1 Chronicles 27:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the Levites {H3881}, Hashabiah {H2811} the son {H1121} of Kemuel {H7055}: of the Aaronites {H175}, Zadok {H6659}:

Complete Jewish Bible

of Levi: Hashavyah the son of K'mu'el; of Aharon: Tzadok;

Berean Standard Bible

over Levi was Hashabiah son of Kemuel; over Aaron was Zadok;

American Standard Version

of Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of Aaron, Zadok:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:17 is a concise yet significant verse within David's meticulous administrative roster, specifically identifying Hashabiah as the overseer of the Levites and Zadok as the overseer of the Aaronites. This detail underscores King David's commitment to a divinely ordered governance that integrated spiritual leadership and priestly functions directly into the national administration, ensuring the proper functioning of Israel's religious life alongside its military and tribal structures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 27 of 1 Chronicles provides a comprehensive and detailed account of King David's administrative organization for his kingdom, demonstrating his foresight and commitment to orderly governance. This chapter outlines the monthly military divisions, the tribal leaders, and various royal administrators and counselors. Verse 17 specifically fits within the section detailing the overseers of the twelve tribes of Israel (1 Chronicles 27:16-22), adding a crucial layer of spiritual leadership to the broader administrative framework. Its inclusion here highlights that the spiritual well-being and proper religious functioning of the nation were considered as integral to its overall governance as military strength or tribal representation. This meticulous record-keeping reflects the Chronicler's emphasis on David's role in establishing the structures that would serve the future temple and the spiritual life of Israel, as seen in his [detailed instructions for the temple](/1_chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11 - David's Instructions for the Temple") built by Solomon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is King David's reign, a period of significant consolidation and organization for the Israelite kingdom. Following years of war and establishing Jerusalem as the capital, David focused on solidifying the nation's internal structures. In ancient Israel, the roles of the Levites and Aaronites were divinely ordained and central to the nation's covenant relationship with God, as established in the Mosaic Law. The Levites were set apart for service in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), assisting the priests, maintaining the sacred space, serving as musicians, gatekeepers, and teachers of the Law. The Aaronites, a specific lineage within the Levites, held the exclusive right to the priesthood, performing sacrifices and ministering directly before God. David's appointment of specific overseers for these groups within his national administration reflects the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where spiritual and civil authority were deeply intertwined. Zadok, in particular, was a highly significant figure, a loyal priest who remained faithful to David during Absalom's rebellion and later became the sole high priest under Solomon, underscoring his prominence and reliability within the spiritual leadership (cf. [2 Samuel 8:17](/2_samuel/8-17 "2 Samuel 8:17 - Zadok and Ahimelech as Priests")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several significant themes. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Order and Administration**, showcasing David's commitment to meticulous organization that mirrored God's own character of order and precision. The detailed record-keeping and appointment of specific leaders for distinct roles demonstrate a kingdom managed with foresight and purpose. Second, it highlights the importance of **Specialized Service** within the community, with the Levites and Aaronites having distinct, divinely appointed responsibilities crucial for the spiritual health and covenant faithfulness of the nation. Their roles were not interchangeable but complementary, each vital for the functioning of the whole. Third, the inclusion of leaders from the priestly and Levitical tribes within the broader national administration underscores the **Integration of Spiritual Leadership** as central to the life of Israel. This wasn't merely a secular government with a religious veneer; rather, the spiritual and covenant relationship with God was foundational to the nation's identity and governance, permeating all aspects of public life and administration, from military to tribal to religious oversight.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, לְוִיִּם, _Levi'im_):** This term refers to the descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This tribe was uniquely set apart by God for sacred service to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a territorial inheritance but were sustained by tithes and offerings. Their duties were diverse, encompassing roles as musicians, gatekeepers, treasurers, scribes, judges, and assistants to the priests in various ritual duties. Hashabiah's role as overseer would have involved managing this complex and vital workforce.
* **Aaronites (Hebrew, אַהֲרֹנִים, _Aharonim_):** This term designates the specific lineage within the tribe of Levi that descended directly from Aaron, Moses' brother. The Aaronites held the exclusive right to the priesthood, performing the most sacred rituals, offering sacrifices, burning incense, ministering in the Holy Place, and instructing the people in God's Law. Zadok's position as overseer of the Aaronites signifies his preeminent role in overseeing the spiritual core of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel:"**: This clause identifies Hashabiah, the son of Kemuel, as the designated leader or overseer specifically for the Levites. His appointment indicates a structured approach to managing the vast and diverse responsibilities of the Levitical tribe. Hashabiah would have been responsible for ensuring that the Levites fulfilled their duties related to the Tabernacle/Temple service, music, teaching, and other administrative tasks, thereby maintaining order and efficiency in the religious life of the nation.
* **"of the Aaronites, Zadok:"**: This second clause names Zadok as the overseer of the Aaronites, the priestly line. Zadok was a highly significant figure in David's reign, serving as a high priest alongside Abiathar. His inclusion here emphasizes the supreme importance of the priesthood in the national administration and spiritual life of Israel. Zadok's role would have involved overseeing the priests' duties, ensuring the proper performance of sacrifices, rituals, and the instruction of God's Law, thereby upholding the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation in 1 Chronicles 27:17, within the broader chapter, employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **List/Register**, as the entire chapter is a detailed enumeration of officials and their roles. This meticulous cataloging emphasizes the theme of divine order and the comprehensive nature of David's administrative foresight. The very act of listing creates a sense of completeness and intentionality. Another device at play is **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "Levites" and "Aaronites" stand in not just for the individuals but for the entire tribal or priestly groups and their divinely ordained functions within Israel's religious system. The names Hashabiah and Zadok, therefore, represent the leadership and oversight of these crucial institutions. Finally, the **Juxtaposition** of spiritual leaders (Levites, Aaronites) alongside military commanders and tribal chiefs highlights the integral and foundational role of spiritual matters within the overall governance of the kingdom, underscoring the theocratic nature of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, particularly the integration of spiritual leadership through the Levites and Aaronites, profoundly illustrates God's character of order and His desire for His people to live in well-structured communities. This Old Testament administrative detail foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as the body of Christ, where diverse gifts and roles are essential for the common good and effective ministry. Just as Hashabiah and Zadok were appointed to oversee distinct but complementary functions, the early church recognized the need for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for ministry, ensuring the body's healthy growth and functioning. The emphasis on specialized service underscores that every part has a vital role, contributing to the whole, reflecting God's design for both ancient Israel and the church today.

* [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Appointment of Levites and Aaronites")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative lists in 1 Chronicles, including the specific mention of Hashabiah and Zadok, might initially seem mundane, yet they offer profound insights for contemporary believers. They remind us that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that effective organization and clear roles are vital for any healthy community, including the church. Just as David meticulously structured his kingdom to serve God's purposes, we are called to bring intentionality and order to our spiritual lives, our families, and our ministries. This verse also celebrates the value of specialized service and diverse gifts; not everyone is called to the same role, but every divinely appointed function, from the most visible to the seemingly mundane, contributes to the flourishing of the whole. Recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of each member within the body of Christ fosters unity and effectiveness. Furthermore, the integration of spiritual leadership into the national administration challenges us to consider how our faith informs and shapes every sphere of our lives, not just our private devotion. It calls us to seek God's wisdom in all our endeavors, whether in leadership, service, or daily tasks, understanding that all aspects of life can be offered as worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I apply principles of order and intentionality to my personal spiritual disciplines or areas of service?**
* **In what ways do I recognize and value the diverse gifts and specialized services of others within my faith community?**
* **How does the integration of spiritual leadership in ancient Israel encourage me to integrate my faith more fully into all aspects of my daily life and responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Why are the Levites and Aaronites listed separately from the other tribes in David's administration?**

Answer: The Levites and Aaronites are listed separately because of their unique, divinely appointed roles and status within ancient Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial land inheritance; instead, they were set apart for service to God in the Tabernacle and later the Temple (cf. [Numbers 1:47-53](/numbers/1-47 "Numbers 1:47-53 - Levites not counted with other tribes")). Their duties were comprehensive, encompassing everything from carrying the Tabernacle, maintaining its sacred items, serving as musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers, to teaching the Law. The Aaronites were a specific lineage within the Levites, descended from Aaron, who held the exclusive right to the priesthood. Their sacred duties included offering sacrifices, burning incense, ministering in the Holy Place, and interceding for the people. David's meticulous administration recognized these distinct, divinely mandated functions, ensuring that the spiritual and religious life of the nation was properly overseen and integrated into the broader governance structure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, particularly the appointment of overseers for the Levites and Aaronites, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Hashabiah and Zadok managed the earthly administration of God's chosen people and their worship, Christ Himself embodies and perfects all such roles. He is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") of a new and better covenant, whose single, perfect sacrifice on the cross superseded all the Aaronite offerings, accomplishing eternal redemption for His people (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Christ is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), the supreme Administrator and Head of His church, the new Israel (cf. [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The specialized services of the Levites and Aaronites, designed to facilitate access to God, are now fulfilled in Christ, who is the direct and living way to the Father (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). In Him, all believers are made a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service, participating in a spiritual administration far grander than any earthly kingdom, all under the perfect and eternal oversight of our Lord Jesus 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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 26:30

[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.

1 Chronicles 24:4

And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and [thus] were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar [there were] sixteen chief men of the house of [their] fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.

1 Chronicles 12:27

And Jehoiada [was] the leader of the Aaronites, and with him [were] three thousand and seven hundred;

1 Chronicles 12:28

And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.

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.