1 Chronicles 26:30 kjv
And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valor, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king.
1 Chronicles 26:30 nkjv
Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, one thousand seven hundred able men, had the oversight of Israel on the west side of the Jordan for all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king.
1 Chronicles 26:30 niv
From the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his relatives?seventeen hundred able men?were responsible in Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the king's service.
1 Chronicles 26:30 esv
Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, 1,700 men of ability, had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king.
1 Chronicles 26:30 nlt
From the clan of Hebron came Hashabiah. He and his relatives ? 1,700 capable men ? were put in charge of the Israelite lands west of the Jordan River. They were responsible for all matters related to the things of the LORD and the service of the king in that area.
1 Chronicles 26 30 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference (Short Note) |
|---|---|---|
| Num 3:5-10 | "The LORD spoke to Moses...bring the tribe of Levi...minister to Aaron." | Levites designated for Tabernacle service. |
| Num 4:3-4 | "from thirty years old...to fifty years old...to do the work of the tent of meeting." | Specific age for Kohathite service. |
| 1 Chr 23:3-4 | "David numbered the Levites...overseers of the work of the house of the LORD." | David's general organization of Levites. |
| 1 Chr 23:28-32 | "Their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron...charge of the house of God." | Description of Levites' comprehensive duties. |
| 1 Chr 26:1-19 | Describes divisions of gatekeepers, also Levites. | Immediate context of Levitical organization. |
| 1 Chr 26:20-28 | Describes treasurers for the house of God, also Levites. | Immediate context of Levitical financial roles. |
| 2 Chr 19:8-11 | "Jehoshaphat also appointed...Levites and priests...for the judgment of the LORD and for disputes." | Levites serving as judges in both sacred and civil matters. |
| Neh 11:16 | "Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outside work." | Levites overseeing practical, non-cultic temple matters. |
| Exod 18:21 | "Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God...men of truth, hating covetousness." | Jethro's advice on selecting qualified leaders. |
| Deut 1:13 | "Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads." | Appointing capable and wise administrators. |
| Ruth 3:11 | "All the people...know that you are a virtuous woman." (Hebrew: eshet chayil, 'woman of valor') | Example of chayil denoting capability/worth. |
| Prov 31:10 | "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies." | Chayil (valor) denoting strength and competence in general. |
| Acts 6:3 | "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." | Principles of selecting competent spiritual leaders. |
| Rom 13:1-2 | "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities...authorities that exist are appointed by God." | God-ordained nature of secular authority. |
| Matt 22:21 | "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." | NT distinction between secular and sacred duties, but within a Theocratic framework here. |
| Col 3:23-24 | "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men...you serve the Lord Christ." | All service should be rendered as unto the Lord. |
| 1 Pet 2:13-14 | "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme." | Submission to and service for established authorities. |
| Prov 11:14 | "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." | Value of wise administration and leadership. |
| 1 Sam 8:7 | "Heed the voice of the people...for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them." | Emphasizes God's ultimate reign, linking secular governance to divine will in Israel. |
| Eccl 5:8 | "If you see the oppression of the poor, and violent perversion of justice and righteousness...the wise ruler protects justice." | Importance of justice within governmental roles. |
1 Chronicles 26 verses
1 Chronicles 26 30 Meaning
1 Chronicles 26:30 details the specific administrative duties of a significant group of Levites from the Hebronite clan during the reign of King David. These seventeen hundred men, characterized by their competence and strength, were appointed as overseers throughout the land of Israel on the western side of the Jordan River. Their responsibilities encompassed all matters pertaining to the worship and affairs of the Lord, as well as the administrative and civic service required by the king. This verse highlights David's meticulous organization of religious and civil duties for the nascent kingdom and future temple operations.
1 Chronicles 26 30 Context
1 Chronicles 26:30 is part of a detailed account in Chapters 23-26 outlining King David's extensive reorganization and assignment of the Levites' duties in preparation for the building of the Temple by Solomon. Chapter 26 specifically describes the roles of gatekeepers, treasurers, and administrators. Verse 30 follows the lists of gatekeepers and treasurers and focuses on the Hebronite Levites who held broader administrative authority.
Historically, this period marks a peak of unified monarchy under David. Jerusalem had been established as the political and religious capital. David, knowing he would not build the Temple, meticulously prepared all its personnel, resources, and administrative structures. This organization reflects the unique theocratic nature of Israel, where civil governance was deeply intertwined with divine law and religious practice. The detailed assignments show a dedication to order and efficiency in serving both God and king, countering any notion of chaotic or disorganized worship and governance prevalent in pagan societies. The emphasis on specific roles and geographic areas for Levites demonstrates God's plan for structured order and responsibility within His chosen people, distinct from the arbitrary power structures often found in surrounding nations.
1 Chronicles 26 30 Word analysis
- And of the Hebronites: (u-min-ha-chivroni) The Hebronites were a family branch of the Kohathite Levites (1 Chr 23:19). Significance: This specifies the lineage and clan entrusted with these crucial responsibilities, emphasizing hereditary and divinely-ordained roles within the Levitical structure. Their prominence stems from their descent from Kohath, a son of Levi, placing them within a core group of priestly support.
- Hashabiah: (Hashabyah) A proper name, meaning "The Lord has regarded" or "Jehovah has considered." Significance: He is singled out as a leader among his brethren, indicating individual capability or primary authority within this large group. The naming implies specific accountability and perhaps exceptional leadership.
- and his brethren: (v'echav) Refers to other members of the Hebronite clan, likely kinsmen or close associates working under him. Significance: Highlights a collaborative, familial, and organized group effort rather than isolated individual service, reinforcing the tribal and communal nature of Levitical service.
- men of valor: (b'ney chayil) Hebrew: bĕnê chàyil, literally "sons of might" or "sons of valor." This phrase signifies not merely physical strength, but robust character, capability, efficiency, competence, and worthiness. It denotes skilled, upright, and dependable individuals fit for significant leadership and administrative tasks. Significance: The appointment was based on demonstrated competence and strong character, not just lineage. This quality was essential for the challenging roles they undertook.
- a thousand and seven hundred: (elef v'sheva-me'ot) A precise numerical figure (1,700 men). Significance: This large number underscores the immense scale of David's administrative reforms and the significant manpower dedicated to these crucial combined spiritual and civil services throughout Israel, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the task.
- were officers: (l'shoterim) Hebrew: lĕshôtĕrîm, derived from shoter, referring to overseers, administrators, magistrates, scribes, or executive officers. They supervised, managed, and enforced orders. Significance: Their role was administrative and judicial, involving oversight and governance beyond simple ceremonial duties, extending into practical affairs of daily life and legal processes.
- among them of Israel: (al-Yisrael) Indicating their authority and sphere of influence extended over the broader Israelite populace. Significance: Their duties were not confined to the Levites or religious personnel but served the entire nation, emphasizing the integrated nature of spiritual and national governance in ancient Israel.
- on this side Jordan westward: (b'ever l'Yarden ma'arava) Refers to the region west of the Jordan River, which was the primary and more populous land of Canaan (Cisjordan), as distinct from Transjordan (east of the Jordan). Significance: This specific geographical designation indicates a strategic deployment of Levitical administration. These Hebronites managed the most significant portion of the Israelite territory, while another group (Izharites in v. 31-32) was responsible for Transjordan. This reflects a careful, divided jurisdiction.
- in all business of the Lord: (b'chol m'lechet YHWH) Hebrew: le-khol melakhah Adonai, encompassing all affairs, tasks, and duties related to the worship of God, the functioning of the Tabernacle/Temple, religious law, moral instruction, and spiritual welfare of the nation. Significance: This is the sacred dimension of their work, emphasizing the holistic integration of life under God's covenant.
- and in the service of the king: (w'lavodat ha'melekh) Hebrew: ve-la-avodat ha-melekh, refers to civic, governmental, and administrative duties related to the monarchy, such as legal matters, justice, governance, potentially taxation, and maintaining societal order under the king's authority. Significance: This highlights the theocratic nature of Israel, where religious and civil administrations were intertwined. Levites, consecrated to God, also played a crucial role in the state's daily functioning, demonstrating that all legitimate authority ultimately flows from God.
Word Group Analysis
- Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valor, a thousand and seven hundred: This grouping underscores a highly organized, competent, and numerically substantial force of Levites chosen from a specific clan, prepared for weighty responsibilities. It highlights selection based on both lineage and intrinsic qualities of excellence.
- were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward: This defines their authoritative administrative role and broad geographical scope. It clarifies that their leadership extended over the general population in the main territory of Israel, implying a comprehensive influence on daily national life.
- in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the king: This crucial phrase comprehensively delineates the dual nature of their responsibilities. It vividly illustrates the unique theocratic structure of ancient Israel, where divine service (business of the Lord) and secular governance (service of the king) were not separate entities but seamlessly integrated, under God's ultimate sovereignty.
1 Chronicles 26 30 Bonus section
The thoroughness of David's preparations for the Temple, extending even to the civil administration by Levites, reveals a profound spiritual insight: true worship and service to God encompass all aspects of life. It’s not just about what happens in the sanctuary, but how society is governed and how justice is administered. The integration of "business of the Lord" and "service of the king" showcases the foundational principle of a theocracy where the King of Kings, YHWH, is the ultimate authority over both religious and political spheres. This foreshadows a perfect kingdom where the reign of Christ will embody absolute righteousness and order in every dimension of life. Furthermore, these meticulous preparations reflect the wisdom of comprehensive planning for divine work, highlighting that godly endeavors benefit from organization, diligent personnel, and a clear allocation of responsibilities.
1 Chronicles 26 30 Commentary
1 Chronicles 26:30 succinctly describes a vital component of King David's masterful administrative and religious foresight. Recognizing the imminent shift from the Tabernacle to a permanent Temple, David diligently organized the Levites, ensuring every facet of future service was meticulously planned. The Hebronite Levites, identified as "men of valor," signifies that their selection was based not only on tribal lineage but on intrinsic character and competence—qualities essential for managing weighty spiritual and civil affairs.
Their sphere of influence was expansive: "on this side Jordan westward," indicating administrative oversight across the main, populous region of Israel. The heart of the verse lies in their dual mandate: "in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the king." This is a powerful testament to Israel's theocratic governance, where spiritual obedience to YHWH directly informed and intersected with civic administration. The Levites, ordinarily associated with sacred duties, also served as vital agents of royal administration, bridging what we today might term "church and state" into a singular, divinely-ordained system. This unified approach was meant to ensure that national life, whether religious or civil, operated according to God's statutes, promoting justice, order, and faithfulness throughout the land. David’s wisdom lay in delegating vast responsibilities to competent, godly individuals, anticipating the future needs of a flourishing kingdom devoted to God.