1 Chronicles 26 32

1 Chronicles 26:32 kjv

And his brethren, men of valor, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.

1 Chronicles 26:32 nkjv

And his brethren were two thousand seven hundred able men, heads of fathers' houses, whom King David made officials over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God and the affairs of the king.

1 Chronicles 26:32 niv

Jeriah had twenty-seven hundred relatives, who were able men and heads of families, and King David put them in charge of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.

1 Chronicles 26:32 esv

King David appointed him and his brothers, 2,700 men of ability, heads of fathers' houses, to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.

1 Chronicles 26:32 nlt

There were 2,700 capable men among the relatives of Jeriah. King David sent them to the east side of the Jordan River and put them in charge of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were responsible for all matters related to God and to the king.

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 32 Meaning

1 Chronicles 26:32 details that two thousand seven hundred valiant men, who were heads of ancestral houses among the Hebronite Levites and brethren of those already managing treasures and administration, were specifically appointed by King David. Their mandate was to serve as rulers and administrators over the tribes residing east of the Jordan River—the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Their extensive authority encompassed both all matters pertaining to God's law and all affairs related to the king's administration, effectively integrating spiritual and civil governance.

1 Chronicles 26 32 Context

This verse is part of David's meticulous organization of the Levites and their diverse roles prior to the construction of the Temple by Solomon (1 Chronicles chapters 23-26). Having secured the kingdom and brought the ark to Jerusalem, David devoted his efforts to preparing for a well-ordered spiritual and administrative system for the entire nation. Specifically, Chapter 26 lists the gatekeepers, treasurers, and various administrators from the Kohathite and Merarite Levites. Verses 30-32 detail the special appointments of Hebronite Levites: Hashabiah and his brethren were assigned oversight west of the Jordan, and in verse 32, this distinct group of 2,700 Hebronite men are specifically given charge over the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh). This geographical division underscores the comprehensive nature of David's administrative reforms, ensuring that even distant and historically challenging tribes were brought under uniform governance concerning both sacred and civil matters.

1 Chronicles 26 32 Word analysis

• and his brethren: This phrase links these 2,700 men back to the broader lineage of the Hebronite Levites mentioned in the preceding verses (especially 1 Chr 26:30), emphasizing a collective, clan-based leadership structure appointed for service. It suggests shared responsibilities within a trusted, related group.
• men of valour: (Hebrew: bnei chayil - בְּנֵי־חָיִל) Literally "sons of strength" or "men of ability/worth." This goes beyond mere physical courage, denoting competence, integrity, administrative capacity, wealth, and moral excellence. It signifies individuals chosen for their proven character and capability, essential qualities for those entrusted with significant leadership over the people of God.
• were two thousand and seven hundred: This specific and large number indicates the considerable scope of the administrative and judicial task assigned to these Levites. It highlights David's comprehensive effort to establish widespread, effective governance throughout the kingdom.
• chief of the fathers: (Hebrew: rashei ha'avot - רָאשֵׁי הָאָבוֹת) Signifies heads of patriarchal or ancestral houses. These individuals held positions of inherent authority and respect within their clans and tribes. Their appointment lent legitimacy and continuity to the administrative structure, drawing upon established family leadership.
• whom king David made rulers over: This explicitly attributes the appointment and authority directly to King David, underscoring his sovereign power in organizing the kingdom's religious and civil affairs. It reflects David's God-given wisdom and foresight in establishing righteous governance.
• the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh: These are the Israelite tribes settled east of the Jordan River. Geographically separate from the majority of Israel, they often faced unique challenges related to maintaining adherence to the Mosaic Law and loyalty to the central government. David's specific assignment of Levites to them indicates a strategic move to ensure their integration into the kingdom's spiritual and civil order.
• for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king: (Hebrew: lekol devar Ha'Elohim uldvar haMelekh - לְכֹל דְּבַר הָאֱלֹהִים וּדְבַר הַמֶּלֶךְ) This phrase defines the dual nature of their authority and responsibility.
  • matter pertaining to God (devar Ha'Elohim): This covers religious, moral, and judicial concerns derived from the Torah, including interpreting the law, resolving disputes according to God's statutes, and ensuring proper worship and spiritual conduct. It speaks to Israel's identity as a theocracy where God's law is foundational.
  • affairs of the king (devar haMelekh): This refers to civil administration, justice related to royal decrees, taxation, maintenance of order, and the implementation of governmental policies.
• Group of words: "men of valour, chief of the fathers": This combination highlights that David chose leaders based on both character/competence ("men of valour") and established societal position/hereditary respect ("chief of the fathers"). This ensured a strong, capable, and legitimate leadership that commanded respect from the people.
• Group of words: "made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh": This signifies David's national policy of centralized, righteous governance. By extending Levitical oversight to the Transjordanian tribes, David ensured religious and legal consistency across all regions of the kingdom, fostering unity under God and king.
• Group of words: "for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king": This phrase encapsulates the core function of these Levites, defining the comprehensive nature of their responsibilities. It underlines the ideal of integrated governance in Israel, where civil law and royal decrees are to align with and be guided by divine law. It shows that godly principles are meant to pervade all aspects of life, not merely spiritual ritual. This foreshadows and directly parallels the system later implemented by King Jehoshaphat.

1 Chronicles 26 32 Bonus section

• The expansion of Levitical duties to include civil administration, as seen in this chapter, underscores their deep understanding of the Mosaic Law, which naturally covered both religious and societal regulations. Their genealogical purity and devotion to God's service made them ideal candidates for positions of trust.
• This specific appointment to the Transjordanian tribes (Reubenites, Gadites, half Manasseh) might also indicate a particular need for stability and adherence to law in that region, given its proximity to foreign nations and historical instances of syncretism or moral compromise among its inhabitants.
• The chronicler emphasizes David's deliberate, well-ordered arrangements for the kingdom, presenting him as a prototype of a righteous and wise king who prepares diligently for the future, not just militarily or religiously, but administratively. This detail reinforces the Chronicler's theme of the importance of proper worship and order as essential for national blessing.
• The large number (2,700) appointed solely for the Transjordanian region speaks volumes about the detailed and comprehensive oversight David intended to establish. This was not a superficial appointment but a robust administrative network designed to reach every family.

1 Chronicles 26 32 Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:32 encapsulates King David's visionary leadership in organizing the administrative and judicial life of Israel. Beyond the primary sacred duties within the tabernacle and future Temple, David extended the role of the Levites, particularly the Hebronites, to encompass civil administration throughout the land. This particular verse highlights the strategic deployment of 2,700 "men of valour," leaders of their ancestral houses, to govern the often-remote and culturally distinct Transjordanian tribes. Their unique charge, encompassing both "every matter pertaining to God" and "affairs of the king," reveals the deeply intertwined nature of sacred and secular governance in the Israelite theocracy. This comprehensive responsibility ensured that justice was administered according to God's statutes and that the king's authority was upheld, providing spiritual guidance and civil order to a critical region of the kingdom. David’s action showcases the biblical principle that all facets of society, from personal conduct to national policy, are subject to divine law, and that wise leadership seeks to integrate divine wisdom into every decision for the welfare and righteousness of the people. This established order served as a foundational example for future generations of Israelite rulers, promoting national unity and devotion to God.