Bible Notes Online - 1-Chronicles 9 - ESV
Commentary

v1-2: Taking us through to the end of 2 Chronicles; the fact that many in Israel and Judah could demonstrate their ancestry did not, of itself, ensure their faithfulness to God. All Israel was recorded by genealogy, providing proof that they belonged to the people.

v3-9: Children of Ephraim and Manasseh had come to live in Jerusalem; this was possibly at the time of Hezekiah; 2 Chr 30.11,18, consistent with 2 Chr 34.9.

v10-13: The priests; this list matches that in 6.11-13, corresponding to a date around the time of Josiah.

v14-16: The Levites.

v17-21: The gatekeepers. This was a responsible position, “guarding the entrance to the dwelling place of the Lord.” Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, is named as earlier being in charge of the gatekeepers.

The sequence of inhabitants follows that used elsewhere; see Ezra 2; Judaites, Bethlehemites (Benjamites), priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, etc.; and Neh 11; Judaites, Benjamites, priests, Levites, gatekeepers, etc.

v22-27: The gatekeepers were given their positions of trust by Samuel and David, both of whom were concerned for the proper worship of God. These men were also responsible for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God.

v28-34: There were other duties and responsibilities, including the preparation of implements and foodstuffs used in worship. Some things were of such importance that they were exempted from other duties; compare Acts 6.2-4. We note too that there were daily evening sacrifices as well as morning sacrifices; see 23.30 and Psalm 134.1.

v35-44: The family of Saul, and the line of Benjamin down to the captivity; see 8.29-38.