1 Chronicles 27:1–34 (June 27, 2025)

Military Divisions

27:1 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 Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division in the first month; in his division were 24,000. 3 He was a descendant of Perez and was chief of all the commanders. He served for the first month. 4 Dodai the Ahohite[a] was in charge of the division of the second month; in his division were 24,000. 5 The third commander, for the third month, was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; in his division were 24,000. 6 This 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.[b] 7 Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth, for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him; in his division were 24,000. 8 The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were 24,000. 9 Sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were 24,000. 10 Seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. 11 Eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. 12 Ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite; in his division were 24,000. 13 Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. 14 Eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah of Pirathon, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. 15 Twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were 24,000.

Leaders of Tribes

16 Over the tribes of Israel, for the Reubenites, Eliezer the son of Zichri was chief officer; for the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah; 17 for Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; for Aaron, Zadok; 18 for Judah, Elihu, one of David's brothers; for Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; 19 for Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; for Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel; 20 for the Ephraimites, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; for the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; 21 for the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; for Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; 22 for Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel. 23 David 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 Joab 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 Over 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 and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub; 27 and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. 28 Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash. 29 Over the herds that pastured in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai. 30 Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. 31 All these were stewards of King David's property.

32 Jonathan, 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 Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend. 34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king's army.

Footnotes

1 Chronicles 27:4 Septuagint; Hebrew Ahohite and his division and Mikloth the chief officer

1 Chronicles 27:6 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew was his division

Summary

1 Chronicles 27 provides a detailed record of David’s organizational structure for the kingdom’s military, tribal leadership, agricultural management, and royal advisory board. The chapter begins with a description of the military divisions—twelve units of 24,000 men each who served on a rotating monthly basis throughout the year (vv. 1–15). This ensured constant national defense without exhausting the entire army.

Verses 16–24 list the tribal leaders of Israel, reaffirming the cohesion of all twelve tribes under David’s kingship. This also reinforces the covenantal unity of the nation under God. In verses 25–31, we see the administrators responsible for David’s wealth and agricultural holdings. These positions were crucial for the kingdom's economic and logistical functioning.

Finally, verses 32–34 name David’s counselors, including Jonathan (his uncle and a wise man), Jehiel (an educator to the king’s sons), Ahithophel (the chief counselor), and Hushai (the king’s companion). These names remind us that leadership was not a solo act; David surrounded himself with men of insight, administration, and loyalty. Notably, Joab is mentioned last as the commander of the army—his mention here may be deliberate, hinting at his complicated relationship with David.

Together, this chapter shows that godly leadership is sustained by structure, delegation, and wise counsel. It reflects David’s readiness to transition leadership to Solomon with a well-established system of governance, rooted in both divine calling and human responsibility.

Reflections

God of order and not of disorder.

Verse 1 describes, “This is the list of the people of Israel, the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and hundreds...” The repetition of numbers and roles reminds us that God's covenantal people were not chaotic but structured. Order in the kingdom reflects God’s nature—He is a God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). David’s military rotation and tribal representation point toward a vision of shared responsibility and sustainable service.

Our guilt: We often resist accountability and mutual submission

This passage assumes interdependence. No one man could do everything. Yet modern believers often fall into the trap of isolation, pride, or a false sense of independence, especially in leadership. We avoid structure, reject wise counsel, or resist placing ourselves under others’ authority. The presence of tribal leaders and wise counselors shows the value of mutual submission and shared burden, a model we often neglect.

Grace shines through God’s provision of counselors and companions.

Verses 32–34 highlight roles that supported David beyond warfare—advisors, educators, and companions. This underscores God's grace in providing relational and intellectual support to those who lead. Even the greatest king needed a circle of wise and faithful leaders. It reminds us that Jesus is our eternal King who gives the Holy Spirit as our Counselor (John 14:26). David’s governance anticipates the greater order, unity, and wisdom found in Christ’s kingdom.

Applications

Let us build lives—and churches—marked by godly discipline(structure), humility, and dependence on wise counsel.

Rather than pursuing "success" single-handedly, may we embrace the kind of spiritual discipline and relational interdependence that glorifies God and blesses His people. Whether in family, ministry, or work, we reflect God’s kingdom when we plan wisely, submit to one another, and lead through service.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You are the God of order, wisdom, and grace. We thank you for the way you provided structure and support to David, enabling him to shepherd your people faithfully. Forgive us for the ways we resist accountability or reject wise counsel. Teach us to value the beauty of ordered service, shared leadership, and humble dependence on others. As you prepared David’s kingdom, prepare us to reflect your rule in our churches, homes, and communities. Help us see that every role—military, agricultural, advisory, or relational—has dignity when it serves Your purposes.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our true King. Amen.