1 Chronicles 9:30

9:1-44 Genealogies. - This chapter expresses that one end of recording all these genealogies was, to direct the Jews, when they returned out of captivity, with whom to unite, and where to reside. Here is an account of the good state into which the affairs of religion were put, on the return from Babylon. Every one knew his charge. Work is likely to be done well when every one knows the duty of his place, and makes a business of it. God is the God of order. Thus was the temple a figure of the heavenly one, where they rest not day nor night from praising God, Re 4:8. Blessed be His name, believers there shall, not in turn, but all together, without interruption, praise him night and day: may the Lord make each of us fit for the inheritance of the saints in light.

1 Chronicles 9:30-31 . The sons of the priests made the ointment — This is added to show, that though the Levites were intrusted with the keeping of this ointment, yet none but the priests could make it. Over the things made in the pans — Was to take care that fine flour might be provided, that when occasion required they might make cakes in pans.

30. A Priestly Duty 30 . the sons of the priests ] This phrase means merely “members of the priesthood, priests.” Cp. 2 Chronicles 25:13 , “the soldiers of the army” (lit. “the sons of the troop”) and the common expression “the sons of the prophets.” the ointment ] R.V. the confection . See Exodus 30:23-25 . This “ointment” was peculiarly holy. The Levites might have charge of the oil and spices ( 1 Chronicles 9:29 ), but only the priests might make the confection. With the word “confection” cp. “confectionaries” ( 1 Samuel 8:13 , A.V. and R.V.), “perfumers” R.V. mg. 1 Chronicles 9:30

18. the king's gate—The king had a gate from his palace into the temple (2Ki 16:18), which doubtless was kept constantly closed except for the monarch's use; and although there was no king in Israel on the return from the captivity, yet the old ceremonial was kept up, probably in the hope that the scepter would, ere long, be restored to the house of David. It is an honor by which Eastern kings are distinguished, to have a gate exclusively devoted to their own special use, and which is kept constantly closed, except when he goes out or returns (Eze 44:2). There being no king then in Israel, this gate would be always shut.

In 1 Chronicles 8:32 we have that of the youngest Mikloth, who begat Shimeah, called in 1 Chronicles 9:38 Shimeam. These also (viz., Shimeah and his family) dwelt in Jerusalem אחיהם נגד, "before their brethren," i.e., over against them, and אחיהם עם, "with their brethren." The brethren are the other Benjamites in the first clause, those dwelling outside of Jerusalem and inhabiting the neighbouring country as far as Gibeon (1 Chronicles 8:30); in the second, those dwelling in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:28). From this it is clear that of the descendants of Abi-Gibeon only that branch which was descended from Mikloth went to Jerusalem.