1 Chronicles 27 1

1 Chronicles 27:1 kjv

Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:1 nkjv

And the children of Israel, according to their number, the heads of fathers' houses, the captains of thousands and hundreds and their officers, served the king in every matter of the military divisions. These divisions came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division having twenty-four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:1 niv

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.

1 Chronicles 27:1 esv

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:

1 Chronicles 27:1 nlt

This is the list of Israelite generals and captains, and their officers, who served the king by supervising the army divisions that were on duty each month of the year. Each division served for one month and had 24,000 troops.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 1 Meaning

This verse introduces the detailed administrative and military organization established by King David. It describes the comprehensive system where all qualified Israelites, particularly the heads of families, military commanders, and various officials, were organized into twelve rotating "courses" or divisions. Each of these divisions, numbering twenty-four thousand men, served the king for one month out of the year, ensuring continuous civil and military readiness and orderly governance throughout the kingdom.

1 Chronicles 27 1 Context

1 Chronicles 27:1 introduces the detailed civil and military administration that King David established during his reign. This chapter serves as a crucial continuation of the Chronicler's narrative, which emphasizes the orderly nature of David's kingdom, particularly in preparation for the construction of the Temple by his son Solomon. Following extensive lists of the priestly and Levitical divisions (Chs. 23-26), who served God in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, this verse now outlines the structure of the secular administration and military forces that "served the king." Historically, this reflects David's efforts to consolidate his rule, maintain security, and ensure the necessary stability for the prosperity of the nation and the monumental task of building the Temple. It underscores his foresight in creating a sustainable framework for national governance beyond his personal leadership.

1 Chronicles 27 1 Word analysis

• Now the children of Israel after their number: This phrase emphasizes the inclusiveness of the arrangement, encompassing the entire Israelite community, not just a select few. "After their number" specifically points to a census or a counted registry of eligible men, signifying a highly organized and precise system, crucial for effective administration and military strength in the ancient world.
• to wit: An archaic English phrase meaning "namely" or "that is to say," introducing a clarification or enumeration of what follows.
• the chief fathers: Hebrew: ro'she 'aboth (רָאשֵׁי אָבוֹת). Refers to the heads of patriarchal households or ancestral clans. This indicates that leadership and representation in these divisions were rooted in the traditional tribal and family structures, highlighting the communal and established nature of this system. They brought their hereditary authority to the king's service.
• and captains of thousands and hundreds: These were standard military and administrative titles in ancient Israel, as seen from the time of Moses (Exod 18:21, Deut 1:15). They commanded groups of 1,000 and 100 men respectively, reflecting a hierarchical and organized command structure.
• and their officers: Hebrew: shoterim (שֹׁטְרִים). These were civil administrative officials, often acting as scribes, record-keepers, overseers, or marshals. They ensured the smooth functioning of the logistical and legal aspects of the administration. Their inclusion underscores that these divisions had broad governmental responsibilities, not purely military.
• that served the king: This explicitly states the purpose and allegiance of these individuals and their divisions. Their function was to serve the monarch, demonstrating the centralization of power under David and the establishment of a professional civil and military apparatus loyal to the crown.
• in any matter of the courses: This specifies the systematic nature of their service. Hebrew: maḥalaqot (מַחְלְקוֹת), meaning "divisions," "courses," or "groups." This same term is used extensively in 1 Chronicles (e.g., Chs. 24, 25, 26) to describe the precisely ordered rotating groups of priests, Levites, and musicians serving in the Tabernacle. Applying this to the civil and military structure signifies a similar level of meticulous organization, ensuring efficiency and continuous coverage without overburdening individuals. "Any matter" indicates comprehensive responsibilities.
• which came in and went out month by month: This phrase denotes the rotational system. Each course served for a designated month, entering service and then departing once their term was complete. This ensured fresh manpower and prevented exhaustion or corruption, fostering accountability and consistency. It mirrors the structure of temple service.
• throughout all the months of the year: Emphasizes the year-round, perpetual nature of this system. David established a standing, rotating administration and military ready for service at all times.
• of every course were twenty and four thousand: This defines the numerical strength of each monthly division. Twenty-four thousand men (possibly including both commanders and common personnel) served actively each month. Over a year, this meant a vast pool of 288,000 men rotated through service, providing an impressive level of sustained administrative and defensive capacity for the kingdom.

1 Chronicles 27 1 Bonus section

• Mirroring Divine Order: The organization of "courses" (maḥalaqot) in the king's service directly parallels the detailed administrative structures David also implemented for the Levites, priests, musicians, and gatekeepers serving in the Tabernacle (1 Chr 23-26). This reflects a profound understanding that both earthly governance and spiritual worship should operate with precision, order, and accountability, perhaps mirroring the very order of God.
• Legacy for Solomon: This elaborate system of governance and defense was a vital part of the prepared foundation David laid for his son, Solomon. It ensured that Solomon inherited a stable, well-organized kingdom, allowing him to focus on the monumental task of building the Temple without significant internal administrative challenges or immediate external threats.
• Census and Control: While census taking could be a point of pride and potential sin (as seen in 2 Sam 24/1 Chr 21), in this context, the "numbering" appears to be for the positive purpose of effective administration, strategic planning, and efficient utilization of human resources within a divinely sanctioned governmental framework.

1 Chronicles 27 1 Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:1 stands as a testament to King David's visionary leadership and meticulous organizational genius. Far from being a mere military register, this verse reveals a sophisticated national administration mirroring the systematic arrangement of the Tabernacle/Temple services (priestly, Levitical, musical courses). David, a man of war, clearly understood that a thriving kingdom required more than military might; it needed structured civil governance, order, and perpetual readiness. By instituting these rotating "courses" or divisions, each comprising twenty-four thousand individuals drawn from the "chief fathers" and military echelons, he ensured continuous and orderly service to the king across civil and defense matters. This comprehensive system fostered accountability, efficient resource allocation, and a deep sense of shared national responsibility, contributing significantly to the stability and prosperity that characterized his reign and enabled the later grand undertaking of building the Temple.

For example, this methodical approach prevented undue burden on any single group, distributed duties equitably among the tribes, and ensured constant vigilance and preparedness, similar to how modern armed forces might have reserves or national guards that serve in rotation. It highlights the principle of order and good governance as fundamental to a healthy society, a principle echoed throughout Scripture for both civil and spiritual leadership.