Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem, along with many others who had volunteered to settle there. The rest of the population cast lots to determine which one out of every ten would live in Jerusalem, while the remaining nine would settle in other cities throughout Judah.

The people of Jerusalem celebrated the men who willingly offered themselves to live among them, and they praised God for these volunteers. Among those living in Jerusalem were leaders from various provinces, including Israelites, priests, Levites, Nethinims, and descendants of Solomon's servants, each dwelling in their own cities throughout Judah.

Men from the families of Judah and Benjamin resided in Jerusalem, including Athaiah son of Uzziah, a descendant of Perez. Maaseiah, son of Baruch, was another notable resident, as were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men who were all descendants of Perez. Sallu, son of Meshullam, led the sons of Benjamin, along with Gabbai and Sallai, totaling 928.

The priests serving in God's house included Jedaiah, son of Joiarib, and Jachin, while Seraiah, son of Hilkiah, served as the ruler. Eight hundred twenty-two brethren worked alongside them, including Adaiah, son of Jeroham, who was a descendant of Amzi.

Other priests were chief fathers, with two hundred forty-two men leading their families. Among these leaders was Amashai, son of Azareel, and their overseer was Zabdiel. The Levites serving in Jerusalem included Shemaiah, son of Hashub, along with Shabbethai and Jozabad, who managed God's house.

Mattaniah led the prayer of thanksgiving, assisted by Bakbukiah and Abda, while all two hundred eighty-four Levites lived within the holy city. The porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren, totaled 172 men responsible for guarding the gates. Many priests and Levites settled in other cities throughout Judah.

The Nethinims dwelled in Ophel, led by Ziha and Gispa, while Uzzi oversaw the Levites in Jerusalem. The singers from Asaph's family managed God's house according to the king's command, which provided daily resources for their support.

Pethahiah served at the king's side on matters concerning the people. Some of Judah's descendants settled in various villages and fields throughout Judah, including Kirjatharba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and others like Hazarshual, Beersheba, Ziklag, and Mekonah.

They also resided at Enrimmon, Zareah, Jarmuth, Zanoah, Adullam, Lachish with its fields, Azekah with its villages, from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom. The descendants of Benjamin settled in other areas, such as Geba's cities Michmash, Aija, Bethel, and Anathoth.

Hazor, Ramah, and Gittaim were part of their settlements, as well as Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, Lod, Ono with its valley of skilled craftsmen. In all, the people of Judah had settled in various locations throughout their inheritance, each family in its designated land.

The Levites too divided into different groups within Judah and Benjamin, demonstrating God's care for His people as they established their homes and communities across the land.