4604}.

So all Isra'el was listed by genealogies, and these were recorded in the book of the kings of Isra'el. Then Y'hudah was carried away captive to Bavel because of their unfaithfulness.

So 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.

So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. And Judah was carried away captive to Babylon for their transgression.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:1 serves as a crucial transition in the book of 1 Chronicles, concluding the extensive genealogical records of chapters 1-8 and setting the stage for the narrative of the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. This verse summarizes the reason for Israel's exile and emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping central to their identity.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles focuses heavily on genealogies, particularly those of the tribes of Israel, the descendants of David, and the Levitical priesthood. Chapters 1-8 detail these lineages, tracing them from Adam through the various patriarchal and tribal lines. This verse acts as a bridge, reminding the reader that despite these detailed records, the nation faced severe consequences for their unfaithfulness. It points forward to the re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem after the return from Babylon, which is the primary focus of the remainder of Chapter 9 and beyond.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequence: The phrase "carried away to Babylon for their transgression" highlights God's righteous judgment against Israel's persistent sin. This serves as a stark reminder that disobedience to God's covenant has severe repercussions, as forewarned in the Law (Deuteronomy 28:15).
  • The Importance of Genealogies and Records: The meticulous "reckoning by genealogies" underscores the significance of lineage in ancient Israel. These records were vital for establishing tribal identity, land rights, and especially for verifying priestly and Levitical service upon their return from exile (Ezra 2:62). They also served to preserve the thread of God's covenant promises, ultimately leading to the lineage of Christ.
  • Historical Continuity and God's Faithfulness: Despite the devastating Babylonian exile, the continued existence of these genealogies and the mention of the "book of the kings of Israel and Judah" affirm that God preserved a remnant of His people. Even in judgment, His ultimate plan for Israel and His covenant promises remained intact.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "transgression" here is ma'al (ืžึทืขึทืœ), which specifically implies an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or a breach of trust, particularly in a covenant relationship with God. It's often used in contexts of sacrilege or violating sacred duties. This choice of word emphasizes that Israel's exile was not merely a political defeat but a spiritual consequence of their betrayal of God's covenant.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God is both just and faithful. While He allows consequences for sin, He also preserves His people and His purposes. For us today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Accountability: Our actions, especially those involving spiritual unfaithfulness, have consequences.
  • Remembering History: Understanding the past helps us learn from mistakes and appreciate God's enduring grace.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even in periods of judgment or difficulty, God remains in control, working out His ultimate plan for His people.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 5:25 (6 votes)

    And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:26 (6 votes)

    And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

  • Nehemiah 7:64 (6 votes)

    These sought their register [among] those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

  • Ezra 2:59 (3 votes)

    And these [were] they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, [and] Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they [were] of Israel:

  • Jeremiah 52:14 (3 votes)

    And all the army of the Chaldeans, that [were] with the captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about.

  • Jeremiah 52:15 (3 votes)

    Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive [certain] of the poor of the people, and the residue of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the multitude.

  • Ezra 2:62 (3 votes)

    These sought their register [among] those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.