Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 9:34
These chief fathers of the Levites [were] chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem.
34. These chief generations ] R.V. These were heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, throughout their generations, chief men.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Chief throughout their generations – The superintendents, that is, were the genealogical head of the different Levitical divisions, and bore special rule, each over those of his own blood and race. The hereditary principle prevailed, not only in the high priesthood, but also in the priestly offices of the second rank.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Upon their return from Babylon they were not suffered to choose their habitations in the country, as others were, but were obliged to settle themselves at Jerusalem, that they might constantly attend upon Gods service there, and be ready to instruct the younger Levites in their office, as they needed or desired it.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
These chief fathers of the Levites were chief throughout their generations,…. Even all before made mention of in this chapter:
these dwelt at Jerusalem; always resided there, and did not in turns go into the country villages, as the inferior Levites did; their office requiring them to be constantly there, being chief of the porters, singers, &c. who had the superintendency and direction of the rest.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(34) These chief . . . generations.Literally, These are the heads of the Levitical houses, according to their birth-rolls, heads. (Comp. 1Ch. 8:28 for the meaning.)
These dwelt in Jerusalem.A final remark concerning all the Levites of 1Ch. 9:14-32. The proper names are regarded as chiefs, under whom their numerous clansmen are subsumed.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
chief fathers: 1Ch 9:13, Neh 11:1-15
Jerusalem: We have already seen the situation and extent of this ancient city (see note on 1Ch 8:28), but the Jerusalem of sacred history is no more. After having been successively destroyed by the Babylonians and Romans, and taken by the Saracens, Crusaders, and Turks, in the possession of the latter of whom it still continues, not a vestige remains of the capital of David and Solomon, not a monument of Jewish times is standing. The very course of the walls is changed, and the boundaries of the ancient city are become doubtful. The monks pretend to shew the sites of the sacred places; but they have not the slightest pretensions to even a probable identity with the real places. The Jerusalem that now is, however, called by the Arabs El Kouds, or “the holy city,” is still a respectable, good-looking town, of an irregular shape: it is surrounded by high embattled walls, enclosing an area not exceeding two miles and a half, and occupying two small hills, having the valley of Jehoshaphat on the east, the valley of Siloam and Gehinnom on the south, and the valley of Rephaim on the west; and containing a population variously estimated at from 20,000 to 30,000 souls.
Reciprocal: 1Ch 15:12 – Ye are the chief Ezr 8:1 – the chief Neh 12:12 – the chief
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ch 9:34-35. These dwelt at Jerusalem Upon their return from Babylon they were not suffered to choose their habitations in the country, as others were, but were obliged to settle themselves at Jerusalem, that they might constantly attend upon Gods service there. Whose wifes name was Maachah In this and the following verses he repeats Sauls genealogy, that he might make way for the following history.