23. The singers received their orders from the Persian king. He told them what they should do every day.
24. Pethahiah worked for the king in all matters that were connected with the people. He was the son of Meshezabel. Meshezabel belonged to the family line of Zerah. Zerah was the son of Judah.
25. Many of the people of Judah lived in villages that had fields around them. Some of them lived in Kiriath Arba and the settlements that were around it. Others lived in Dibon and its settlements. Others lived in Jekabzeel and its villages.
26. Others lived in Jeshua, Moladah and Beth Pelet.
27. Others lived in Hazar Shual and in Beersheba and its settlements.
28. Others lived in Ziklag and in Meconah and its settlements.