1 Chronicles 27:2 kjv
Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
1 Chronicles 27:2 nkjv
Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel, and in his division were twenty-four thousand;
1 Chronicles 27:2 niv
In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jashobeam son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men in his division.
1 Chronicles 27:2 esv
Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division in the first month; in his division were 24,000.
1 Chronicles 27:2 nlt
Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was commander of the first division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the first month.
1 Chronicles 27 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 27:1 | Now the children of Israel after their number... | Context of David's structured military divisions |
| 1 Chr 11:11 | And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had... Jashobeam... | Identification of Jashobeam as a chief among David's mighty men |
| 2 Sam 23:8 | These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite... | Parallel account mentioning Josheb-Basshebeth (likely Jashobeam) and his valor |
| Ex 18:21 | Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men... and place... | Moses organizing Israel into thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens |
| Deut 1:15 | So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men... made them captains... | God-given principle of appointing capable leaders |
| 1 Ki 4:1 | So King Solomon was king over all Israel... these were the princes... | Continuation of administrative structure under Solomon |
| 1 Chr 24:1 | Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron... | Parallel system of courses/divisions for the priesthood and Levites |
| 1 Chr 28:13 | For the courses of the priests and the Levites... and for all the work... | David's comprehensive organization for temple service |
| Num 2:1-32 | The LORD spoke to Moses... every man of the children of Israel shall pitch... | Detailed organization of Israel's tribal camps around the tabernacle |
| Neh 7:2 | That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace... | Appointing faithful and God-fearing men in leadership roles |
| Prov 11:14 | Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors... | Wisdom of good counsel and ordered leadership for stability |
| Prov 15:22 | Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors... | Emphasizing the importance of planning and multiple advisors |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches... | Divine principle of order and peace, reflected in good organization |
| Rom 13:1 | Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers... ordained of God. | Divine establishment of authority and order in society |
| Matt 25:15 | And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one... | Stewardship and entrusting responsibilities according to ability |
| 1 Cor 12:4-7 | Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit... the manifestation... | Different gifts and functions working together in unity |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets... for the perfecting... | God equipping people for service within a structured body |
| Tit 1:5 | For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order... | Instruction to establish elders and structure within churches |
| Ex 13:4 | This day came ye out in the month Abib. | Reference to the first month (Abib/Nisan) of the sacred year |
| Gen 1:14-16 | And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament... for seasons, and for... | God establishing order and seasons for the earth |
1 Chronicles 27 verses
1 Chronicles 27 2 Meaning
This verse details the specific leader assigned to the first of twelve monthly divisions of David's royal army or administration, highlighting the precise and well-structured organization implemented by King David. It identifies Jashobeam, a valiant leader, as the head of the division designated for the first month, consisting of twenty-four thousand men, showcasing the meticulous military and administrative system in place during his reign.
1 Chronicles 27 2 Context
First Chronicles chapter 27 provides a detailed account of King David's administrative and military organization for his kingdom. Following the consolidation of his reign and preparations for the Temple, David meticulously established a sophisticated system of monthly courses or divisions for various aspects of the kingdom's functions, including military service. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 27:2, describes the first of these twelve divisions, emphasizing the rotating nature of service. This systematic approach ensured continuous military readiness while allowing a significant portion of the population to attend to their civilian duties for most of the year, preventing overburdening of specific groups. The historical setting is during David's later reign, a period of established peace and extensive preparation for the future of Israel.
1 Chronicles 27 2 Word analysis
- Over: (Hebrew: עַל al) Indicates superintendence or charge. It denotes authority and leadership exercised by the appointed individual.
- the first: (Hebrew: הָרִאשׁוֹן ha-rishon) Emphasizes the initial position in the sequence, signifying the beginning of an organized rotation or roster.
- division: (Hebrew: הַמַּחֲלֹקֶת ha-machleqet) Refers to a "course," "class," or "company." It signifies a distinct, organized group with specific assigned duties and a predetermined period of service. This term is also used for Levitical and priestly divisions (e.g., 1 Chr 24:1).
- for the first month: Specifies the temporal assignment. This division served during Nisan (Abib), the beginning of the religious calendar year. It establishes the systematic monthly rotation for military readiness.
- was: (Hebrew: וַעֲלֵהֶם wa'alehem - a variant construction here with the leader's name following, implying "and over them was...") Simple verb denoting existence or identity.
- Jashobeam: (Hebrew: יָשָׁבְעָם Yashov'am) A prominent individual. Known as one of David's mightiest men (1 Chr 11:11), often identified as "the chief of the three" or "chief of the captains." His name means "the people will return" or "he will cause the people to dwell." His appointment signifies David's practice of placing highly capable and proven leaders in key roles.
- the son of: Typical Israelite genealogical identifier, linking the individual to his lineage.
- Zabdiel: (Hebrew: זַבְדִּיאֵל Zabdiel) The father of Jashobeam. His name means "God is my gift" or "Gift of God."
- and in his division: Specifies the unit under Jashobeam's direct command.
- were: Simple verb for existence.
- twenty and four thousand: (Hebrew: עֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבָּעָה אָלֶף esrim ve-arba'ah eleph) This precise number (24,000) highlights the significant scale and standardization of David's military forces. Each monthly division comprised this large, well-regimented force, underscoring David's commitment to national security and order. The number 24 is also symbolically significant, often linked to organization, as seen in the 24 courses of priests (1 Chr 24).
- "Over the first division for the first month": This phrase immediately establishes the meticulous structure of David's kingdom, highlighting the principle of assigned responsibility within a systematic, chronological framework. It's about orderly rotation and accountability.
- "Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel": Emphasizes the personal nature of leadership and accountability through genealogical identification. Jashobeam's pre-existing reputation as a "mighty man" (1 Chr 11:11) adds weight, showing David appointed not just anyone, but highly proven individuals to critical roles.
- "in his division were twenty and four thousand": Quantifies the substantial resources and manpower allocated to each administrative/military unit. This large, standardized number speaks to a high degree of organization, training, and strategic capability within David's kingdom, indicative of robust governance.
1 Chronicles 27 2 Bonus section
The organization described in this verse (and chapter 27 as a whole) demonstrates key principles of wise governance and leadership:
- Delegation: David entrusted significant responsibilities to capable leaders like Jashobeam.
- Systematic Planning: The monthly rotation system speaks to a deep level of forethought and planning for long-term national readiness.
- Resource Management: Knowing the precise number (24,000) for each division reflects meticulous inventory and allocation of human resources.
- Integration: This military structure was likely integrated with other administrative and religious "courses" or "divisions" in the kingdom, like the priests and Levites, illustrating a holistic approach to governance in God's eyes. This foreshadows the unity and diversity of functions within the body of Christ (Rom 12, 1 Cor 12).
- The use of "twenty-four thousand" may carry symbolic weight beyond just the literal count, potentially highlighting divine completeness in the order, given the frequent appearance of this number in sacred contexts like the 24 courses of priests or elders in Revelation.
1 Chronicles 27 2 Commentary
This verse opens a vital chapter detailing King David's extensive and sophisticated administrative structure, particularly concerning the organization of his military forces. The appointment of Jashobeam, one of David's celebrated mighty men, to lead the first of twelve monthly divisions of twenty-four thousand men underscores David's commitment to placing proven, capable leaders in positions of great responsibility. This rotating system ensured constant national security preparedness without overtaxing any single segment of the population, reflecting astute foresight and efficient management. It demonstrates David's reign as not just one of military conquest, but also one of careful, God-ordained administration, laying foundational stability for the kingdom of Israel, mirroring the order seen in creation and God's plan for His people.