the chief of the fathers: i.e. those named in the next chapter.
chief = heads.
judah and Benjamin. But the other tribes found representatives. Compare Ezr_2:59, Ezr_2:70, where the terms "of Israel" and "all Israel" are used. In 1Ch_9:3, Ephrairn and Manasseh are mentioned by name. See note on 1Ki_12:17.