1 Chronicles 9:9

KJV

And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men [were] chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And their brethren {H251}, according to their generations {H8435}, nine {H8672} hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572} and six {H8337}. All these men {H582} were chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1} in the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and their kinsmen, according to their generations - altogether 956. All these men were leaders of fathers' clans.

Berean Standard Bible

and 956 of their relatives according to their genealogy. All these men were heads of their families.

American Standard Version

and their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men were heads of fathers’ houses by their fathers’ houses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:9 records a precise count of 956 individuals, identified as "chief of the fathers," who were prominent leaders among the post-exilic community that resettled in Jerusalem. This verse, embedded within extensive genealogies and lists of returning exiles, underscores the meticulous re-establishment of social, religious, and civic order in the holy city, highlighting the importance of leadership and the preservation of tribal identity in the restoration of God's people after the Babylonian captivity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:9 is situated within the extensive genealogical records that dominate the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. Following a sweeping survey of Israel's lineage from Adam to the exile (Chapters 1-8), Chapter 9 shifts focus to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and other cities after the return from Babylonian captivity. This chapter meticulously lists the families of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh who resettled, along with the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants who resumed their duties. Verse 9, specifically, details the number of "chief of the fathers" from certain tribal lineages, emphasizing the re-establishment of leadership and the organized rebuilding of the community. This detailed enumeration serves to underscore the continuity of God's covenant people despite the exile and their re-establishment in the promised land, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of David's reign and the temple's construction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 1 Chronicles 9:9 is the post-exilic period, following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which permitted the exiled Jews to return to Judah (as recounted in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). The return was not a single event but occurred in waves, with the initial wave led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, followed later by Ezra and Nehemiah. The community was tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem, its walls, and, most importantly, the Temple. In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were not mere historical curiosities; they were vital for establishing tribal identity, land claims, rights to priestly or Levitical service, and social standing. The "chief of the fathers" (heads of ancestral houses) held significant authority, responsible for their family's well-being, legal matters, and religious observances. This verse reflects the painstaking effort to re-establish a structured, ordered society, rooted in its ancestral heritage, in a land that had lain desolate for decades.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 9:9 contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **Genealogical Importance** and the continuity of God's covenant people. The precise enumeration of families and leaders underscores the enduring value placed on lineage and tribal identity, crucial for maintaining the distinctiveness of Israel and their connection to the promises given to Abraham. Secondly, the designation "chief of the fathers" emphasizes the theme of **Leadership and Order**. These individuals were instrumental in organizing and governing the returned community, ensuring stability, adherence to Mosaic law, and the proper functioning of the nascent society. This reflects God's desire for order within His people and the necessity of faithful leadership. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**. Despite the devastation of exile, God preserved a remnant and facilitated their return, meticulously recording their re-establishment. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His active work in restoring His people, as seen in the broader narrative of [Ezra](/ezra/1 "The Book of Ezra - Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "The Book of Nehemiah - Rebuilding Jerusalem"). Finally, it underscores the practical efforts involved in **Community Rebuilding**, showing that the spiritual restoration was accompanied by tangible, organized efforts to re-establish social structures and civic life in Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief of the fathers (Hebrew: רָאשֵׁי הָאָבוֹת, _rashei ha'avot_):** This compound Hebrew term literally translates to "heads of the fathers" or "heads of the households." It refers to the patriarchs or leading figures of the ancestral families or clans. These were not merely elders but held a hereditary position of authority and responsibility within their respective family units and, by extension, within the broader tribal and national structure. Their role was critical in maintaining social order, administering justice, distributing resources, and ensuring the continuity of tribal identity and religious practices. In the post-exilic context, these "chiefs" were vital in re-establishing the community, organizing the rebuilding efforts, and ensuring adherence to the covenant. Their enumeration signifies the re-establishment of a structured, functional society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six."**: This clause provides the precise numerical count of the individuals being described. The phrase "their brethren" refers to those of the same tribal or family lineage as those already mentioned or implied in the preceding verses (e.g., the families of Judah and Benjamin in [1 Chronicles 9:3](/1_chronicles/9-3 "1 Chronicles 9:3 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem")). "According to their generations" emphasizes the genealogical basis of this count, highlighting that these individuals were identified and organized based on their established family lines and ancestral houses. The specific number, 956, underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the significant number of prominent leaders who returned and resettled.
* **"All these men [were] chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers."**: This second clause identifies the specific status and role of the 956 individuals. They were not just any returnees, but "chief of the fathers" – the recognized heads or leaders of their respective ancestral households. The phrase "in the house of their fathers" further clarifies that their leadership was rooted in their family lineage and traditional patriarchal structures. This designation signifies their authority, responsibility, and crucial role in the re-establishment of the community's social, religious, and civic life in Jerusalem. It underscores the importance of established leadership in the post-exilic restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The text of 1 Chronicles 9:9, like much of the surrounding chapters, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. The precise numerical count of "nine hundred and fifty and six" is a clear example of enumeration, emphasizing the meticulousness of the record and the tangible scale of the return. This detailed listing serves to validate the re-establishment of the community and its leadership. The repeated emphasis on "generations" and "house of their fathers" highlights the literary device of **Genealogy**, which is foundational to the Chronicler's purpose: to demonstrate the continuity of God's covenant people and their rightful claim to the land and their roles within the restored community. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** through specificity; by singling out the "chief of the fathers" and providing their exact number, the text underscores the importance of leadership and order in the post-exilic rebuilding effort, reinforcing the Chronicler's theological agenda of demonstrating God's faithfulness through the preservation and re-establishment of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:9, though seemingly a dry statistical entry, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people, even down to the enumeration of their leaders, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving a remnant and orchestrating their return from exile. This verse underscores the divine value placed on order, community structure, and responsible leadership in the life of God's people. The re-establishment of these "chiefs of the fathers" was not merely a logistical exercise but a spiritual act, signifying the restoration of identity, heritage, and the framework necessary for covenant living and worship in Jerusalem. It reminds us that God works through human structures and individuals to fulfill His redemptive purposes, even in the midst of rebuilding from devastation.

* [Nehemiah 7:7](/nehemiah/7-7 "Nehemiah 7:7 - List of Returnees")
* [Ezra 2:64-65](/ezra/2-64 "Ezra 2:64-65 - Total Number of Returnees")
* [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Numbers 1:18 - Registration by Families")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed census in 1 Chronicles 9:9, particularly the identification of 956 "chiefs of the fathers," offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intention, who pays meticulous attention to the details of His people's lives and their community structures. Just as these leaders were essential for rebuilding Jerusalem, godly leadership remains vital in our families, churches, and communities today, providing direction, stability, and spiritual guidance. This verse also implicitly highlights the importance of our spiritual heritage; while we don't trace physical genealogies in the same way, we are part of a spiritual lineage, connected to a rich history of faith and a future hope in Christ. Our roles, however seemingly small, contribute to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive work. We are called to participate in the ongoing work of building up God's kingdom, recognizing that every member, and especially those in leadership, plays a crucial part in fostering a community that reflects God's order and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this verse challenge my perception of God's involvement in the seemingly mundane aspects of life and community?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual, contribute to order and stability within my family, church, or community, even if I am not a formal "chief of the fathers"?**
* **What does the emphasis on "generations" and "house of their fathers" teach me about the importance of spiritual heritage and passing on faith to future generations?**
* **How can I pray for and support the "chiefs" or leaders in my own spiritual and civic communities, recognizing their crucial role in building up God's people?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a specific number (956) of "chiefs of the fathers" important to record?**

Answer: The specific enumeration of 956 "chiefs of the fathers" is important for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler, emphasizing the historical accuracy and divine oversight of the post-exilic restoration. In a society where identity, land rights, and roles were tied to lineage, precise numbers validated claims and established order. Secondly, it highlights the significant number of prominent leaders who returned, demonstrating the substantial re-establishment of the community's social and religious infrastructure. This was not a small, disorganized return, but a structured effort to rebuild Jerusalem under recognized leadership, reflecting God's faithfulness in preserving a strong remnant and providing the necessary human resources for the restoration. The detail serves to affirm the legitimacy and strength of the renewed Israelite community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:9 details the re-establishment of earthly leadership in post-exilic Jerusalem, its deeper theological currents ultimately point to Christ. The "chiefs of the fathers" were essential for bringing order and continuity to God's people, but their authority was temporal and their leadership imperfect. In Christ, we find the ultimate and eternal "Chief of the fathers" – the true Head of a new, spiritual Israel, the Church. He is the one through whom all spiritual generations are reckoned, the "firstborn among many brethren" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Firstborn Among Many Brethren")). The detailed census of returning exiles foreshadows the meticulous care with which God gathers His elect from every tribe and nation into His new covenant community, the body of Christ ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Just as the physical return from exile signified God's faithfulness to His promises, Christ's work of redemption brings about a far greater spiritual restoration, establishing a kingdom that will never be exiled or destroyed ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). He is the true Temple, the ultimate gathering point for all who are "in the house of their fathers" – indeed, in the household of God through faith in Him ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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.