1 Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.
2 Over the first course for the first month [was] Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
3 Of the children of Perez [was] the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.
4 And over the course of the second month [was] Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course [was] Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise [were] twenty and four thousand.
5 The third captain of the host for the third month [was] Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
6 This [is that] Benaiah, [who was] mighty [among] the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course [was] Ammizabad his son.
7 The fourth [captain] for the fourth month [was] Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
8 The fifth captain for the fifth month [was] Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
9 The sixth [captain] for the sixth month [was] Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
10 The seventh [captain] for the seventh month [was] Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
11 The eighth [captain] for the eighth month [was] Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
12 The ninth [captain] for the ninth month [was] Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
13 The tenth [captain] for the tenth month [was] Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
14 The eleventh [captain] for the eleventh month [was] Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
15 The twelfth [captain] for the twelfth month [was] Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.
16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites [was] Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:
17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:
18 Of Judah, Elihu, [one] of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:
19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:
20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:
21 Of the half [tribe] of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:
22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These [were] the princes of the tribes of Israel.
23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.
24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.
25 And over the king’s treasures [was] Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, [was] Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:
26 And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground [was] Ezri the son of Chelub:
27 And over the vineyards [was] Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars [was] Zabdi the Shiphmite:
28 And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that [were] in the low plains [was] Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil [was] Joash:
29 And over the herds that fed in Sharon [was] Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds [that were] in the valleys [was] Shaphat the son of Adlai:
30 Over the camels also [was] Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses [was] Jehdeiah the Meronothite:
31 And over the flocks [was] Jaziz the Hagerite. All these [were] the rulers of the substance which [was] king David’s.
32 Also Jonathan David’s uncle was a counseller, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni [was] with the king’s sons:
33 And Ahithophel [was] the king’s counseller: and Hushai the Archite [was] the king’s companion:
34 And after Ahithophel [was] Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king’s army [was] Joab.
Overview of 1 Chronicles Chapter 27
1 Chronicles Chapter 27 provides a detailed account of the organization of King David’s military and administrative officials. This chapter highlights the structure of leadership and the responsibilities assigned to various leaders in David’s kingdom, reflecting the importance of order and governance in ancient Israel.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections that outline different aspects of David’s administration:
- Military Leaders
- Tribal Leaders
- Administrative Officials
- Resources and Supplies
Military Leaders
David organized his military into divisions, each responsible for a month of service. This system ensured a steady rotation of troops and maintained readiness for defense and warfare.
- Chief Officers: The chapter lists the chief officers over the divisions of the army, with each officer’s name and the month they served.
- Number of Divisions: There were twelve divisions, each led by a different captain.
- Notable Leaders: The chapter mentions notable military leaders such as Joab, who was the commander of the army.
Tribal Leaders
In addition to military leaders, the chapter details the leaders of the tribes of Israel. Each tribe had a representative responsible for overseeing its affairs.
- Tribal Representation: Each tribe was represented by a leader, ensuring that all tribes had a voice in the governance of the kingdom.
- Responsibilities: The tribal leaders were responsible for collecting taxes, managing resources, and ensuring the welfare of their respective tribes.
Administrative Officials
The chapter also outlines various administrative roles within David’s kingdom, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured government.
- Secretaries and Scribes: Officials were appointed to maintain records and manage correspondence.
- Financial Officers: Individuals were designated to oversee the treasury and manage the kingdom’s finances.
Resources and Supplies
David’s administration included the management of resources and supplies necessary for the kingdom’s sustenance and military readiness.
- Food Supplies: The chapter mentions the overseers responsible for providing food for the king’s household and the army.
- Farms and Livestock: There were officials in charge of managing agricultural resources and livestock.
Conclusion
1 Chronicles Chapter 27 serves as a testament to the organized and systematic approach of King David’s reign. The detailed listing of military and administrative leaders reflects a well-structured government that aimed to ensure stability, security, and prosperity for the nation of Israel. This chapter underscores the importance of leadership roles and the effective management of resources in the ancient context.
