1 Chronicles 28 1

1 Chronicles 28:1 kjv

And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 28:1 nkjv

Now David assembled at Jerusalem all the leaders of Israel: the officers of the tribes and the captains of the divisions who served the king, the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officials, the valiant men, and all the mighty men of valor.

1 Chronicles 28:1 niv

David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem: the officers over the tribes, the commanders of the divisions in the service of the king, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the warriors and all the brave fighting men.

1 Chronicles 28:1 esv

David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors.

1 Chronicles 28:1 nlt

David summoned all the officials of Israel to Jerusalem ? the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom.

1 Chronicles 28 verses

1 Chronicles 28 1 Meaning

This verse details King David's pivotal act of assembling all the leading figures of Israel – including tribal leaders, military commanders, administrators of the king's vast properties, and distinguished warriors – in Jerusalem. This grand assembly was convened to formally witness the transfer of royal authority to his son Solomon and to publicly declare the divine blueprint and call for the construction of the Temple, a central moment in Israel's history. It represents a unified national endorsement of God's plan for the future of the kingdom and its worship.

1 Chronicles 28 1 Context

1 Chronicles 28:1 takes place late in King David's reign, marking a crucial transition point for the kingdom of Israel. Chapters 22-27 detail David's preparations for the Temple, his instruction to Solomon, and the organization of the Levites, priests, and military divisions, setting the stage for this momentous assembly. Specifically, chapter 22 recounts David instructing Solomon to build the Temple, preparing materials, and reminding him of God's promises. Chapter 27 lists the leaders of the divisions and various royal officials. Thus, 28:1 draws together all these established figures, validating David's foresight and demonstrating the collective will of Israel to pursue God's blueprint. The setting in Jerusalem emphasizes the city's spiritual and political centrality, particularly as the future site of the Temple, the focal point of worship and God's presence among His people.

1 Chronicles 28 1 Word analysis

• David (דָּוִיד - David): The reigning king, chosen by God (1 Sam 16:13), representing God's anointed leader and a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14). His actions here signify his faithful stewardship and preparation for succession.
• assembled (וַיַּקְהֵל - vayyaqhel): This verb signifies a formal, purposeful gathering. It suggests a call to unity and shared purpose, rather than a casual meeting. The root קָהַל (qahal) is related to "assembly" or "congregation" (qahal), often used for the holy assembly of Israel. This implies the spiritual weight of the event.
• all (כָּל - kol): Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the gathering. No significant leadership segment was excluded, underscoring national unity and full endorsement.
• officials (שָׂרִים - sarim): Plural for "princes," "chiefs," or "officers." This broad term covers civil, administrative, and sometimes military leaders, denoting those in positions of authority throughout the kingdom.
• Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yisrael): Refers to the entire unified nation, highlighting the national significance of the assembly for the twelve tribes.
• officials of the tribes: Specifically denotes leaders connected to each of the twelve tribes, emphasizing the continuity of the tribal structure under the monarchy and their representation in national decisions.
• commanders of the divisions that served the king: Refers to the military structure, indicating highly organized professional soldiers, each leading rotating service groups throughout the year (1 Chr 27:1-15). Their presence indicates the security and strength of the kingdom.
• commanders of thousands and hundreds: A tiered military leadership structure, echoing arrangements from the time of Moses (Ex 18:21), demonstrating organizational excellence and the integration of the whole military force into national life.
• stewards (סָרִיסִים - sarisim): More accurately "eunuchs" or "officials," often implying high administrative positions in the royal household, especially overseeing finances and property. Here, they are specifically "over all the property and livestock" (רְכוּשׁ וּמִקְנֶה - rekush u'miqneh), highlighting the careful management of royal wealth, resources which would be significant for the temple project.
• king and his sons: Refers to David and his heirs, especially Solomon, whose authority is being confirmed, and for whom the wealth is being managed.
• together with (וְהַסָּרִיסִים - vehassarissim, a slight textual nuance but implying inclusion): Signifies that all listed categories were present and participating.
• the officials (הַשָׂרִים - hassarim): This specific repetition, along with "mighty men" and "valiant warriors," likely refers to the highest-ranking political and military figures in David's court, a council of advisors or special advisors close to the king.
• mighty men (הַגִּבֹּרִים - haggibborim): David's elite, renowned warriors (2 Sam 23:8-39), famous for their valor and loyalty, signifying the unwavering support of the king's most trusted and formidable champions.
• valiant warriors (וְכָל-גִּבּוֹרֵי הַחַיִל - vechol-gibborei hahayil): Literally "all the mighty men of valor," referring to a broader category of brave and capable fighters beyond David's immediate elite. Their presence underscores the full strength and dedication of the nation's military power.
• in Jerusalem (בִּירוּשָׁלִַם - bîrūshālayim): The capital city, chosen by David (2 Sam 5:6-9), which would become the permanent location of the Temple and the spiritual heart of Israel, a place consecrated for God's presence. The central location emphasizes the national scope and spiritual importance of the event.

Word Groups and Phrases

• "all the officials of Israel... and all the valiant warriors": This comprehensive list shows that David gathered representatives from every aspect of Israelite society – civil, military, administrative, and tribal. This wasn't a partial consultation but a national convocation designed to ensure unified consent and cooperation for the succession and the monumental Temple project. It emphasizes a structured and divinely-ordered kingdom, contrasting with arbitrary leadership.
• "the commanders of the divisions that served the king": This highlights the military organization and readiness of Israel under David, implying not just physical strength but also the discipline and commitment needed to serve the divine will. These divisions, detailed in 1 Chr 27, underscore a prepared and well-managed kingdom.
• "stewards of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons": This demonstrates the material foundation available for the kingdom's work, including the Temple construction. It points to God's blessing of David with wealth, but also David's foresight and the importance of good stewardship for God's purposes. It is a material sign of God's provision for His kingdom work.

1 Chronicles 28 1 Bonus section

This assembly reflects the Chronicler's theological emphasis on unity, Davidic covenant, the proper order of worship, and the importance of the Temple. Unlike Kings, which might focus more on the political succession, Chronicles meticulously lists the various leaders, underscoring the spiritual importance of national cohesion and shared commitment to God's plan. It foreshadows the unity and diversity of gifts necessary for the building up of the spiritual Temple, the Church (Eph 2:20-22), under the ultimate leadership of Christ, the true Son of David and King. The detailed enumeration of officials highlights that all levels of authority and segments of society, civil and military, had a part to play in God's greater plan.

1 Chronicles 28 1 Commentary

1 Chronicles 28:1 sets the stage for David's final public charge and vision for Israel. This grand assembly in Jerusalem, involving a meticulously listed hierarchy of Israelite leaders, signifies more than just a passing of the scepter. It is a carefully orchestrated, divinely appointed moment designed to establish Solomon's legitimacy and national unity around the supreme task of building the Lord's Temple. David, a man whose life exemplified dependence on God, models here the essence of leadership: acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty, preparing diligently, and ensuring a smooth, consensual transition of authority rooted in God's command. The gathering itself embodies the collective body of Israel, indicating their willing participation and dedication to God's overarching purpose for their nation, solidifying the vision of Jerusalem as the chosen capital and the heart of worship. This verse illustrates orderly governance and a unified purpose for the glory of God.