The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,
The opening nine chapters of Chronicles consist almost wholly of genealogical records, and this verse stands within that extended genealogical section. It preserves one link in the genealogy of the Levites, identifying Ethan as the son of Zimmah and Zimmah as the son of Shimei. Such genealogical records served as legal proof of hereditary descent after the exile. That proof was needed for assigning land and for maintaining hereditary temple service.
The opening nine chapters of Chronicles consist almost wholly of genealogical records, and this verse stands within that extended genealogical section. It preserves one link in the genealogy of the Levites, identifying Ethan as the son of Zimmah and Zimmah as the son of Shimei. Such genealogical records served as legal proof of hereditary descent after the exile. That proof was needed for assigning land and for maintaining hereditary temple service.