Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:3 (Summary)

This verse introduces the section that describes the lay Israelites who lived in Jerusalem. They are defined as people from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh (though the names Ephraim and Manasseh are absent from the parallel text in Nehemiah 11:4).¹ Though their names appear at the head of the lists, no names follow, as is the case with Judah (1 Chronicles 9:4–6) and Benjamin (1 Chronicles 9:7–9). Besides, Ephraim and Manasseh formed the core of the former coalition of the northern tribes, and so Joseph is singled out as the inheritor of the double portion of the firstborn from Jacob. Judah, on the other hand, is singled out as the leader of the family (1 Chronicles 5:1–2). Together with Benjamin, Judah forms the core of the exiles restored from the captivity in Babylon. Such a remnant of both northern and southern elements shows potential for the restoration of all Israel² and the mention of Ephraim and Manasseh living in Jerusalem with those from Judah and Benjamin would show that the postexilic community was representative of all Israel, not simply of Judah and Benjamin.

This special attention to Judah and Benjamin, however, parallels the Chronicler’s earlier concentrations on these tribes in 1 Chronicles 2:1–9:1. He gives a special place to these two tribes because they had been relatively loyal to the throne and temple in Jerusalem. Accordingly, in his list of lay returnees the Chronicler only listed specific names and numbers for Judah and Benjamin to highlight their prominence in the post-exilic community. These tribes rightly held roles of leadership in the Chronicler’s day.³