When the people returned to the Land of Israel, the priestly families played a central role in reestablishing the community. A distinct group of prominent individuals served as the heads of the priests. The primary approach among commentators is that these specific leaders held their high-ranking positions during the era of Joshua the High Priest, operating directly under his leadership.
Alongside these prominent figures, a larger group of priests also made the journey. The historical account acknowledges this broader family of priests who traveled to the Land and served together with their leaders [מצודת דוד].