1 Chronicles 27 18

1 Chronicles 27:18 kjv

Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:

1 Chronicles 27:18 nkjv

over Judah, Elihu, one of David's brothers; over Issachar, Omri the son of Michael;

1 Chronicles 27:18 niv

over Judah: Elihu, a brother of David; over Issachar: Omri son of Michael;

1 Chronicles 27:18 esv

for Judah, Elihu, one of David's brothers; for Issachar, Omri the son of Michael;

1 Chronicles 27:18 nlt

Judah ? Elihu (a brother of David)
Issachar ? Omri son of Michael

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 18 Meaning

This verse lists two of the tribal chiefs appointed by King David: Omri, son of Michael, representing the tribe of Issachar, and Ishmaiah, son of Obadiah, representing the tribe of Zebulun. These individuals held significant administrative and representative roles within David's kingdom, forming part of a larger organizational structure designed to govern the twelve tribes of Israel effectively and orderly. It signifies the ongoing administrative establishment and the importance of tribal representation in the unified monarchy under David.

1 Chronicles 27 18 Context

First Chronicles chapter 27 details King David's extensive administrative and military organization of Israel. Following the lists of military commanders serving on a rotating monthly basis (vv. 1-15), this verse falls within the subsequent section (vv. 16-22) which lists the chiefs over each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This precise documentation reflects David's meticulous attention to order and governance within the kingdom, mirroring God's own attribute of order. Historically, David was consolidating his reign and establishing a stable national structure after years of tribal disunity and Saul's less organized rule. This administrative apparatus would ensure efficiency in resource management, census-taking, and tribal representation before the king. The Chronicler’s emphasis on these details also reinforces the unity of the tribes under a divinely chosen monarch, counteracting any perception of a fragmented or leaderless nation.

1 Chronicles 27 18 Word analysis

• of Issachar: In Hebrew, יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissaskār), meaning "there is recompense" or "he is hired." Issachar was one of the sons of Jacob by Leah, and the tribe was known for its diligence and agricultural prowess, often depicted as a strong worker. Uniquely, the tribe of Issachar is also highlighted in 1 Chronicles 12:32 as having "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." This insight suggests a particular wisdom or discernment associated with the tribe, making their chief a significant and possibly insightful figure in David's council.
• Omri: עָמְרִי (ʿOmri) means "my sheaf" or potentially "servant of Yah" (though less certain). While this name became associated with a later notorious king of Israel who led his people astray, this Omri is distinct and pre-dates him. The presence of the name here, belonging to a faithful chief under David, demonstrates the commonality of names across generations and the importance of individual character over shared appellations.
• the son of Michael: "Michael" (מִיכָאֵל, Mîḵāʾēl) means "who is like God?". This patronymic ("son of Michael") signifies the hereditary nature of such positions or at least the importance of lineage in tribal representation within Israelite society. The detailed record of father-son relationships establishes identity and continuity within the tribal structures.
• of Zebulun: In Hebrew, זְבוּלֻן (Zevulun) means "habitation" or "dwelling." Zebulun was another son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe's territory was historically positioned near the Mediterranean coast and the Sea of Galilee, a key commercial route, which aligns with Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:13) and Moses' blessing (Deut 33:18-19) concerning its maritime activity and involvement in trade and the spiritual gathering of nations.
• Ishmaiah: יִשְׁמַעְיָה (Yishmaʿyāh) means "Yahweh hears." Like Omri, this is a theophoric name, reflecting a common Israelite practice of incorporating the divine name "Yah" or "Yahweh" into personal names, indicating faith and a connection to God. The name itself is a statement of the individual's or family's recognition of God's attentiveness.
• the son of Obadiah: "Obadiah" (עֹבַדְיָה, ʿOvadyāh) means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of Yahweh." Another strong theophoric name, it reinforces the sense of devout service to God common in Israel. The recording of this lineage for the tribal chief emphasizes the tribal identity and patriarchal family structures that underpinned the entire administrative system David put in place. These titles and names underscore a deeply ordered society rooted in family, tribe, and allegiance to the divine.
• "[Tribe], [Name] the son of [Father]" (Words Group): This standardized linguistic pattern repeats across 1 Chronicles 27:16-22, reinforcing the systematic and meticulous nature of David's appointments. It reflects an ancient Near Eastern method of record-keeping crucial for governmental and census purposes. It highlights a system of established identity and succession that would have been well-understood by the original audience, signifying legitimacy and divine endorsement of this orderly arrangement for the stability of the kingdom. The consistent use of "son of" emphasizes patriarchal lineage as a fundamental aspect of Israelite tribal structure and leadership appointment, ensuring a continuity of heritage.

1 Chronicles 27 18 Bonus section

The inclusion of these specific names and tribal affiliations by the Chronicler serves several key purposes. It provides concrete evidence of David’s organizational genius and leadership under God’s anointing, which contrasted sharply with the less organized state of affairs before his reign. This detailed listing not only highlights administrative efficiency but also reaffirms the continuing importance of the twelve tribes as distinct entities within the unified kingdom, reflecting God’s faithfulness to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs concerning their numerous descendants. The detailed lists in Chronicles emphasize order and stability, which were crucial messages for the post-exilic community the book was written for, encouraging them in the restoration of a structured and devout community under God.

1 Chronicles 27 18 Commentary

First Chronicles 27:18 is a concise snapshot of King David's deliberate and Spirit-led leadership in organizing the unified kingdom of Israel. Far from being a mere dry list of names, this verse, embedded within David’s comprehensive administration, illustrates the meticulous care taken in establishing a well-structured nation. Each chief, like Omri of Issachar and Ishmaiah of Zebulun, represented not just a geographical region but a unique lineage with its own history and characteristics, tying the centralized monarchy back to the foundational tribal identities of Israel. This detail reveals the principle of proper delegation and the recognition of diverse strengths within the collective. David understood the importance of both central authority and local representation for effective governance. This careful appointment reflects the wisdom sought by King David and divinely provided for leading God's people. The precise documentation by the Chronicler would also serve to validate the legitimacy and continuity of God's covenant with Israel, assuring that even amidst challenges, the people were overseen by those designated by righteous authority, contributing to the broader purpose of a unified worship of God.