1 Chronicles 26:32

And his brethren, men of valour, [were] two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.

And his brethren {H251}, men {H1121} of valour {H2428}, were two thousand {H505} and seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} chief {H7218} fathers {H1}, whom king {H4428} David {H1732} made rulers {H6485} over the Reubenites {H7206}, the Gadites {H1425}, and the half {H2677} tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4520}, for every matter {H1697} pertaining to God {H430}, and affairs {H1697} of the king {H4428}.

King David appointed 2,700 of his kinsmen, valiant men and clan leaders, as overseers over the Re'uveni, the Gadi and the half-tribe of the M'nashi for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.

Among Jerijah’s relatives there were 2,700 capable men who were heads of families. King David appointed them over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and to the affairs of the king.

And his brethren, men of valor, were two thousand and seven hundred, heads of fathers’ houses, whom king David made overseers over the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites, for every matter pertaining to God, and for the affairs of the king.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:32 offers a glimpse into King David's extensive and meticulous administrative structure, particularly concerning the Levites and their diverse roles throughout Israel. This verse highlights a specific group of leaders appointed over the tribes east of the Jordan River, underscoring the integration of spiritual and civil governance in ancient Israel.

Context

This verse concludes a lengthy section in 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) detailing David's organization of the Levites, not just for temple service but also for various administrative and judicial duties. After establishing roles for temple musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers, David turned his attention to broader national oversight. The individuals mentioned in verse 32, "his brethren," refer to the descendants of Hebron (specifically from the family of Izhar, as indicated in 1 Chronicles 26:30), who were assigned significant leadership responsibilities. This comprehensive organization reflects David's meticulous planning and foresight in establishing a stable and well-governed kingdom before Solomon's reign.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Competent and Qualified Leadership: The phrase "men of valour" (Hebrew: anshei chayil) signifies not just physical strength, but also competence, capability, wealth, and moral integrity. These were experienced and respected leaders, indicating David's emphasis on appointing highly qualified individuals to positions of authority.
  • Integrated Governance: The rulers were responsible for "every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king." This demonstrates the seamless blending of spiritual and civil jurisdiction in Israelite society. Matters of justice, law, and social order were often seen through a divine lens, requiring leadership that understood both religious principles and practical administration. These leaders served as both judges in legal disputes and administrators of royal decrees, much like the roles described in Deuteronomy 17:9.
  • Strategic Delegation: David delegated authority to these 2,700 "chief fathers" (heads of clans or families) over the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These were the tribes located east of the Jordan, a significant and often challenging region to govern, emphasizing the importance of strong, local leadership.
  • Order and Administration: The sheer number of officials and the detailed descriptions of their roles throughout 1 Chronicles highlight David's commitment to establishing a well-ordered and efficient administration for the entire nation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "men of valour" (Hebrew: anshei chayil) is rich in meaning. While it can denote military prowess, in this context, it emphasizes their suitability for leadership, implying they were capable, influential, and trustworthy individuals. It speaks to their overall excellence and fitness for weighty responsibilities, encompassing wisdom, integrity, and administrative skill.

Practical Application

The principles seen in 1 Chronicles 26:32 remain relevant today:

  • Importance of Qualified Leadership: Whether in government, business, or religious organizations, selecting leaders who possess competence, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility is crucial for effective management and societal well-being.
  • Holistic Responsibility: The verse reminds us that effective leadership often involves understanding and addressing both the spiritual and practical needs of a community. Leaders are called to consider ethical dimensions alongside administrative duties.
  • Delegation and Organization: David's example shows the wisdom of delegating authority to capable individuals and establishing clear organizational structures for efficient functioning, a principle valuable in any large-scale endeavor.

This verse serves as a testament to David's legacy as a king who not only fought battles but also meticulously built a functional and divinely-guided nation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 19:11

    And, behold, Amariah the chief priest [is] over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites [shall be] officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:37

    And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:12

    And said unto them, Ye [are] the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, [both] ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto [the place that] I have prepared for it.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:31

    These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:24

    ¶ These [were] the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; [even] the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
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