1 Chronicles - Chapter 27

1 Chronicles 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. 1 Chronicles 27.2 Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27.3 Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month. 1 Chronicles 27.4 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. 1 Chronicles 27.5 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. 1 Chronicles 27.6 This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son. 1 Chronicles 27.7 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. 1 Chronicles 27.8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27.9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27.10 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. 1 Chronicles 27.11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27.12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27.13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27.14 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. 1 Chronicles 27.15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27.16 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: 1 Chronicles 27.17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok: 1 Chronicles 27.18 Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael: 1 Chronicles 27.19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel: 1 Chronicles 27.20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah: 1 Chronicles 27.21 Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner: 1 Chronicles 27.22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel. 1 Chronicles 27.23 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. 1 Chronicles 27.24 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. 1 Chronicles 27.25 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: 1 Chronicles 27.26 And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub: 1 Chronicles 27.27 And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite: 1 Chronicles 27.28 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: 1 Chronicles 27.29 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: 1 Chronicles 27.30 Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: 1 Chronicles 27.31 And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s. 1 Chronicles 27.32 Also 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: 1 Chronicles 27.33 And Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion: 1 Chronicles 27.34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king’s army was Joab.

1 Chronicles : Chapter 27

Reflection on 1 Chronicles 27 and the Administration of David's Kingdom Chapter 27 of the book of Chronicles sheds light on the administration of David's kingdom, revealing the structure of Israel's government. This precious text lists the military, tribal, and administrative leaders who contributed to the nation's prosperity. By exploring themes such as leadership, organization, and the management of national resources, we discover the wisdom and foresight that characterized David's reign. The monthly rotation of military officers and the assignment of supervisors to various areas illustrate the complexity and efficiency of Israelite government. Through these arrangements, David established a model of administration that continues to inspire. Let us reflect together on five biblical passages that illuminate the enduring principles of this pivotal chapter. 1. Romans 12:4-5

"Just as each of us has a body with many members, and these members do not all fulfill the same function, so in Christ we, who are many, are one body, and each member is related to all the others."

This analogy from Paul reflects the diversity of functions in the organization of Israel as described in 1 Chronicles 27. Each leader and member of the government had a unique and indispensable role.

2. Proverbs 11:14

"Where there is no guidance, a nation falls; but where there are many counselors, there is safety."

This proverb echoes the administrative structure established in 1 Chronicles 27, which brings together several leaders and counselors, thus ensuring balanced and secure governance.

3. Exodus 18:21

"But choose from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and haters of dishonest gain. Make them rulers over thousands, over hundreds, over fifties, and over tens."

This advice from Jethro to Moses is echoed in the military and administrative organization described in 1 Chronicles 27, emphasizing the importance of competence and integrity in leadership.

4. 1 Peter 5:2-3

"Shepherd the flock of God under your care. Care for it, not out of obligation, but willingly, as God wills. Do not do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve. Do not lord it over those entrusted to your care, but as examples to the flock."

This exhortation from Peter to the Church leaders reflects the principles of leadership implicit in the organization described in 1 Chronicles 27, calling for inspired and selfless governance.

5. Deuteronomy 17:15

"Make king the man whom the Lord your God chooses, one of his fellow Israelites. Do not make a foreigner or a non-Israelite king."

This commandment concerns David's leadership and Solomon's succession, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27, emphasizing the importance of legitimacy and spiritual proximity in the governance of Israel.

Meditating on these passages, we understand that the principles of David's kingdom administration remain eternally relevant, calling us to enlightened leadership and a united community of faith.