1 Chronicles 27:16

KJV

¶ Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites [was] Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

KJV (with Strong's)

Furthermore over the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}: the ruler {H5057} of the Reubenites {H7206} was Eliezer {H461} the son {H1121} of Zichri {H2147}: of the Simeonites {H8099}, Shephatiah {H8203} the son {H1121} of Maachah {H4601}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Over the the tribes of Isra'el: leader of the Re'uveni: Eli'ezer the son of Zikhri; of the Shim'oni: Sh'fatyah the son of Ma'akhah;

Berean Standard Bible

These officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel: Over the Reubenites was Eliezer son of Zichri; over the Simeonites was Shephatiah son of Maacah;

American Standard Version

Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri the ruler: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:16 meticulously records the appointed tribal rulers under King David's reign, specifically naming Eliezer the son of Zichri as the leader of the Reubenites and Shephatiah the son of Maachah as the leader of the Simeonites. This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive administrative register that underscores David's commitment to establishing a highly organized and stable kingdom, ensuring effective governance and the welfare of all twelve tribes through delegated, accountable leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter dedicated to detailing King David's extensive administrative and military organization. Following the enumeration of the monthly military divisions and their commanders in [1 Chronicles 27:1-15](/1_chronicles/27-1 "1 Chronicles 27:1-15 - David's Military Divisions"), verse 16 initiates the listing of the chief officers appointed over each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This section, which continues through [1 Chronicles 27:22](/1_chronicles/27-22 "1 Chronicles 27:22 - Tribal Rulers"), is followed by an account of other royal officials responsible for various aspects of the kingdom's administration, such as treasury, agriculture, and legal matters ([1 Chronicles 27:25-34](/1_chronicles/27-25 "1 Chronicles 27:25-34 - Royal Officials")). The Chronicler's emphasis on these detailed lists highlights David's foresight and meticulous planning in establishing a robust and efficient government, which was crucial for the nation's spiritual and practical well-being, particularly in preparation for the [building of the Temple](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - David's Preparations for the Temple") by Solomon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign marked a significant transition for Israel from a loose confederacy of tribes to a unified, centralized monarchy. While tribal identity remained strong, David's administrative reforms, including the appointment of specific tribal rulers, were essential for consolidating power, administering justice, and ensuring the effective communication and implementation of royal decrees across the entire nation. These leaders served as vital intermediaries between the central government in Jerusalem and the distinct tribal territories, managing local affairs, resolving disputes, and mobilizing resources. Such detailed administrative lists were common in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, serving not only as practical records but also as testaments to the king's authority, the kingdom's stability, and the orderly structure of the realm, often reflecting a divinely sanctioned order.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administration") and specifically in verse 16 contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the importance of **Order and Governance**, demonstrating David's understanding that a well-structured kingdom required designated leaders for each tribe, ensuring accountability and effective management. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Leadership and Responsibility**, as each tribal ruler bore significant responsibility for their people, serving as a vital link between the central government and the individual tribes. This system ensured that the king's decrees and the nation's policies could be effectively communicated and implemented throughout Israel, reflecting the principle found in [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous Rule") that "when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice." Finally, the listing of specific individuals like Eliezer and Shephatiah emphasizes the ongoing importance of **Tribal Identity and Continuity** within the unified Israelite nation, maintaining unique heritage while operating under a central authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ruler (Hebrew, נָגִיד, _nagid_):** This term signifies a prince, leader, or chief, often implying one who is appointed or designated to a position of authority, rather than inheriting it directly. In the context of David's administration, it emphasizes that these individuals were chosen and entrusted with significant responsibility by the king, serving as his representatives and ensuring the orderly functioning of the tribal units within the broader kingdom.
* **Tribes (Hebrew, שֵׁבֶט, _shevet_):** Literally meaning "rod" or "staff," this word came to denote a clan, family, or tribe, representing the fundamental social and political divisions of Israel. Even after the establishment of the monarchy, the tribal structure remained a crucial element of Israelite identity and administration, necessitating specific leaders for each to maintain order and connection to the central government.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Furthermore over the tribes of Israel:"**: This introductory phrase sets the scope of the following list, indicating a continuation of David's administrative appointments, specifically focusing on the leadership structure within the traditional tribal divisions of the nation. It highlights the comprehensive nature of David's organization, extending to every segment of Israel.
* **"the ruler of the Reubenites [was] Eliezer the son of Zichri:"**: This clause identifies the first specific tribal leader. Eliezer, son of Zichri, was appointed as the chief over the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. This designation underscores the importance of maintaining an administrative presence even in the trans-Jordanian territories where Reuben had settled, ensuring their integration into the unified kingdom.
* **"of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:"**: This clause continues the enumeration, naming Shephatiah, son of Maachah, as the appointed ruler for the tribe of Simeon. This specific mention illustrates David's meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each tribe, regardless of its size or prominence, had a designated leader responsible for its governance and its connection to the central authority.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation in 1 Chronicles 27:16, as part of a larger chapter of administrative lists, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **List-Making**. This detailed cataloging serves several purposes: it emphasizes the **Order** and **Structure** that characterized David's reign, portraying him as a meticulous and effective administrator. The **Repetition** of the pattern "ruler of X was Y" reinforces the systematic nature of these appointments. Furthermore, the very act of recording these names and roles serves as **Historicism** and **Record-Keeping**, validating the legitimacy of David's kingdom and the divine blessing upon his efforts to establish a stable and organized nation. It underscores the Chronicler's interest in demonstrating the ideal Davidic kingdom as a model of righteous governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed administrative lists in 1 Chronicles, including the specific appointments in 1 Chronicles 27:16, speak profoundly to the theological theme of divine order and the importance of delegated authority within God's people. Just as God is a God of order, not of confusion ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")), so too is the well-being of His kingdom on earth facilitated by clear structures and responsible leadership. David's meticulous organization reflects a stewardship principle, recognizing that governing God's people requires diligence, foresight, and the careful selection of individuals to bear responsibility. These tribal rulers were not merely civil servants but were part of a system designed to ensure justice, uphold God's law, and prepare the nation for its sacred purposes, including the construction of the Temple. Their roles underscore the biblical emphasis on accountability and the necessity of faithful leadership for the flourishing of a community under God.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Moses' Delegation of Authority")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointment of Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous record of David's administrative appointments, as seen in 1 Chronicles 27:16, offers timeless principles for contemporary life. It reminds us that effective leadership and thoughtful organization are not merely practical necessities but often reflect a commitment to good stewardship and a desire for flourishing within any community—be it a family, a church, a business, or a nation. Just as David sought to bring order and accountability to Israel, we are called to bring intentionality and structure to our own spheres of influence. This involves identifying and empowering capable individuals, delegating responsibilities wisely, and fostering environments where accountability and service are valued. The stability of David's kingdom, in part, rested on these foundations, demonstrating that a well-ordered structure, guided by righteous principles, enables a community to fulfill its purpose and thrive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's meticulous organization challenge my own approach to personal or communal responsibilities?**
* **In what areas of my life or community could greater intentionality in leadership and organization lead to more flourishing?**
* **What qualities do Eliezer and Shephatiah, as appointed rulers, implicitly teach us about the nature of faithful stewardship and delegated authority?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of names and roles important in the book of Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed lists in Chronicles, including the administrative appointments in 1 Chronicles 27, serve several crucial purposes for the Chronicler's audience. Firstly, they establish the **legitimacy and divine sanction** of the Davidic monarchy, demonstrating that David's kingdom was not chaotic but divinely ordered and meticulously organized. Secondly, they highlight David's **foresight and administrative genius**, portraying him as an ideal king who prepared thoroughly for the nation's future, including the eventual building of the Temple under Solomon ([1 Chronicles 22:5](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - David's Preparations for the Temple")). Thirdly, these lists function as **historical records**, preserving the lineage and roles of prominent families and individuals within Israel, which was vital for post-exilic communities re-establishing their identity and heritage. Finally, they underscore the **importance of order and accountability** within God's people, demonstrating that even earthly governance can reflect divine principles of structure and responsibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:16 details the earthly administration of King David, it points forward to the ultimate, perfect governance of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. David's meticulous organization of his kingdom, appointing leaders over tribes to ensure order and justice, foreshadows Christ's establishment of His spiritual kingdom, the Church. Just as David delegated authority to his chosen rulers, Jesus, the true Son of David and King of kings, has established His Church with apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church")), all serving under His supreme headship ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The order and structure seen in David's reign find their ultimate fulfillment in the perfectly ordered and eternally stable reign of Christ, who governs His people not through tribal rulers but through the indwelling Holy Spirit and the spiritual authority He has bestowed upon His Church for the building up of the saints and the spread of His gospel to every tribe and nation ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). He is the ultimate "Ruler" (נָגִיד, _nagid_) over all, whose kingdom is without end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")).

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.