1 CHRONICLES LESSON 12


     We will begin this lesson in I Chronicles 9:1 "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."

     The Israelites were all very good record keepers. Some of the
records were, probably, lost when the ten tribes broke away from
Judah, however. Some of the details of some of the records were,
probably, lost during the Babylonian and Assyrian captivities.
Basically, they are remarkably accurate. It is explained, again, just
why they went into captivity. All Israel speaks of the twelve tribes.
There were records kept for the ten tribes, as well as the two of
Judah. We might relate this record of God's people, then, to the fact
that our names are written in the Lamb's book of life, if we belong to
Christ.

     I Chronicles 9:2  "Now the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in
their possessions in their cities [were], the Israelites, the priests,
Levites, and the Nethinims."

     Nethinims were temple servants. This could be speaking of the
people, the Levites, and the temple servants, before the captivity in
Babylon, or after. In either case, this is speaking of the land of
promise. It is basically speaking of the land of Judah. Specifically,
it is speaking of the temple in Jerusalem. We do know that it was
totally destroyed just before the captivity in Babylon. The temple
servants were not spoken of as Nethenims, until after the captivity in
Babylon.

     I Chronicles 9:3 "And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of
Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of
Ephraim, and Manasseh;"

     We see from this, that the families of Judah and Benjamin came
back to the land, where they were before the captivity. They are
spoken of collectively as Judah. The mention of Ephraim and Manasseh
is very unusual, because they are supposedly part of the ten lost
tribes. The ten tribes, known as Israel, or sometimes as Ephraim,
never came back into their land to re-establish Israel. Their families
were absorbed into many different tribes. Perhaps, some of them came
back and joined Judah.

     I Chronicles 9:4 "Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the
son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pharez the son of
Judah."

     These are some of the first settlers who came back into the land
after the Babylonian captivity.  In Nehemiah chapter 11 verse 6, we
see that the descendents of Pharez {Perez} were 468 valiant men.

     I Chronicles 9:5 And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and
his sons.

     These are the descendents of Shelah, the youngest son of Judah.

     I Chronicles 9:6 "And of the sons of Zerah; Jeuel, and their
brethren, six hundred and ninety."

     Zerah is, also, called Zara, and Zararh. Zerah was the twin
brother of Pharez. Zerah was the father of the Zarhites. This 690 has
to do with the number of his descendents who were chief men.

     I Chronicles 9:7 "And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of
Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah,"

     Nehemiah chapter 11 verses 7 and 8 says these descendents were
928. This Sallu lived about 445 years before the coming of Christ. It
is very difficult to do much tracing on these men. It might be
interesting to note that many years later, Paul {Saul} will be spoken
of as from the tribe of Benjamin {Romans chapter 11 verse 1}.

     I Chronicles 9:8 And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son
of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the
son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah; I Chronicles 9:9 "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."

     These 956 are the same men who are numbered 928 in Nehemiah. This
is not a great concern, because of the records in those days. Someone,
probably, misread the number. The small difference does not matter.
Even in our day, the census is never 100% correct. It is like the
spelling of some of the names vary a little. The basic message never
varies. Every Word in the Bible is true. Sometimes, our understanding
of the Word is in error.

     I Chronicles 9:10  "And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib,
and Jachin," I Chronicles 9:11 "And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the
son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of
Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;"

     This line of Levitical priests lead to Zacharias and Elisabeth,
the father and mother of John the Baptist. In some instances above, a
generation or two is skipped, bringing the names of the priests who
have had direct influence in the temple and with God's people.

     I Chronicles 9:12 "And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of
Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of
Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of
Immer;"  I Chronicles 9:13 "And their brethren, heads of the house of
their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able
men for the work of the service of the house of God."

     We know that the Levites were set aside for the work of the LORD.
We see the large number here, 1,760. This same group is listed in
Nehemiah chapter 11 verses 11 through 14. It is not identical, but is
speaking of the same people.

     I Chronicles 9:14 "And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of
Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of
Merari;"  I Chronicles 9:15 "And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and
Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;"
I 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."

     In Nehemiah chapter 11 verses 15 through 18, there is more
information on these people. All the Levites in the holy city were
284. Mattaniah was singled out to begin the thanksgiving in prayer.
Bakbukiah, the same as Bakbakkar, was the second among his brethren.
We must remember, that all of these are Levites in the service of the
LORD. These were the later Levites that came back into the land.
Netophathites are people who live in Netophah, which is actually the
outskirts of Bethlehem. Jerusalem and Bethlehem are just 5 miles
apart. It would be safe to say, this place was the outskirts of
Jerusalem, as well.

     I Chronicles 9:17 "And the porters [were], Shallum, and Akkub,
and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum [was] the chief;"
I Chronicles 9:18 "Who hitherto [waited] in the king's gate eastward:
they [were] porters in the companies of the children of Levi."

     The porters were stationed at the doors of the sanctuary. They
were gatekeepers. Shallum is mentioned in Ezra chapter 10 verse 24.

     I Chronicles 9:19 "And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of
Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his
father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of
the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host
of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry."

     We see, from this, that Shallum was directly descended from
Korah. All of the families of the Levite tribe had specific work to do
in the service of the LORD. The family of Korah were keepers of the
gates.

     I Chronicles 9:20 "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler
over them in time past, [and] the LORD [was] with him."

     Phinehas was one of the more powerful priests. He was the
grandson of Aaron. God stopped the plague, when Phinehas drove a lance
through two of the people involved in the revolting sin. God was so
pleased with Phinehas, that God promised the priesthood would remain
in his family forever. Eleazar was the high priest after Aaron.

     I Chronicles 9:21 "[And] Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah [was]
porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."

     Meshelemiah and his sons were keepers of the gates. He and all of
his sons, except Zechariah, guarded the eastern gate. Zechariah
guarded the northern gate. They were Levites in service of the LORD.

     I Chronicles 9:22 "All these [which were] chosen to be porters in
the gates [were] two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their
genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain
in their set office."

     These 250 men, who kept the gates of the temple, were ordained by
David and Samuel for their special tasks. Each family had their own
special service to the LORD. This family were gate keepers from
generation to generation. David brought the tabernacle to Jerusalem.
That is why it speaks of him, coupled with Samuel, instead of Saul.

     I Chronicles 9:23 "So they and their children [had] the oversight
of the gates of the house of the LORD, [namely], the house of the
tabernacle, by wards." I Chronicles 9:24 "In four quarters were the
porters, toward the east, west, north, and south." I Chronicles 9:25
"And their brethren, [which were] in their villages, [were] to come
after seven days from time to time with them." I Chronicles 9:26 "For
these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set office, and
were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God."

     This is an explanation of their duties, and how they were carried
out. Most of the time, these men lived in the villages the LORD had
alloted to them. They took turns coming to the tabernacle at a
specific time to be a guard at the gate, that had been designated as
their post. It seems, their duty lasted seven days, and then, some of
their brothers came to relieve them. There were four men that were in
charge of the operation. Not only were they to keep the gates, but
they guarded the treasuries, as well.

     I Chronicles 9:27  "And they lodged round about the house of God,
because the charge [was] upon them, and the opening thereof every
morning [pertained] to them."

     This is, probably, speaking of the four, that were in charge,
living at the tabernacle. They did not live in the out-lying villages.
They supervised the work that the other porters did on their duty.
Their places of dwelling were around the tabernacle. The opening of
the tabernacle for worship was on their shoulders.

     I Chronicles 9:28 "And [certain] of them had the charge of the
ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale."
I Chronicles 9:29 "[Some] of them also [were] appointed to oversee the
vessels and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour,
and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices."

     They were responsible for the vessels. They must count them and
make sure none are misplaced. They were in charge of the tale
{snuffers or tongs}, as well as the vessels. All of the things used in
the sacrifices were cared for by these porters.

     I Chronicles 9:30 "And [some] of the sons of the priests made the
ointment of the spices."

     The holy ointment had to be made by the priests. The porters
cared for it after it was made, however. The formula was given to the
priests for the ointment, and no one else. This particular ointment
was to be used for nothing else, except service in the tabernacle.

     I Chronicles 9:31 "And Mattithiah, [one] of the Levites, who
[was] the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over
the things that were made in the pans." I Chronicles 9:32 "And [other]
of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, [were] over the
shewbread, to prepare [it] every sabbath."

     This is showing how the services for the LORD were divided among
the people the LORD had called to His service. The shewbread was
twelve loaves set on the table in the tabernacle. Each of the loaves
represented one of the tribes. Each sabbath, the bread was changed to
keep it fresh. These loaves of bread represent the body of Christ. The
gift of everlasting life, we have in Jesus {our Bread}, is never
stale.

     I Chronicles 9:33 "And these [are] the singers, chief of the
fathers of the Levites, [who remaining] in the chambers [were] free:
for they were employed in [that] work day and night."

     In Ezra chapter 7 verse 24, we find that singers are so much a
part of the ministering body of the church, that they are not to be
taxed. That is what is meant by the word {free}. This is showing how
important the singers are in the ministry. Singing in the church choir
should be a call of God, just like preaching.

     I Chronicles 9:34 "These chief fathers of the Levites [were]
chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem."

     The service in the LORD's work was handed down from generation to
generation. Each generation did the same service their parents before
them had done. It was necessary for them to live in Jerusalem, because
they served in Jerusalem.

     I Chronicles 9:35  "And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon,
Jehiel, whose wife's name [was] Maachah:"

     This is saying, that Gibeon was founded by Jehiel the husband of
Maachah.

     I Chronicles 9:36 "And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and
Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab," I Chronicles 9:37 "And Gedor, and
Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth." I Chronicles 9:38 "And Mikloth
begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem,
over against their brethren."

     This is just a list of the sons and one grandson of Jehiel, who
lived in Jerusalem.

     I Chronicles 9:39 "And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and
Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal."

     It appears from the verses above, that Kish and Ner were
brothers. The real thing to note here, is that Kish was the father of
Saul. This is the same Saul who was the first king of the Jews.
Jonathan, Saul's son was the friend of David. Abinadab, Malchi-shua,
and Esh-baal were brothers of Jonathan. Malchi-shua is the same as
Melchi-shua. Esh-baal is the same as Ishbosheth. He was, also, called
Ishui. He was king over 11 tribes for 2 years, and was killed by two
of his own captains.

     I Chronicles 9:40 "And the son of Jonathan [was] Merib-baal: and
Merib-baal begat Micah."

     Merib-baal was the same as the crippled son of Jonathan,
Mephibosheth. His son, Micah, was known by Michah, Mica, and Micha.
David befriended Mephibosheth, because he was the son of Jonathan.

     I Chronicles 9:41 "And the sons of Micah [were], Pithon, and
Melech, and Tahrea, [and Ahaz]." I Chronicles 9:42 "And Ahaz begat
Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri
begat Moza;" I Chronicles 9:43 "And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his
son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son." I Chronicles 9:44 "And Azel had
six sons, whose names [are] these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and
Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these [were] the sons of Azel."

     This is a list of the descendents of Saul through Jonathan. Some
of these people are mentioned just in this light, and it is difficult
to know for certain any more about them.
























                      1 Chronicles 12 Questions


1.  When were some of the records they had kept lost, or confused
    somewhat?
2.  The records are, however, remarkably _________.
3.  Why had they gone into captivity?
4.  How can we relate their record keeping to the record of the
    believers?
5.  Who were the Nethinims?
6.  What land is verse 2 speaking of?
7.  When did the temple servants begin to be called Nethinims?
8.  Who came back to their same land, after the captivity in Babylon?
9.  Why is it unusual to speak of Ephraim and Manasseh as returning?
10. What is another name for Pharez?
11. Zerah was the twin brother of _________.
12. What tribe was Saul, or Paul, a descendent of?
13. The line of the Levitical priests lead to __________ and
    ___________, the father and mother of John the Baptist.
14. The Levites were set aside for the ________ of the _______.
15. What service was Mattaniah singled out for?
16. How far apart are Jerusalem and Bethlehem?
17. The family of Korah were ___________ of the ________.
18. What did they do, besides guard the gates?
19. Why did their leaders live in Jerusalem?
20. What does "tale" mean in verse 28?
21. Who made the ointments of the spices?
22. What was the shewbread?
23. What did the shewbread symbolize?
24. Who founded Gibeon?
25. Who was the father of Saul?
26. What distinction did this Saul have?
27. Which of Saul's sons was friend to David?
28. Who is the same as Merib-baal?
29. Who was his son?
30. Who are the people mentioned in verses 41 through 44?