Returnees from Babylon

I Chronicles Chapter 9

The people of Judah had been exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the Lord. The first to return to their property in their former towns were common people. With them came some of the priest, Levites and Temple assistants. People from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh came and settled in Jerusalem.

The list of families and Levites that returned is listed in verses 4 through 21. In all there were 212 gatekeepers in those days and they were listed by genealogies in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed their ancestors because they were reliable men. The gatekeepers and their descendants, by their divisions, were responsible for guarding the entrance to the house of the Lord. They were stationed on all four sides and from time to time their relatives came to share their duties for seven day periods.

The chief gatekeepers, all Levites, were in an office of great trust, for they were responsible for the rooms and treasuries at the house of the Lord. They spent the night there and opened the gates every morning. Some of the gatekeepers were assigned to care for various utensils used in worship. They check them in and out to avoid loss.

Others were responsible for the furnishings, items in the sanctuary and supplies. Mattithiah, a Levite was entrusted to bake the bread used in offerings. Musicians, all prominent Levites, lived in the Temple. They were exempt from other responsibilities since they were on duty at all hours.

King Saul's family tree is listed in verses 35 through 44.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Chronologically, this chapter could have been placed at the end of 2 Chronicles because it records the names of the exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity.

Azariah, was a chief officer in charge of the house of God and he was singled out for special mention. In those times, worship was the primary focus of many Israelites whose vocation centered on the house of the Lord. Worship occupied the core of the people's lives, not for just a few minutes once a week.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? We too, have some gatekeepers in our churches. They must be reliable, honest and trustworthy and handle offerings and care for the materials and functions of the buildings. They should be honored for their service.
Build your life around the worship of God rather than making worship just another activity in your busy life.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.