1 Chronicles 9:16

And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.

And Obadiah {H5662} the son {H1121} of Shemaiah {H8098}, the son {H1121} of Galal {H1559}, the son {H1121} of Jeduthun {H3038}, and Berechiah {H1296} the son {H1121} of Asa {H609}, the son {H1121} of Elkanah {H511}, that dwelt {H3427} in the villages {H2691} of the Netophathites {H5200}.

'Ovadyah the son of Sh'ma'yah the son of Galal the son of Y'dutun; and Berekhyah the son of Asa the son of Elkanah, who lived in the towns of the N'tofati.

Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:16 is a brief but significant verse within a larger register of those who returned to Judah after the Babylonian exile. It specifically names two individuals, Obadiah and Berechiah, tracing their lineage and noting their residence in the villages of the Netophathites. This verse is part of a detailed account of the post-exilic community, particularly those who resettled Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, serving as a vital record for the restored nation.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles, especially chapters 9 and 10, meticulously documents the genealogies and the repopulation efforts following the Babylonian exile. This chapter details the families of priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants who returned to their ancestral lands. The listing of individuals like Obadiah and Berechiah served a crucial purpose: to establish identity, confirm lineage for tribal inheritance, and assign specific roles, particularly in the re-established temple service. The mention of Jeduthun in Obadiah's lineage is particularly noteworthy, as Jeduthun was a prominent chief musician appointed by King David, indicating a connection to the Levitical choir or temple ministry.

Key Themes

  • Re-establishment of Community: This verse, alongside others in the chapter, underscores the rebuilding of a functional society and the repopulation of the land after years of desolation. It highlights God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their heritage.
  • Importance of Lineage and Role: For the returning exiles, knowing one's ancestry was paramount for claiming land, fulfilling priestly or Levitical duties, and maintaining the order of the restored nation. Obadiah's connection to Jeduthun signifies a continuation of specific family roles in worship.
  • Divine Providence and Preservation: Even in what appears to be a simple list of names, the underlying message is God's careful preservation of His covenant people and their heritage, ensuring the continuity of His promises and the restoration of His worship.

Significance and Application

While 1 Chronicles 9:16 might seem like a mere historical record, it carries profound significance. It reminds us that every individual, even those in long genealogies, plays a part in God's larger plan. Obadiah and Berechiah, residing in the "villages of the Netophathites" (a Levitical settlement), likely contributed to the community and temple in essential, though perhaps less prominent, ways. Their inclusion in this sacred record emphasizes that God knows and values every one of His servants, regardless of their visible status.

This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage and the foundational truths passed down through generations. It also calls for faithfulness in our own callings, whether visible or hidden, knowing that our contributions, like those of Obadiah and Berechiah, are significant in God's eyes and contribute to the greater work of His kingdom. The meticulous record-keeping reflects God's attention to detail and His commitment to His people's identity and future, even in times of rebuilding and transition, mirroring the broader themes seen in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 12:25

    Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:15

    And the singers the sons of Asaph [were] in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters [waited] at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:54

    The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites.

  • 1 Chronicles 25:1

    ¶ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:

  • 1 Chronicles 25:3

    Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.

  • Nehemiah 7:26

    The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

  • Nehemiah 11:17

    And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
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