The ruler of the house of God— Rather a ruler; for he was not the high-priest. See Ezra 3:2 and Haggai 1:1.
REFLECTIONS.—Israel never more returned from Assyria; there all their genealogies perished; so that the writer could carry them no farther: but Judah (as it should be rendered) being returned again, their families were preserved, and the places where their ancestors resided, particularly those who were fixed at Jerusalem. It is remarked, that they were carried away for their transgression, a warning to those who were returned, to beware of their fathers' sins. Many of Ephraim and Manasseh, either at the captivity of Israel, or when Judah was in Babylon, joined them, and returned with them to Jerusalem. It is a mercy if affliction drive us together, and, forgetting former variance, we unite in the work and service of God, Ephraim no more vexing Judah, nor Judah Ephraim. The priests appear to have the greatest zeal for returning to Jerusalem: more of them came, than of Judah and Benjamin put together; and their peculiar commendation was, that they were as able as willing for the service of God. It is an unspeakable mercy, when abilities and zeal unite in a minister of the sanctuary: under such rulers in the house of God, the cause may be expected to prosper.