1 Chronicles 9:10

KJV

And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the priests {H3548}; Jedaiah {H3048}, and Jehoiarib {H3080}, and Jachin {H3199},

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the cohanim: Y'da'yah, Y'hoyariv, Yakhin,

Berean Standard Bible

From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin;

American Standard Version

And of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, Jachin,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:10 is a concise but significant verse within the Chronicler's detailed census of Jerusalem's inhabitants after the Babylonian exile. It specifically names three prominent priestly families—Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin—underscoring the meticulous re-establishment of the Aaronic priesthood. This inclusion highlights the vital role of these families in resuming temple service and affirms the spiritual restoration of the community returning to the promised land, emphasizing the continuity of divine order and the preservation of sacred worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 9 of 1 Chronicles serves as a crucial transition point, bridging the extensive genealogies of the preceding chapters (1-8) with the historical narrative that commences with King Saul in chapter 10. While earlier chapters trace lineages from creation to the exile, Chapter 9 shifts focus to the post-exilic community, meticulously detailing who settled in Jerusalem and what roles they fulfilled. This chapter emphasizes the re-population and re-organization of the holy city, listing various groups including Levites, gatekeepers, temple servants, and specifically, priests. Verse 10 is embedded within this detailed accounting, ensuring that the continuity of the priestly service, which was absolutely essential for temple worship and the spiritual life of the nation, is explicitly recorded. The Chronicler's overarching purpose here is to affirm the unbroken line of God's covenant people and their divinely ordained structures, even after the profound trauma and disruption of the Babylonian captivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for 1 Chronicles 9:10 is the period following the Babylonian exile, specifically during the time of the initial return and the re-establishment of the community in Judah, under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The Second Temple had been rebuilt (cf. [Ezra 3-6](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation")), and the arduous task of repopulating and fortifying Jerusalem was underway. In ancient Israelite society, the priesthood was not merely a religious office but a foundational pillar of national identity and the relationship with God. Priests were responsible for sacrifices, teaching the Law, offering blessings, and mediating between God and the people. The meticulous listing of these priestly families—Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin—reflects the critical importance of restoring proper worship and adherence to the Mosaic Law. Their names, known from earlier periods (e.g., David's organization of the priesthood), confirmed the legitimacy and continuity of their sacred office, which was vital for the spiritual health and communal identity of the nascent post-exilic community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader chapter, contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of Covenant and Priesthood**; despite the devastating exile, God's promises and the divinely ordained roles, particularly the Aaronic priesthood, endure. These specific names link the post-exilic community directly to the established order of David's time, as meticulously detailed in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - David's Divisions of Priests"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Re-establishment** of Israel's spiritual and civic life in the land. The presence of these priestly families was foundational for resuming temple worship, sacrifices, and the overall spiritual well-being of the nation, a process also emphasized in books like [Ezra 3:2-6](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2-6 - Rebuilding the Altar and Resuming Sacrifices"). Thirdly, the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, including these specific names, demonstrates **Divine Order and Faithfulness**; God's plan for His people and the means of worship is preserved through generations, even through periods of severe judgment and dispersion. This attention to detail serves the Chronicler's theological agenda: to assure the returning exiles of God's enduring commitment and the validity of their heritage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jedaiah (Hebrew, _Yedaya'_):** Meaning "Jehovah knows" or "Praise Jehovah." This name is significant because it belongs to one of the 24 priestly divisions established by King David (cf. [1 Chronicles 24:7](/1_chronicles/24-7 "1 Chronicles 24:7 - The First Priestly Division")). Its appearance here confirms the re-establishment of the ancient order and the continuity of the priestly service, directly linking the post-exilic community to its pre-exilic heritage and divine mandate for worship.
* **Jehoiarib (Hebrew, _Yehoyariv'_):** Meaning "Jehovah contends" or "Jehovah pleads." This name also corresponds to one of the priestly divisions (cf. [1 Chronicles 24:7](/1_chronicles/24-7 "1 Chronicles 24:7 - The First Priestly Division")). The inclusion of this specific name further emphasizes the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the legitimate restoration of the priestly functions. The meaning itself suggests God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, even in their struggles for re-establishment.
* **Jachin (Hebrew, _Yakin'_):** Meaning "He (God) establishes." This name is likewise associated with one of the priestly divisions (cf. [1 Chronicles 24:17](/1_chronicles/24-17 "1 Chronicles 24:17 - The Twenty-First Priestly Division")). The meaning "He establishes" is particularly poignant in the post-exilic context, affirming God's sovereign work in re-establishing His people and their sacred institutions after the devastation of exile. It speaks directly to divine faithfulness and the enduring nature of God's purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the priests;":** This introductory phrase immediately narrows the focus from the general inhabitants of Jerusalem to a specific, highly significant group: the priests. It underscores their distinct and foundational role in the re-established community, setting them apart from other temple servants or laypeople. This highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on the proper functioning of the divinely ordained religious order.
* **"Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,":** These are not merely generic names but represent specific, historically recognized priestly families or divisions. Their inclusion signifies the meticulous effort made to restore the legitimate and divinely ordained order of temple service. By naming these specific lines, the Chronicler emphasizes continuity with the past, particularly with the Davidic organization of the priesthood, thereby assuring the post-exilic community of the validity and authenticity of their spiritual practices and their connection to their ancestral heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:10, and indeed throughout much of the book of Chronicles, is **Genealogy and Lists**. While seemingly dry or mundane to a modern reader, the meticulous enumeration of names and families serves a profound theological and historical purpose within the Chronicler's narrative. It establishes historical continuity, legitimizes claims to land and sacred office, and powerfully reaffirms God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and the covenant line. In this specific verse, the list of priestly names functions as a form of **Validation**, assuring the reader that the restored community in Jerusalem is properly constituted according to divine and ancestral patterns. It also employs **Repetition** of established family names, reinforcing the idea of an unbroken lineage and the enduring nature of God's covenant with the Levites and the Aaronic priesthood, despite the intervening period of exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple list of names carries significant theological weight, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the perpetuation of the Aaronic priesthood. Even after the devastating judgment of exile, God ensures the continuity of the means by which His people can approach Him and worship. The meticulous record-keeping reflects the divine commitment to order and the preservation of sacred institutions, providing assurance to the returning exiles that their spiritual heritage and future were secure in God's hands. This continuity points forward to the ultimate High Priest and the eternal nature of His intercession, demonstrating that God's plan for redemption is unyielding through all generations.

* [Nehemiah 11:10](/nehemiah/11-10 "Nehemiah 11:10 - Priests in Jerusalem after the Exile")
* [Ezra 2:36-39](/ezra/2-36 "Ezra 2:36-39 - Priestly Families Returning from Exile")
* [1 Chronicles 24:7-19](/1_chronicles/24-7 "1 Chronicles 24:7-19 - David's Divisions of Priests")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous recording of priestly names in 1 Chronicles 9:10, though ancient, speaks powerfully to contemporary believers about God's faithfulness and the importance of ordered, dedicated service within His kingdom. It reminds us that even when life seems disrupted, traditions broken, or hope dim, God works to restore and re-establish what is essential for His purposes. We are called to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations, recognizing the countless individuals who, like these priests, faithfully carried out their God-given roles, often in obscurity. This verse encourages us to consider our own place in God's ongoing story, understanding that our seemingly small acts of faithfulness contribute to the larger tapestry of His redemptive plan. Just as these priests were vital for the spiritual health of Israel, so too are believers today called to serve, each according to their unique gifts and calling, contributing to the health, growth, and mission of the church, which is the new temple of God. Our faithfulness, like theirs, ensures the continuity of God's work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the continuity of the priesthood, as highlighted in this verse, speak to God's faithfulness in your own life amidst challenges or disruptions?**
* **What "heritage" (spiritual, familial, or communal) has been passed down to you, and how are you called to be a faithful steward of it for future generations?**
* **In what specific ways can you contribute to the "re-establishment" or "restoration" of God's purposes within your local church or community today?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler list these specific names, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The Chronicler lists these specific names—Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin—because they represent prominent priestly families or divisions that were crucial to the re-establishment of legitimate temple worship after the Babylonian exile. Their significance lies primarily in demonstrating the **continuity** of the Aaronic priesthood, which was absolutely essential for the spiritual life and identity of Israel. These names link the post-exilic community directly to the pre-exilic order, particularly the divisions established by King David (cf. [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - David's Divisions of Priests")). By meticulously recording them, the Chronicler validates the authenticity of the restored worship practices and assures the returning exiles that God's covenant with His priests remained unbroken, despite the intervening period of judgment and dispersion. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and the means of approaching Him.

**Were these the only priests who returned from exile?**

Answer: No, these were not the only priests who returned from exile. 1 Chronicles 9:10 lists three specific families, likely representing key or prominent lines that resumed their duties in Jerusalem. The broader historical accounts in Ezra and Nehemiah, which also deal with the post-exilic return, indicate that many priestly families returned. For example, [Ezra 2:36-39](/ezra/2-36 "Ezra 2:36-39 - Priestly Families Returning from Exile") lists several priestly families by the thousands, including Jedaiah, among those who returned with Zerubbabel. The Chronicler's selection here is likely illustrative, highlighting the re-establishment of the *order* of the priesthood rather than providing an exhaustive roster of every individual priest. The focus is on the restoration of the divinely ordained structure for temple service and the legitimacy of the worship being performed.

**How does this verse relate to the broader purpose of the book of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: This verse aligns perfectly with the broader purpose of 1 Chronicles, which is to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, particularly through the Davidic line and the Levitical priesthood, for the post-exilic community. After the trauma of exile, the Chronicler sought to remind the people of their heritage, their identity as God's chosen people, and the enduring validity of their institutions. By meticulously listing the inhabitants of Jerusalem, including these priests, the book emphasizes the **re-establishment of spiritual order** and the **restoration of proper worship** in the holy city. It provides assurance that God remained faithful to His promises and that the returned community was a legitimate continuation of the covenant people, prepared to resume their sacred duties and live under God's divine order. The attention to detail reinforces the idea that God's plan is precise and enduring, even through periods of national catastrophe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:10 focuses on the historical continuity of the Aaronic priesthood in post-exilic Israel, it ultimately points forward to the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. The meticulous re-establishment of these priestly lines after the exile foreshadows the divine necessity of a High Priest who would not merely mediate but truly reconcile humanity to God. The Aaronic priests, including Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin, served as types and shadows, offering repeated sacrifices that continually pointed to the need for a definitive and final atonement. Jesus, as the great High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (as profoundly expounded in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "The Priesthood of Melchizedek")), fulfills and transcends their ministry. Unlike the Levitical priests who were mortal and offered repeated sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people, Christ offered Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a [single, perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice") that forever cleanses from sin. His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, providing constant, confident access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Thus, the continuity of the priestly line in 1 Chronicles 9:10 subtly anticipates the ultimate, unbroken, and perfect intercession of Christ, through whom all believers become a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"), able to draw near to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 12:19

And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

Nehemiah 11:10

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

Nehemiah 11:24

And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, [was] at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.