[1][2] The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE.

[5] There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE.

Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B;

[6][a] The whole chapter belongs to an arrangement comprising 1 Chronicles 2:3–8:40 with the king-producing tribes of Judah (David; 2:3–4:43) and Benjamin (Saul; 8:1–40) bracketing the series of lists as the priestly tribe of Levi (6:1–81) anchors the center, in the following order:[12] This section contains a second genealogy of Benjamin (after 1 Chronicles 7:6-12)[13] and is considered as a later addition to the Chronicles, documenting family trees of individuals in the tribe of Benjamin, with dwelling places and historical notes, in four sections that end in verses 7, 12, 28 and 32, respectively.

[14] Although the royal throne was occupied by David's line, the descendants of Saul was apparently still considered important, as the list continues to the ten generation after Saul's death (1 Chronicles 10) into the 8th century BCE.