1 Chronicles 26 31

1 Chronicles 26:31 kjv

Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valor at Jazer of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 26:31 nkjv

Among the Hebronites, Jerijah was head of the Hebronites according to his genealogy of the fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought, and there were found among them capable men at Jazer of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 26:31 niv

As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was their chief according to the genealogical records of their families. In the fortieth year of David's reign a search was made in the records, and capable men among the Hebronites were found at Jazer in Gilead.

1 Chronicles 26:31 esv

Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was chief of the Hebronites of whatever genealogy or fathers' houses. (In the fortieth year of David's reign search was made and men of great ability among them were found at Jazer in Gilead.)

1 Chronicles 26:31 nlt

Also from the clan of Hebron came Jeriah, who was the leader of the Hebronites according to the genealogical records. (In the fortieth year of David's reign, a search was made in the records, and capable men from the clan of Hebron were found at Jazer in the land of Gilead.)

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 31 Meaning

1 Chronicles 26:31 outlines a specific aspect of the Levitical organization enacted by King David in the final year of his reign. It highlights that the Hebronite Levites, under the leadership of Jeriah, were systematically sought out for their capabilities. They were identified as "mighty men of valor," implying not only military strength but also administrative competence, judicial wisdom, and overall substance, to serve the kingdom beyond the temple, specifically overseeing the territories west of the Jordan and crucial duties in Jazer of Gilead, east of the Jordan. This shows a comprehensive integration of the Levites into the civil and judicial administration of the unified kingdom.

1 Chronicles 26 31 Context

First Chronicles chapter 26 continues David's detailed organization of the Levites, focusing on their diverse responsibilities within the kingdom. Following the assignments for gatekeepers (vv. 1-19) and treasurers (vv. 20-28), the chapter transitions to the "officers and judges" among the Levites. Verses 29-32 specify that certain Levite clans were put in charge of "outward business over Israel" beyond the immediate temple functions. Verse 31 specifically addresses a contingent of Hebronite Levites under Jeriah. This section emphasizes David's meticulous preparations not just for the future temple in Jerusalem, but also for the administrative, judicial, and potentially military oversight of the entire unified Israelite kingdom. It underscores that Levitical service encompassed far more than cultic duties. The "fortieth year" highlights the culmination of David's reign, demonstrating his foresight in establishing stable, comprehensive systems before passing the throne to Solomon.

1 Chronicles 26 31 Word analysis

• As for the Hebronites (וְלַחֶבְרֹנִ֔י vᵉlachāvərōni):
  • Hebronites: A specific clan of Levites, descended from Hebron, one of the four sons of Kohath (Num 3:19). The Kohathites were originally responsible for carrying the sacred objects of the Tabernacle. In Chronicles, their role expands significantly, showcasing their administrative versatility under David's reorganization. Hebron itself was a Levitical city.
• Jeriah (יְרִיָּה yᵉriyyah):
  • Meaning: Possibly "Yahweh sees" or "founded by Yahweh."
  • Significance: Identified as the chief, indicating a prominent leader of this particular group of Hebronite Levites assigned these specialized external duties.
• was the chief (הָרֹ֗אשׁ hā·rōsh):
  • Meaning: Literally "the head," denoting leadership, authority, or preeminence.
  • Significance: Jeriah held a principal position, indicating a significant administrative or supervisory role.
• even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers (לְתוֹלְדֹתָ֖יו לְאָב֑וֹת lə·ṯō·lᵉḏō·ṯāw lᵉ·ʾā·ḇōwt):
  • Meaning: This phrase emphasizes lineage and hereditary claim, but also implies that his leadership was acknowledged through established tribal structures or was preeminent within the larger Hebronite group, likely due to a blend of ancestry and competence. It signifies a respected, legitimate leadership role based on family lines and perhaps personal qualifications.
• In the fortieth year of the reign of David (בִּשְׁנַת֩ הָאַרְבָּעִ֨ים לְמַלְכ֜וּת דָּוִ֗יד biš·naṯ hā·ʾar·bā·ʿîm lə·mal·ḵūṯ dā·wîḏ):
  • Significance: This denotes David's final year as king, underscoring the completeness and finality of his preparations. It signifies a peak of administrative oversight and national organization before the transition to Solomon's rule, showing David's legacy in governance.
• they were sought for (נִדְרַ֖שׁ niḏraš):
  • Meaning: Passive form of "to seek," "inquire," "examine," or "require."
  • Significance: This suggests a deliberate, meticulous census, selection, or perhaps a recruitment process. It indicates a thorough search for qualified individuals, implying discernment and a structured administrative effort.
• and there were found among them (וַיִּמָּצֵ֣א בָהֶ֗ם way·yim·mā·ṣê bā·hem):
  • Meaning: Literally "and was found among them."
  • Significance: The finding confirms the success of the "seeking" process, validating that competent individuals existed within the Hebronite clan for the designated roles.
• mighty men of valor (גִּבֹּרֵי־חַ֭יִל gibborê-ḥa·yil):
  • Meaning: Hebrew "גִּבֹּר" (gibbor) means "strong, mighty one, warrior, hero." "חַ֭יִל" (ḥayil) means "strength, power, ability, wealth, substance, army." Combined, it refers to men of great capability, strength, and resources, not merely physical might.
  • Significance: In this administrative and judicial context, it implies individuals possessing not just military prowess (though that might be implied for frontier regions), but primarily outstanding ability, competence, moral integrity, judicial wisdom, leadership qualities, and even economic influence. They were capable managers and effective leaders for civil and administrative duties.
• at Jazer of Gilead (בְּיַעְזֵ֖ר גִּלְעָֽד׃ bə·yaʿ·zêr gil·ʿāḏ):
  • Meaning: Jazer was a city located in Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, given to the tribe of Gad (Num 32:35, Josh 21:39).
  • Significance: This geographical specification points to the expansion of Levitical administrative oversight to the Transjordanian territories, demonstrating the comprehensive reach of David's kingdom. Jazer was a strategic frontier town, likely requiring robust governance and defense, thus fitting the capabilities of "mighty men of valor."

Word-Groups Analysis:

• "Hebronites... Jeriah was the chief": Establishes the leadership and the specific Levitical clan chosen for this task. It indicates an organized, clan-based delegation of authority.
• "In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for": Highlights the meticulous and strategic planning by David at the culmination of his reign, ensuring comprehensive administrative and judicial coverage across the kingdom. The timing underscores the importance and maturity of his administrative structures.
• "there were found among them mighty men of valor at Jazer of Gilead": This phrase pinpoints the successful outcome of the search – capable individuals for significant responsibilities in a strategic frontier region. It indicates the broad application of Levitical "service" beyond Jerusalem's temple.

1 Chronicles 26 31 Bonus section

The broader context of Chronicles emphasizes David’s role as the divine instrument for establishing the proper order of worship and administration in Israel. The detailing of these Levite assignments reinforces the chronicler's theme of the preparedness for Solomon’s temple and reign. The fact that the Hebronite Levites, originally associated with carrying the sacred Tabernacle items, were now fulfilling such varied and geographically dispersed duties, showcases the evolving and adaptive nature of Levitical service under the monarchy. It's not just about sacred spaces but about the sacrality of ordered, just governance. Their dispersal into the "outward business over Israel" aligns with the Mosaic command for judges and officers throughout the gates of the cities (Deut 16:18), thereby intertwining spiritual leadership with practical statecraft. This comprehensive network would have been crucial for managing disputes, enforcing laws, and generally maintaining social order across David’s expanding kingdom.

1 Chronicles 26 31 Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:31 reveals the multifaceted and comprehensive nature of the Levites' service during King David's reign. Beyond their well-known duties as gatekeepers, musicians, and temple treasurers, David meticulously organized them into distinct roles as "officers and judges" throughout Israel. This particular verse zooms in on a significant contingent of Hebronite Levites, under the headship of Jeriah, tasked with substantial responsibilities outside the immediate temple precincts. The phrase "mighty men of valor" (גִּבֹּרֵי חַיִל) is key; while often connoting military strength, in this context of administrative and judicial appointments, it strongly implies competence, leadership ability, integrity, and societal influence.

David’s comprehensive "seeking out" of these individuals in his fortieth and final year signifies a mature and intentional governmental strategy. He was establishing a resilient framework for the unified kingdom, ensuring not only spiritual and cultic order but also civil stability and justice across the diverse regions, including the strategically important Transjordanian territory of Gilead, symbolized by Jazer. The Levites, because of their non-landed status and commitment to God's law, were uniquely suited for roles that demanded impartiality and deep understanding of Mosaic law, serving as vital intermediaries between the king's administration and the populace. This illustrates how God's divine order, established through the Mosaic Law, was actively applied in practical governance under a godly king, securing justice and proper administration for all.