1 Chronicles 27 17

1 Chronicles 27:17 kjv

Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:

1 Chronicles 27:17 nkjv

over the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; over the Aaronites, Zadok;

1 Chronicles 27:17 niv

over Levi: Hashabiah son of Kemuel; over Aaron: Zadok;

1 Chronicles 27:17 esv

for Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; for Aaron, Zadok;

1 Chronicles 27:17 nlt

Levi ? Hashabiah son of Kemuel
Aaron (the priests) ? Zadok

1 Chronicles 27 17 Cross References

VerseTextReference
1 Chr 27:1-15The military divisions of 24,000 for each month under David.David's comprehensive administration.
1 Chr 27:16-22Complete list of tribal chiefs appointed by David.Immediate context of tribal leadership.
Num 1:4-16Listing of tribal leaders during Moses' census in the wilderness.Precedent for tribal organization.
Ex 18:21-22Moses' selection of leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.Early Israelite administrative delegation.
Gen 49:13Jacob's blessing upon Zebulun: "Zebulun shall dwell at the seashore...".Prophetic significance of Zebulun.
Gen 49:14-15Jacob's blessing upon Issachar: "Issachar is a strong donkey...".Prophetic significance of Issachar.
Deut 33:18-19Moses' blessing for Zebulun and Issachar concerning journeys and sacrifices.Tribal roles in worship and economy.
Judg 5:15Praising Issachar's princes for joining Deborah.Issachar's historical role in battle.
Judg 5:18Zebulun is praised for venturing their lives unto death.Zebulun's historical role in battle.
Josh 19:10-16Zebulun's inheritance during the land distribution.Allotment of their tribal territory.
Josh 19:17-23Issachar's inheritance during the land distribution.Allotment of their tribal territory.
2 Sam 8:15-18David's officials and the organization of his kingdom.Parallel general administrative summary.
1 Ki 4:1-19Solomon's officials and the structure of his kingdom.Continuation of organized monarchy.
Neh 7:7-73Post-exilic list of returnees by families, reflecting tribal heritage.Continuation of tribal identity.
Ezr 2:1-70Similar post-exilic record of returnees by their families.Reaffirmation of tribal heritage.
Prov 11:14"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."Wisdom of having many leaders/counselors.
Prov 15:22"Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."Necessity of sound leadership and counsel.
Rom 13:1"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities..."Principle of God-ordained authority.
1 Pet 2:13-14Command to submit to human authority for the Lord's sake.Obedience to civil governance.
1 Cor 12:28God sets in the church different functions/administrations.Divine ordering of roles in God's people.
Rev 7:4-8The sealing of the 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel.Enduring significance of tribal identity.
Matt 19:28Jesus speaks of the twelve apostles judging the twelve tribes of Israel.New Covenant reference to tribal roles.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 17 Meaning

This verse identifies Zechari'ah, son of Micaiah, as the appointed leader for the tribe of Issachar, and Gedaliah, son of Jeiel, as the leader for the tribe of Zebulun, within King David's extensive administrative and military organization. It reveals a specific detail of David's structured government, where each of the twelve tribes maintained its designated representative responsible for affairs relating to that tribal inheritance and populace. This detail highlights David’s diligent oversight and the organized nature of his kingdom under divine guidance.

1 Chronicles 27 17 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 27, which meticulously details King David's extensive military, administrative, and economic organization for his kingdom. The chapter outlines the rotation of 12 army divisions, each comprising 24,000 men, serving the king one month a year, ensuring a permanent, well-trained, and disciplined military force. Following this, the Chronicler shifts focus to other key royal officials, including treasurers, supervisors, and royal counselors. Verses 16-22, in particular, list the chief officers or leaders appointed over each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This meticulous accounting underscores the order, stability, and efficiency of David's kingdom, presenting it as a model of divinely ordained governance. Historically, this period reflects the peak of the United Monarchy, where David established a strong central government and infrastructure before his death, preparing the way for Solomon’s reign and the construction of the Temple. The listing of tribal leaders emphasizes the continuity of tribal identity and structure within the unified kingdom, illustrating that local tribal administration remained significant under the centralized monarchy.

1 Chronicles 27 17 Word analysis

  • for Issachar: Hebrew: לְיִשָּׂשכָר (lÿyiśśāḵār). "Issachar" is a tribal name, son of Jacob and Leah. The name is often associated with the meaning "there is recompense" or "he is hired," linking to Leah's declaration after giving birth. This tribe was known for understanding the times (1 Chr 12:32), suggesting a perceptive and perhaps sagacious leadership quality that might be sought in their representatives.
  • Zechari'ah: Hebrew: זְכַרְיָהוּ (zəḵaryāhū). A common Hebrew name meaning "Yahweh has remembered." The name itself is a testimony to God's faithfulness. This specific Zechari'ah is unique to this list and is distinct from other biblical figures sharing the name (e.g., the prophet Zechariah, or the high priest in 2 Chr 24). His role as tribal leader signifies remembrance and upholding the tribal heritage.
  • the son of Micaiah: Hebrew: מִיכָיְהוּ (mîḵayhū). "Micaiah" means "Who is like Yahweh?". The mention of the father’s name provides lineage and further distinguishes the individual. Such patronymics were essential for identification in ancient Israel.
  • for Zebulun: Hebrew: לִזְבוּלֻן (lizḇûlun). "Zebulun" is another tribal name, also a son of Jacob and Leah. The name typically means "dwelling," "habitation," or "honor," derived from Leah's hope that Jacob would "dwell with" her after his birth. Jacob's blessing indicated Zebulun would dwell by the sea, leading to prosperity.
  • Gedaliah: Hebrew: גְּדַלְיָהוּ (gədalyāhū). A common Hebrew name meaning "Yahweh is great." Like Zechariah, this name celebrates God's character. This Gedaliah is distinct from the later governor appointed after the Babylonian exile (Jer 40-41). His role as tribal leader affirmed God's greatness and active presence in their governance.
  • the son of Jeiel: Hebrew: יְעִיאֵל (yəʿîʾēl). "Jeiel" means "God sweeps away" or "God removes." The father's name, again, completes the identification of this particular Gedaliah within the extensive records of David's officials. The full names with their meanings suggest that even the names themselves often carried a theological weight or significance in the lives and identities of God's people.

1 Chronicles 27 17 Bonus section

The Chronicler's inclusion of these lists is not just for historical record but also serves a theological purpose: to demonstrate David’s divine favor through his effective, ordered, and divinely guided leadership. The presence of tribal chiefs, even under a monarchy, underlines the enduring importance of the covenantal tribes as the foundational units of Israel, stressing continuity from patriarchal times to the kingdom. These roles underscore David’s adherence to good governance, providing a model for righteous rule—where even seemingly mundane administrative details are managed with integrity and wisdom for the benefit of God's people.

1 Chronicles 27 17 Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:17, while seemingly a simple administrative record, offers deep insight into David's meticulous and God-centered governance. The specific mention of leaders for Issachar and Zebulun, along with their parentage, emphasizes the Chronicler's concern for detail, historical accuracy, and the continuity of tribal identity within the unified monarchy. These appointments signify that despite centralization under a king, the distinct character and representation of each tribe were preserved, echoing Israel's divinely established tribal structure since Moses' time. The leaders bore names that were theological declarations ("Yahweh has remembered," "Yahweh is great"), subtly affirming that the king's administration was underpinned by devotion to the God of Israel. This verse highlights David's foresight in building a robust, organized, and delegated leadership structure, which was crucial for the stability and success of his kingdom and laid the groundwork for future generations.