1 Chronicles 27

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Read 1 Chronicles 27

Army Divisions

27 This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men.

In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jashobeam son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men in his division. He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army officers for the first month.

In charge of the division for the second month was Dodai the Ahohite; Mikloth was the leader of his division. There were 24,000 men in his division.

The third army commander, for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. He was chief and there were 24,000 men in his division. This was the Benaiah who was a mighty warrior among the Thirty and was over the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.

The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the brother of Joab; his son Zebadiah was his successor. There were 24,000 men in his division.

The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth the Izrahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

10 The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

11 The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbekai the Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

12 The ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer the Anathothite, a Benjamite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

13 The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai the Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

14 The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

15 The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There were 24,000 men in his division.

Leaders of the Tribes

16 The leaders of the tribes of Israel:

over the Reubenites: Eliezer son of Zikri;

over the Simeonites: Shephatiah son of Maakah;

17 over Levi: Hashabiah son of Kemuel;

over Aaron: Zadok;

18 over Judah: Elihu, a brother of David;

over Issachar: Omri son of Michael;

19 over Zebulun: Ishmaiah son of Obadiah;

over Naphtali: Jerimoth son of Azriel;

20 over the Ephraimites: Hoshea son of Azaziah;

over half the tribe of Manasseh: Joel son of Pedaiah;

21 over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead: Iddo son of Zechariah;

over Benjamin: Jaasiel son of Abner;

22 over Dan: Azarel son of Jeroham.

These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

23 David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less,because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. 24 Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. God’s wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering, and the number was not entered in the book of the annals of King David.

The King’s Overseers

25 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses.

Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the outlying districts, in the towns, the villages and the watchtowers.

26 Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the workers who farmed the land.

27 Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards.

Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine vats.

28 Baal-Hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore-figtrees in the western foothills.

Joash was in charge of the supplies of olive oil.

29 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon.

Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.

30 Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels.

Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.

31 Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks.

All these were the officials in charge of King David’s property.

32 Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hakmoni took care of the king’s sons.

33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor.

Hushai the Arkite was the king’s confidant. 34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar.

Joab was the commander of the royal army.

Go Deeper

In Genesis 22:17, God spoke His promise to Abraham saying, “I will greatly bless you and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sands of the seashore…” In today’s reading, David is organizing the armies of the united kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The promise of God is evident as approximately 1.5 million people were living in the kingdom during his reign in 880 BC. 

David’s armies were approximately 300,000 strong with 12 divisions of 24,000 men each which served for one month out of the year. As the third king, Israel and Judah are now united and he organized and commanded these armies with 12,000 officers. His 12 divisions had 12 generals with eight of the twelve from the lineage of Judah. This lineage was known for strength in battle as well as the prophetic promise of the Messiah, our ultimate victor, Jesus Christ.

The civil organization is fascinating as we consider the growing populations required leadership and organized economic plans. David appointed heads of the Kings storehouses as well as those of the cities and countryside, important agricultural products including trees, oils, vineyards, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, etc. Perhaps the most important offices were those of the King’s counselors. Verse 23 is a key point in the chapter as David remembered God’s promise to Abraham. David’s focus and desire to honor God in all facets of his life is evident. Protection and provision for God’s people were his priorities. 

These are the same priorities and thoughts God has over us. As David did, we can honor God first in surrendering our lives and agendas to God’s desire, purpose, protection, and provision. This does not mean that everything in our lives will be perfect. It does mean that we can trust God to provide, strengthen, and protect us in and through all things. To trust in ourselves leaves us vulnerable, weak, and misled. David experienced many trials through his life and ascension to the throne including death threats and treasonous generals. His own son Absalom betrayed him. Leading is filled with tremendous pressure and peril, but God will lead us into His thoughts, His ways, and His victories. 

Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good for in due time, we shall reap a harvest if we do not grow weary.” Let’s allow God to be our place of trust, strength, and guidance for our families, communities, and churches. It is not just the only way, but the best way. 

Questions

  1. David’s responsibilities were many and varied. How important was God to David in handling his role as king?
  2. What challenges do you face now and how can you let God help you in them?
  3. If you feel weary, what can you do to tap into God’s strength?

Keep Digging

Joab, the leader of David’s army, is referenced at the very end of this chapter. Pastor and commentator David Guzik describes Joab this way:

“Joab is one of the more complex characters of the Old Testament. He was fiercely loyal to David, yet not strongly obedient. He disobeyed David when he thought it was in David’s best interest, and he was cunning and ruthless in furthering his own position.”

To learn more about Joab and his complicated legacy, read this article from GotQuestions.org.

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4 responses to “1 Chronicles 27”

  1. David had a lot of things to take care of and he and God found the men to help him with all. There are so many details even in this chapter about who, what and how they were to do things. God is always in the details. Our lives are truly in the details as well. We are to learn more about Him, walk with Him in the minutes of the day, listen to what and where He is leading. In all our ways, ALL our ways, we are to acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths.(Prov 3:5-6) The older I get the more I can see how this would have been beneficial and am thankful that I am more and more on that journey. As I get to know some of my younger friends and I see that they love the Lord and how they do yearn and endeavor to lean in on Him, I am thankful and so proud of them.
    My biggest take away is that we need to be ready in all seasons of life=spirtitual defense. The enemy is seeking whom he may devour(1 Peter 5:8) and as you and I learn more about God and what He has in store for us we can see the enemy also attacking. Our first defense is the Word of God. Study to show yourself approved of God. (2 Tim 2:15)

    God thank You for Your Word that is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.(Heb 4:12 Amp). God thank You that You make me aware, hypervigilant to what I am doing in my life that needs to be changed for Your honor. God thank You for this day and all the minutes that I am glorifying what is honorable to You. God help me in my workplace to be better at not conforming to this world but transforming my mind back to You to honor You in all I say and do in Jesus name amen.
    WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. 32 “Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”

    This small call out is interesting! So many people listed in these chapters, but only Hushai is mentioned as a “friend”. The old adage that “it is lonely at the top” is so true!

  3. “Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. God’s wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering, and the number was not entered in the book of the annals of King David” (v24).
    When a narrative is repeated in scripture, we should pay close attention to it. We see the humanity of David as he shifts attention away from God’s sovereign plan to the size of “his” army. It wasn’t David but God who was ultimately in charge. If the battle belonged to the Lord, he surely was capable of raising up and equipping warriors.

  4. Rely on God’s faithfulness as you pursue His purpose for your life.

    “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Rely on God’s faithfulness as you pursue His purpose for your life.

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