1 Chronicles 27:1

¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.

Now the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} after their number {H4557}, to wit, the chief {H7218} fathers {H1} and captains {H8269} of thousands {H505} and hundreds {H3967}, and their officers {H7860} that served {H8334} the king {H4428} in any matter {H1697} of the courses {H4256}, which came in {H935} and went out {H3318} month {H2320} by month {H2320} throughout all the months {H2320} of the year {H8141}, of every {H259} course {H4256} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

The people of Isra'el, registered according to their clan leaders, were drafted for army duty under captains of thousands and of hundreds, and officers serving the king, in divisions of 24,000 each, for month-long terms of duty covering all the months of the year.

This 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:

Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the heads of fathers’housesand the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers that served the king, in any matter of the courses which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year—of every course were twenty and four thousand.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:1 introduces a detailed look into the administrative and military structure established by King David in his later years. This verse sets the stage for a comprehensive list of high-ranking officials and their rotating duties, illustrating David's meticulous organization of the kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse appears within a section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that elaborates on David's preparations for the temple and the organization of the Levites, priests, and various civil and military departments. After detailing the mighty men who served David (1 Chronicles 11) and the census (1 Chronicles 21), this chapter focuses on the practical, ongoing governance of the nation. It highlights how David, despite his advanced age, was actively involved in establishing systems for the future stability and defense of his kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization: The verse emphasizes David's commitment to establishing a highly structured and efficient government. The system of "courses" and specific numbers (twenty and four thousand) per course underscores a deliberate move towards institutional stability and away from ad-hoc leadership.
  • Service and Duty: It highlights the various roles and responsibilities within the kingdom, from "chief fathers" (heads of ancestral houses) to "captains of thousands and hundreds" (military leaders) and "officers." All were dedicated to serving the king and, by extension, the nation of Israel.
  • Preparedness and Readiness: The monthly rotation of 24,000 men implies a standing, ready force capable of both military defense and civil administration. This ensured continuous readiness for any matter affecting the kingdom, demonstrating foresight in national security and governance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to wit" in the King James Version is an archaic English term meaning "namely" or "that is to say." It serves to clarify that the subsequent list of "chief fathers and captains" specifies those included in "the children of Israel after their number." The concept of "courses" (Hebrew: machalaqot) signifies divisions or rotations. This systematic approach was also famously used in the organization of the priests and Levites for temple service (e.g., 1 Chronicles 24:1), underscoring a consistent, well-planned method for national service under David's reign.

Related Scriptures

This detailed administrative setup reflects David's comprehensive vision for his kingdom, mirroring the meticulous instructions given for the temple's construction and service (e.g., 1 Chronicles 28:11-19). It underscores the principle that effective leadership involves not just military prowess but also meticulous organization and delegation. This lesson is also found in Moses' experience with Jethro's counsel on delegating authority (Exodus 18:21-22), highlighting a timeless biblical principle of wise administration.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 27:1 speaks to the importance of order, accountability, and faithful service in all areas of life, whether in personal responsibilities, community engagement, or church ministry. Just as King David organized his kingdom for effective governance and defense, we are called to be diligent and organized in our callings, recognizing that God is a God of order, not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). This verse encourages us to appreciate the value of structured service and the roles various individuals play in the larger body, contributing to its strength and stability.

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Cross-References

  • Micah 5:2 (2 votes)

    But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

  • Exodus 18:25 (2 votes)

    And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

  • 1 Kings 4:7 (2 votes)

    And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

  • 1 Kings 4:27 (2 votes)

    And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing.

  • 1 Chronicles 13:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, [and] with every leader.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:11 (2 votes)

    Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, [one] of the king's captains.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:13 (2 votes)

    And under their hand [was] an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.