1 Chronicles 27

King James Version

Full text for 1 Chronicles Chapter 27

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.

2Over the first course for the first month [was] Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

3Of the children of Perez [was] the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

4And 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.

5The 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.

6This [is that] Benaiah, [who was] mighty [among] the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course [was] Ammizabad his son.

7The 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.

8The fifth captain for the fifth month [was] Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

9The sixth [captain] for the sixth month [was] Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

10The seventh [captain] for the seventh month [was] Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

11The eighth [captain] for the eighth month [was] Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

12The ninth [captain] for the ninth month [was] Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

13The tenth [captain] for the tenth month [was] Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

14The eleventh [captain] for the eleventh month [was] Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

15The 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:

17Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:

18Of Judah, Elihu, [one] of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:

19Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:

20Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:

21Of the half [tribe] of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:

22Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These [were] the princes of the tribes of Israel.

23But 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.

24Joab 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.

25And 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:

26And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground [was] Ezri the son of Chelub:

27And over the vineyards [was] Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars [was] Zabdi the Shiphmite:

28And 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:

29And 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:

30Over the camels also [was] Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses [was] Jehdeiah the Meronothite:

31And over the flocks [was] Jaziz the Hagerite. All these [were] the rulers of the substance which [was] king David's.

32Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni [was] with the king's sons:

33And Ahithophel [was] the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's companion:

34And after Ahithophel [was] Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army [was] Joab.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

1 Chronicles 27 outlines King David's comprehensive administrative and military organization. It details the twelve monthly military divisions, each comprising twenty-four thousand men under a specific captain. The chapter also enumerates the princes appointed over each of the tribes of Israel, highlighting the kingdom's tribal leadership. Finally, it lists various officials responsible for the king's vast material possessions and his key advisors, including counsellors and the army general.

Medium Summary

King David's elaborate administrative structure is detailed in 1 Chronicles 27, beginning with the organization of his military forces. The chapter describes twelve monthly courses, each commanded by a specific captain and consisting of twenty-four thousand men, ensuring a rotating, standing army. Following this, the text identifies the appointed princes or rulers for each of the tribes of Israel, illustrating the tribal leadership structure. A brief interjection explains that David did not number those under twenty years old, and Joab's incomplete census was halted due to divine wrath. The chapter then shifts to the management of the king's extensive wealth, listing officials responsible for treasures, agricultural produce, vineyards, livestock, and other royal assets. The chapter concludes by naming David's trusted counsellors, such as Jonathan and Ahithophel, and his chief military commander, Joab, illustrating the comprehensive nature of his kingdom's governance.

Long Summary

1 Chronicles 27 provides a comprehensive overview of King David's highly organized administration, encompassing both military and civil structures. The chapter commences by detailing the twelve monthly military courses, each composed of twenty-four thousand men, led by a designated captain, ensuring a continuous and well-regulated defense force for the kingdom. Prominent figures like Jashobeam, Benaiah, and Asahel's successor, Zebadiah, are named as leaders of these monthly divisions. Following the military roster, the text enumerates the princes or chief rulers appointed over each of the twelve tribes of Israel, including figures such as Eliezer for Reuben and Zadok for the Aaronites, demonstrating a clear chain of command within the tribal system. An important digression clarifies that David refrained from numbering those under twenty years old, aligning with a divine promise of Israel's vast increase, and notes that Joab's census was incomplete due to a divine judgment. The chapter then meticulously lists the various officials responsible for managing King David's extensive royal substance and resources. These include superintendents over the king's treasures, storehouses in various locations, agricultural lands, vineyards, olive and sycomore groves, and their respective products like wine and oil. Furthermore, officials overseeing different types of livestock, such as herds in Sharon and the valleys, camels, asses, and flocks, are identified. The chapter concludes by naming key members of David's inner circle and government, including Jonathan, his uncle, who served as a wise counsellor and scribe, and Ahithophel, another significant advisor. Hushai is mentioned as the king's companion, and the chapter reaffirms Joab's position as the general of the king's army, collectively illustrating the depth and breadth of David's administrative oversight.

Core Concepts

  • Military OrganizationDavid's kingdom was structured with twelve monthly military courses, each comprising 24,000 men, ensuring a rotating and ready defense force under specific captains. This system provided continuous military readiness and distributed the burden of service.
  • Tribal LeadershipThe chapter lists the appointed princes or rulers over each of the tribes of Israel, indicating a clear administrative structure for tribal governance under the king's authority. These leaders were responsible for their respective tribal affairs.
  • Royal Administration of ResourcesA significant portion of the chapter details the numerous officials responsible for managing King David's vast material wealth, including treasures, agricultural produce, vineyards, olive groves, and various types of livestock. This highlights the sophisticated economic management of the kingdom.
  • Census and Divine WillThe text mentions Joab's incomplete census and David's decision not to number those under twenty years old, explicitly linking this to the Lord's promise to multiply Israel. This serves as a theological reminder of God's sovereignty over the nation's growth.
  • King's Counsellors and OfficersDavid maintained a diverse group of key advisors and high-ranking officials, including counsellors like Jonathan and Ahithophel, and the general of the army, Joab. These individuals formed the core of his executive and strategic leadership.
  • Comprehensive GovernanceThe chapter demonstrates the extensive and detailed nature of King David's governance, covering military, tribal, economic, and advisory aspects. It showcases a highly organized kingdom with specific roles and responsibilities assigned to numerous individuals.