1 Chronicles 26:30

KJV

[And] of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, [were] officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the Hebronites {H2276}, Hashabiah {H2811} and his brethren {H251}, men {H1121} of valour {H2428}, a thousand {H505} and seven {H7651} hundred {H3967}, were officers {H6486} among them of Israel {H3478} on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} westward {H4628} in all the business {H4399} of the LORD {H3068}, and in the service {H5656} of the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the Hevroni: Hashavyah and his kinsmen, 1,700 valiant men, had the oversight of Isra'el west of the Yarden in regard to all the business of ADONAI and the service of the king.

Berean Standard Bible

From the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, had charge of the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king.

American Standard Version

Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valor, a thousand and seven hundred, had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the business of Jehovah, and for the service of the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:30 offers a profound glimpse into King David's meticulous and divinely inspired organization of the Levitical clans, specifically highlighting the Hebronites' significant administrative and logistical responsibilities. This verse underscores the strategic deployment of 1,700 "men of valour" under Hashabiah, who were appointed as officers overseeing both the sacred "business of the LORD" and the civil "service of the king" in the territories west of the Jordan River. It reveals David's foresight in establishing a robust and integrated system of governance and worship, ensuring the efficient functioning of the nascent kingdom and the preparation for the future temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that meticulously details King David's extensive preparations for the future temple and the comprehensive organization of the Levitical priesthood and administration. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the various roles within the Levites, beginning with the gatekeepers (vv. 1-19) and moving to the treasurers and other officials responsible for the temple's sacred treasures (vv. 20-28). Verses 29-32 then broaden the scope to include external administrative and judicial duties. Thus, 1 Chronicles 26:30, alongside verses 29, 31, and 32, describes the Levites' involvement in the general administration of the kingdom, demonstrating that their service extended beyond the immediate temple precincts to encompass civil and judicial oversight throughout Israel. This progression illustrates the holistic nature of David's vision for a well-ordered nation under God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David, nearing the end of his reign, was deeply committed to establishing a stable and divinely ordered kingdom for his successor, Solomon. This period was marked by significant administrative reforms aimed at centralizing power and ensuring the proper functioning of both religious and civil institutions. In ancient Israel, a theocratic society, the distinction between sacred and secular was often blurred; religious principles permeated all aspects of national life, including governance, justice, and community welfare. The Levites, traditionally responsible for religious duties, were therefore uniquely positioned to serve in these dual capacities. Their appointment as "officers" across different regions, particularly "on this side Jordan westward" (the primary populated area of Israel), highlights the practical implementation of David's vision to bring order and divine law to every corner of his kingdom, preparing for the grand undertaking of building the Temple in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous organization described in 1 Chronicles 26:30 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. First, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Administration**, showcasing David's commitment to establishing a kingdom that reflects God's own character of order and wisdom. This foresight in planning ensured stability and efficiency for generations to come, a theme echoed in [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1-chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Instructions for the Temple"). Second, the verse highlights the concept of **Integrated Service and Dual Responsibility**, where the Hebronites served both "the business of the LORD" (religious and temple affairs) and "the service of the king" (civil administration). This underscores the holistic nature of faith in ancient Israel, where all aspects of life were to be consecrated to God, a principle visible throughout the Law in books like [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Third, the description of these men as "men of valour" points to the theme of **Competence and God-Given Gifts**. It stresses that those appointed to positions of leadership and service were chosen not just for their lineage but for their demonstrated capability and effectiveness, reflecting the importance of diligent stewardship of talents for God's purposes, as seen in [1 Chronicles 23:4](/1-chronicles/23-4 "1 Chronicles 23:4 - Levites' Duties").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valour (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term (חַיִל) is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere military bravery. While it can denote strength or a fighting force, in administrative or economic contexts, as here, it signifies capability, efficiency, effectiveness, competence, and even wealth or resources. Describing the 1,700 Hebronites as "men of valour" indicates that they were highly qualified, competent, and effective individuals, well-suited for their significant administrative and oversight roles in both religious and civil affairs. It speaks to their moral and practical fitness for leadership.
* **Officers (Hebrew, _pəqādîm'_):** Derived from the root פקד (paqad), meaning "to visit, appoint, command, muster, or oversee," _pəqādîm_ (פְקָדִים) refers to those appointed to oversight or supervisory positions. These were not just ordinary workers but individuals entrusted with significant authority and responsibility to manage, inspect, and direct affairs. Their role as "officers" highlights their leadership capacity and the trust placed in them by King David to ensure the proper execution of duties across the western territories of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren":** This clause identifies the specific Levitical clan—the Hebronites, descendants of Kohath, one of Levi's sons—and names Hashabiah as a prominent leader among them. The mention of "his brethren" (a thousand and seven hundred) emphasizes the collective strength and organized nature of this large contingent, indicating a significant, well-structured group within the Levitical administration.
* **"men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred":** This phrase describes the quality and quantity of the Hebronite contingent. "Men of valour" (אִישׁ חַיִל, _ish chayil_) signifies their competence, strength, and effectiveness, not just their physical prowess. The precise number, 1,700, underscores the meticulous census and organization undertaken by David, highlighting the scale of the administrative structure he put in place.
* **"[were] officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward":** This specifies their appointed role and geographical jurisdiction. As "officers" (_pəqādîm_), they held positions of oversight and authority. Their sphere of influence was the territory "on this side Jordan westward," meaning the main populated areas of the Promised Land, west of the Jordan River. This indicates a broad administrative reach beyond the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem or the temple.
* **"in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king":** This crucial phrase defines the dual nature of their responsibilities. "The business of the LORD" refers to matters pertaining to the temple, worship, religious law, and sacred affairs. "The service of the king" refers to civil administration, judicial matters, and royal affairs. This highlights the integrated nature of religious and secular duties in ancient Israel's theocratic system, where the Levites played a vital role in both spiritual and governmental functions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** by precisely stating the number of men (1,700), which underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of David's organizational efforts. The phrase "men of valour" serves as a powerful instance of **Emphasis**, highlighting the essential quality and competence required for these significant roles, rather than just their numerical strength. Furthermore, the description of their duties as encompassing "all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king" functions as a **Merism**. This literary device uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a whole, indicating that the Hebronites' responsibilities covered the entirety of national affairs—both the sacred and the civil—demonstrating the holistic integration of faith and governance in Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:30 profoundly illustrates God's value for order, diligence, and competent administration within His kingdom. It reveals that the sacred work of God is not haphazard but requires careful planning, skilled personnel, and dedicated oversight. The dual responsibility of the Hebronites—serving both the Lord and the king—underscores the biblical principle that all legitimate spheres of life, whether spiritual or civil, can be avenues for God's service. This holistic view of stewardship reminds believers that their faith should permeate every aspect of their existence, from their worship to their daily work and civic engagement. God delights in those who apply their gifts and abilities with excellence and integrity for the common good and His glory.

* [Nehemiah 7:2](/nehemiah/7-2 "Nehemiah 7:2 - Godly Administration")
* [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - Woman of Valor")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative structure described in 1 Chronicles 26:30 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the importance of order, diligence, and competence in all our endeavors, whether in our personal lives, our families, our workplaces, or our churches. Just as the Hebronites were "men of valour" tasked with significant oversight, we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts, resources, and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. This verse encourages us to integrate our faith into every sphere of life, recognizing that our "business of the LORD" (our spiritual devotion and church involvement) should seamlessly flow into our "service of the king" (our secular work, civic duties, and interactions in the world). Every task, when performed with excellence and a heart of worship, can become an act of service to God, reflecting His character of order and wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on order and administration in 1 Chronicles 26:30 challenge or affirm your approach to responsibilities in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you better integrate your "business of the LORD" (spiritual life) with your "service of the king" (secular duties or civic responsibilities)?**
* **What does it mean for you to be a "person of valor" in your current sphere of influence, and how can you cultivate such competence for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Hebronites' role "on this side Jordan westward"?**

Answer: The phrase "on this side Jordan westward" (מֵעֵבֶר לַיַּרְדֵּן מַעְרָבָה) refers to the primary and most populated part of the Promised Land, encompassing the territories of the major tribes of Israel. By placing 1,700 Hebronite officers, described as "men of valour," in this region, King David ensured that the vast majority of the kingdom's population and land were under direct, competent Levitical oversight. This strategic deployment facilitated the efficient collection of temple revenues, the administration of justice, and the general maintenance of order and adherence to the Law throughout the core of Israel. It highlights David's comprehensive approach to governance, extending the influence of the central administration and the principles of God's law to every corner of the nation, preparing for the future temple's operational needs and the kingdom's stability.

**How does this verse relate to the overall purpose of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 26:30 perfectly aligns with the overarching purpose of the book of Chronicles, which was written for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. The Chronicler sought to encourage and instruct them by emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with David, the importance of proper worship centered on the Temple, and the necessity of a well-ordered community. This verse, by detailing the meticulous organization of the Levites for both sacred and civil duties under David, serves several key purposes: it validates the Davidic line and the legitimacy of the Jerusalem temple; it provides a blueprint for proper religious and civil administration, encouraging the returning exiles to re-establish these structures; and it underscores the importance of every individual's role, even in seemingly mundane administrative tasks, as vital to the "business of the LORD" and the well-being of the nation. It reminds the audience that God values order and competence in all aspects of life, especially in service to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:30 details the administrative order of the Old Covenant, it points forward to the ultimate order established by Christ, the true King and Administrator of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, as the Son of David, inherits and perfects the Davidic kingdom, not through earthly administration of a physical territory, but through His spiritual reign over all creation. He is the ultimate "officer" who perfectly executes the "business of the LORD," fulfilling the Law and the Prophets through His life, death, and resurrection, thereby taking away the sin of the world and reconciling humanity to God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His "service of the king" is His perfect obedience to the Father's will, establishing His eternal kingdom. Just as David organized the Levites, Christ, after His resurrection, commissioned His disciples and established His Church, delegating authority and gifting believers for various roles within His body ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"); [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Body")). Every believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to be a "person of valor" in their unique sphere, contributing to the "business of the LORD" through their spiritual gifts and to the "service of the King" by living out their faith in all aspects of life, knowing that Christ "upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")) and that whatever we do, we are to "do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work as for the Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 27:17

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

1 Chronicles 23:19

Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 23:12

The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.