They gathered their brethren. — As chiefs, or heads of houses, they had the requisite authority. The families mostly concerned would naturally be those residing in Jerusalem.
According to the commandment of the king, by the words of the Lord — i.e., through the words of Jehovah; a mandate based on the words of Jehovah, as recorded in the written Law. Comp. 1 Chronicles 25:5, and 2 Chronicles 30:12. Also 2 Chronicles 29:25, below: “For by the hand of Jehovah was the commandment” (Note).