1. All the people of Israel were listed according to their families, and this information was recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel.The people of Judah had been deported to Babylon as punishment for their sins.
2. The first to return to their property in the cities included Israelite citizens, priests, Levites, and temple workers.
10-12. The following priests lived in Jerusalem:Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and JachinAzariah son of Hilkiah (the chief official in the Temple), whose ancestors included Meshullam, Zadok, Meraioth, and AhitubAdaiah son of Jeroham, whose ancestors included Pashhur and MalchijahMaasai son of Adiel, whose ancestors included Jahzerah, Meshullam, Meshillemith, and Immer
14-16. The following Levites lived in Jerusalem:Shemaiah son of Hasshub, whose ancestors included Azrikam and Hashabiah, of the clan of MerariBakbakkar, Heresh, and GalalMattaniah son of Mica, whose ancestors included Zichri and AsaphObadiah son of Shemaiah, whose ancestors included Galal and JeduthunBerechiah, the son of Asa and grandson of Elkanah, who lived in the territory that belonged to the town of Netophah.