1 Chronicles 27:1–34
27 This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:
2 27:2Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division in the first month; in his division were 24,000. 3 27:3He was a descendant of Perez and was chief of all the commanders. He served for the first month. 4 27:4Dodai the Ahohite 1 was in charge of the division of the second month; in his division were 24,000. 5 27:5The third commander, for the third month, was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; in his division were 24,000. 6 27:6This is the Benaiah who was a mighty man of the thirty and in command of the thirty; Ammizabad his son was in charge of his division. 2 7 27:7Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth, for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him; in his division were 24,000. 8 27:8The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were 24,000. 9 27:9Sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were 24,000. 10 27:10Seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. 11 27:11Eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. 12 27:12Ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite; in his division were 24,000. 13 27:13Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. 14 27:14Eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah of Pirathon, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. 15 27:15Twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were 24,000.
16 27:16Over the tribes of Israel, for the Reubenites, Eliezer the son of Zichri was chief officer; for the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah; 17 27:17for Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; for Aaron, Zadok; 18 27:18for Judah, Elihu, one of David’s brothers; for Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; 19 27:19for Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; for Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel; 20 27:20for the Ephraimites, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; for the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; 21 27:21for the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; for Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; 22 27:22for Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel. 23 27:23David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the Lord had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. 24 27:24Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.
25 27:25Over the king’s treasuries was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah; 26 27:26and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub; 27 27:27and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. 28 27:28Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash. 29 27:29Over the herds that pastured in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai. 30 27:30Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. 31 27:31All these were stewards of King David’s property.
32 27:32Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king’s sons. 33 27:33Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. 34 27:34Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.
Section Overview
One further block completes the listing of personnel: heads of the military divisions (1 Chron. 27:1–15), leaders of the tribes (vv. 16–24), stewards of royal property throughout the land (vv. 25–31), and royal counselors (vv. 32–34). They represent the “leaders of Israel” David called together along with the “priests and the Levites” (23:2). These personnel are then represented in the large assembly David calls in 28:1.1
While it may appear that the roles are “secular,” as opposed to the temple personnel, they too facilitate the building of the temple, as is evident by their being assembled in 28:1 and being charged to support Solomon, particularly in the building of the temple. Stable, efficient administration enhances the provision of workers and of resources needed to support the workers. A comparison with Kings further demonstrates the Chronicler’s perspective, centering attention on the temple. In the Kings account of Solomon’s reign, much space is given to his wisdom and his administrative organization throughout the land (e.g., 1 Kings 4). The Chronicler’s portrayal is of David making these arrangements and having wise counselors, so setting the scene to enable Solomon to focus his energies on temple building in accord with David’s provision and instructions (e.g., 1 Chron. 28:10–21; 2 Chron. 1:4; 2:7, 14; 3:1; 5:1; 7:6; 8:14).
Section Outline
Response
The Chronicler shows the holistic character of David’s arrangements that centered in the temple but embraced the total life of the nation. Structures for peace and prosperity supported and enhanced the life and worship of the temple. In considering how this chapter relates to Christian experience, we are immediately confronted by the vastly different political contexts of the Christian church in the early centuries AD, and of churches today throughout the world. (It is beyond the scope of this commentary to explore the history of the period from the time of Constantine [4th century AD] into the early modern period in which church and state became intertwined in varying ways, vestiges of which remain today in some nations.)
While the early church rightly affirmed Christ as King, the Son of David, it neither enjoyed nor sought political power and, as today in many countries, often faced persecution. The relationship between Roman rule and the life of the church was complex, with expansion both facilitated by the enforced pax Romana, with its roads and justice system, and made difficult by the varied pressures of emperor worship. Hearers may well similarly recognize in their own national situations some aspects that facilitate, and others that hinder, Christian life and witness. As early as AD 196 Tertullian could affirm, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” (Apologeticus 50.13; an oft-mentioned late twentieth-century example is the church in China), yet it is essential to note the absence of any scriptural warrant for seeking opposition (Rom. 12:18).
Paul urges “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” The reason is that “this is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” Further, just as the Chronicler linked national security and prosperity to the temple, so here the reason for prayer is that “God . . . desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:1–4). Good national administration is pleasing to God, and David provides an example of wise administration that brings benefit to all. Some hearers may be in a position to influence such administration; all are able to pray.
1 “Leaders” in 23:2 translates sar, used for a variety of major positions. In chapter 27 it is variously translated “commander(s)” (vv. 1, 3, 5, 8, 34), “leaders” (v. 22) and “stewards” (v. 31), while in 28:1 it occurs six times: “officials” (2x), “officers,” “commanders” (2x), and “stewards” (“palace officials” is a different word).
2 Japhet, I & II Chronicles, 469.