(28) These were . . . chief men.--These were: chiefs of clans; according to their birth-rolls, chiefs. All the names from 1Chronicles 8:14 to 1Chronicles 8:27 are included in this summation. The repetition of the word "chiefs" (Heb., heads) is peculiar. The writer can hardly have meant other than to warn his readers against the idea that the preceding names represent individual members of single families, whereas, in truth, they are "heads of clans." ("Heads" in Hebrew may denote "companies," or "divisions," as at Judges 7:16, "And he divided the three hundred men into three heads.")

These dwelt in Jerusalem.--This statement contrasts the five branches of Benjamin, whose sub-divisions have just been enumerated, with the clans that dwelt in Geba and Manahath (1Chronicles 8:6), in Moab (1Chronicles 8:9-10), in Lod and Ono (1Chronicles 8:12), and in Ajalon (1Chronicles 8:13), as well as with those who dwelt in Gibeou. (1Chronicles 8:29).

Verse 28. - These dwelt in Jerusalem (Joshua 18:28; 1 Chronicles 9:2-9; Nehemiah 11:1-4).

8:1-40 Genealogies. - Here is a larger list of Benjamin's tribe. We may suppose that many things in these genealogies, which to us seem difficult, abrupt, and perplexed, were plain and easy at that time, and fully answered the intention for which they were published. Many great and mighty nations then were in being upon earth, and many illustrious men, whose names are now wholly forgotten; while the names of multitudes of the Israel of God are here kept in everlasting remembrance. The memory of the just is blessed.These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men,.... All from 1 Chronicles 8:14, the sons of Elpaal and their sons:

these dwelt in Jerusalem; part of which always belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, see Joshua 15:63.