ⓘDavid organized his reserve army into twelve divisions....
David organized his reserve army into twelve divisions. Each division served for one month each year. Their duties likely included protecting borders, policing, maintaining order in conquered areas, manning fortresses, and taking care of military equipment like horses and chariots. The divisions were not based on Israel’s tribal structure. Each division included people from different tribes, showing the kingdom's integration.
1This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:
2Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division. 3He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month.
4Dodai†the Ahohite was in charge of the division for the second month, and Mikloth was the leader. There were 24,000 men in his division.
5The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. There were 24,000 men in his division. 6This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.
7The fourth, for the fourth month, was Joab’s brother Asahel, and his son Zebadiah was commander after him. There were 24,000 men in his division.
8The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth†the Izrahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
9The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira son of Ikkeshthe Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
10The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helezthe Pelonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
11The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecaithe Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
12The ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezerthe Anathothite, a Benjamite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
13The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharaithe Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
14The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiahthe Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
15The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai†the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There were 24,000 men in his division.
The Leaders of the Twelve Tribes
ⓘThe order of the tribes generally follows Numbers...
The order of the tribes generally follows Numbers 1:5–15. It starts with Leah's six sons, then Rachel's two sons (Joseph's tribe is divided into Ephraim and Manasseh, followed by Benjamin), and then Bilhah's two sons (Dan and Naphtali). There are some changes:
Naphtali is moved to his location next to Zebulun
The tribe of Levi is added according to Levi's birth order, with Aaron's family (the priests) listed separately
The list does not include Zilpah's two sons, Gad and Asher
16These officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel:
Over the Reubeniteswas Eliezer son of Zichri; over the Simeoniteswas Shephatiah son of Maacah;
17over Leviwas Hashabiah son of Kemuel; over Aaronwas Zadok;
18over Judahwas Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issacharwas Omri son of Michael;
19over Zebulunwas Ishmaiah son of Obadiah; over Naphtaliwas Jerimoth son of Azriel;
20over the Ephraimiteswas Hoshea son of Azaziah; over one of the half-tribes of Manassehwas Joel son of Pedaiah;
21over the half-tribe of Manassehin Gileadwas Iddo son of Zechariah; over Benjaminwas Jaasiel son of Abner;
22and over Danwas Azarel son of Jeroham.
These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
23David did not count the men aged twenty or under, because the LORD had said that He would make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky. 24Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David.
David’s Various Overseers
ⓘAncient kings, like David, gathered a lot of...
Ancient kings, like David, gathered a lot of property. This list details parts of David's estate, such as storehouses in Jerusalem and other areas, land for farming, and different kinds of livestock.
25Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses.
26Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers in the fields who tilled the soil.
27Shimeithe Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards. Zabdithe Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyardsfor the wine vats.
28Baal-hananthe Gederite was in charge of the oliveand sycamore treesin the foothills.† Joashwas in charge of the stores of oliveoil.
29Shitraithe Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon. Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.
30Obilthe Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels. Jehdeiahthe Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.
31Jazizthe Hagrite was in charge of the flocks. All these officials were in charge of King David’s property.
The Counselors
ⓘThe list of David's officials ends with influential...
The list of David's officials ends with influential people close to the king.
A wise counselor to the king was likely a trusted advisor.
32David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king.
33Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushaithe Archite was the king’s friend.
34Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army.
Commentary
1 Chronicles 27:18
The name Elihu might refer to Eliab (1 Chronicles 2:13), or he might have been another brother of David.