1. Those who returned from exile (1-16)

All Israel's genealogies are rich with the stories of the ups and downs of God's people, but in conclusion they were all taken captive to Babylon because of unfaithfulness. Yet God in his faithfulness and chosen timing brought back Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants. The emphasis and majority of priests show that God and relationship to him was paramount for post-exile society. They had to be able men, responsible ministers.

2. Temple servants (17-34)

The focus for rebuilding was not craftsmen or warriors, but temple servants, starting with gatekeepers who guarded the threshold, preserving respect for God's holiness in the community. But all Levites had important tasks, from keeping the articles, to baking bread and mixing spices - preparing every Sabbath worship. Musicians worked hard to keep an environment of worship day and night. Leading the worship of God is central and of first importance.