1 Chronicles 27:18

KJV

Of Judah, Elihu, [one] of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Judah {H3063}, Elihu {H453}, one of the brethren {H251} of David {H1732}: of Issachar {H3485}, Omri {H6018} the son {H1121} of Michael {H4317}:

Complete Jewish Bible

of Y'hudah: Elihu, one of David's brothers; of Yissakhar: 'Omri the son of Mikha'el;

Berean Standard Bible

over Judah was Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar was Omri son of Michael;

American Standard Version

of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:18 is a concise but significant verse within a detailed register of King David's administrative and military organization. It specifically names Elihu from the tribe of Judah, identified as "one of the brethren of David," and Omri the son of Michael from the tribe of Issachar, as two of the twelve tribal commanders appointed by David. This verse, alongside the rest of the chapter, illuminates David's meticulous foresight in establishing a structured and stable kingdom through delegated leadership, ensuring each tribe had a designated authority responsible for its contingent and its annual service to the crown.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter dedicated to outlining David's comprehensive administrative and military structure. It immediately follows chapters detailing David's mighty men and military exploits, and precedes accounts of his final instructions regarding the temple and the transfer of kingship to Solomon. Chapter 27 itself is a meticulous list, starting with the monthly divisions of the army (vv. 1-15), then moving to the princes of the tribes (vv. 16-22), and finally listing various royal officials (vv. 25-34). Verse 18 is part of the "princes of the tribes" section, which systematically names a leader for each of the twelve tribes, demonstrating David's commitment to order and effective governance across his entire kingdom, rather than just focusing on military might. This detailed administrative record underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the stability and divinely-ordained order of David's reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, tribal identity was paramount, forming the bedrock of social and political organization. Each tribe maintained a degree of autonomy but was united under a central monarchy, especially during David's reign. The appointment of "princes" or commanders for each tribe, as seen in this chapter, was a crucial administrative innovation. These leaders likely served as liaisons between the king and their respective tribes, responsible for mobilizing troops, collecting resources, and maintaining order. The mention of Elihu as "one of the brethren of David" highlights the ancient Near Eastern practice of entrusting key leadership roles to loyal family members or close kinsmen, ensuring fidelity and stability within the royal administration. This system was vital for managing a diverse population, ensuring national cohesion, and preparing for both defense and large-scale national projects like the future temple construction.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detailing of David's administrative structure in 1 Chronicles 27, including the specific appointments in [1 Chronicles 27:18](/1_chronicles/27-18 "1 Chronicles 27:18 - Tribal Commanders"), underscores several key themes. Firstly, **Order and Administration** are central, revealing David's commitment to establishing a well-organized and efficient government, crucial for managing the kingdom's resources and defense. This reflects a divine principle of order, as seen in creation and the Mosaic Law. Secondly, **Leadership and Delegation** are highlighted, demonstrating David's wisdom in appointing capable individuals to lead distinct segments of the population. This act of delegating authority, reminiscent of Jethro's counsel to Moses in [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Counsel on Delegation"), ensured effective governance across all twelve tribes. Thirdly, **Tribal Representation** fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the diverse Israelite nation, as each tribe had its own designated prince or commander. Finally, the mention of Elihu as "one of the brethren of David" speaks to the theme of **Loyalty and Trust in Leadership**, indicating the involvement of trusted family members or close kinsmen in key governmental roles, reflecting a deep connection to the royal house and a stable foundation for the monarchy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elihu (Hebrew, _'Eliyhu'_):** This name means "My God is He." While several individuals bear this name in the Old Testament, the Elihu mentioned here is specifically identified as "one of the brethren of David." This strongly suggests a close kinsman, possibly even David's eldest brother Eliab (whose name is sometimes rendered as Elihu in other contexts or traditions, or it could be a different brother not explicitly named elsewhere in David's immediate family lists). The Chronicler's emphasis on this familial connection highlights the trust and loyalty inherent in David's appointments, placing a trusted family member in a critical leadership position over the premier tribe of Judah.
* **brethren (Hebrew, _'ach_):** The Hebrew word אָח (_ach_) for "brother" has a broader semantic range than the English "brother." While it can refer to a literal sibling, it frequently encompasses close kinsmen, relatives, clan members, or even fellow tribesmen and allies. In the context of "one of the brethren of David" (אֶחָד מֵאַחֵי דָוִיד, _echad me'achei David_), it signifies a person from David's extended family or clan who held a position of significant trust and influence, likely indicating a deep personal bond and shared heritage with the royal house. This appointment underscores the importance of kinship ties in ancient Israelite leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Judah, Elihu, [one] of the brethren of David:"** This clause identifies the commander appointed over the tribe of Judah, David's own tribe. Elihu is presented as a highly trusted individual, designated as "one of the brethren of David." This highlights the importance of the tribe of Judah, not only as the royal tribe but also as a key component of David's administrative structure, led by someone with a direct and intimate connection to the king. His role would have been pivotal in mobilizing Judah's formidable military contingent and ensuring its loyalty and service to the crown.
* **"of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:"** This clause names the commander for the tribe of Issachar. Omri, identified by his patronymic "son of Michael," is the appointed leader. While less is known about Omri compared to Elihu, his inclusion here demonstrates David's comprehensive approach to governance, ensuring that even tribes geographically distant or less prominent in some narratives (like Issachar, known for its understanding of the times in [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "1 Chronicles 12:32 - Men of Issachar")) had dedicated leadership. This ensures that all twelve tribes were integrated into the kingdom's organized structure, contributing to its overall strength and stability.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 27:18 and the surrounding chapter is **Enumeration** or **List/Register**. The Chronicler meticulously lists various officials, military divisions, and tribal leaders, creating a comprehensive record of David's administration. This detailed **Cataloging** serves to emphasize the order, efficiency, and stability of David's kingdom, presenting it as a well-structured entity under divine favor. The act of naming each leader and their tribal affiliation provides a sense of **Completeness** and **Thoroughness**, reinforcing the idea that David left no aspect of his kingdom unorganized. The specific identification of Elihu as "one of the brethren of David" also employs a form of **Apposition** or **Descriptive Epithet**, adding significant context and highlighting the trusted nature of his appointment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly administrative verse, part of a detailed roster, carries profound theological implications. It speaks to the divine value of order, wise administration, and delegated authority in the establishment and maintenance of God's kingdom on earth. David's meticulous organization reflects a principle found throughout Scripture: God is a God of order, not chaos ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")). By appointing capable and trusted leaders for each tribe, David was not merely exercising human ingenuity; he was stewarding the nation God had entrusted to him, ensuring its stability, defense, and capacity to serve God's purposes. This commitment to structure and accountability among leaders foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on spiritual leadership and the orderly functioning of the church. The principle of delegating authority to faithful individuals is crucial for the effective spread of God's work and the nurturing of His people.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses on Delegation")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders in Every Town")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 27:18 might appear to be a dry list of names, it offers timeless principles for effective leadership, community organization, and personal responsibility. David's foresight in delegating authority and establishing clear lines of accountability reminds us that order and structure are not antithetical to spiritual vitality but can, in fact, facilitate it. Whether in our families, churches, workplaces, or communities, identifying capable individuals, entrusting them with responsibility, and fostering unity among diverse members are crucial for achieving shared goals and stewarding resources effectively. The emphasis on "brethren" also speaks to the value of trust, integrity, and loyalty in those we empower to lead. We are called to be good stewards of whatever God has entrusted to us, whether it's a family, a ministry, or personal gifts, by organizing our lives and efforts in a way that honors Him and serves others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on order and delegation in David's administration challenge or affirm your own approach to leadership and responsibility in your life or community?**
* **In what areas of your life could more intentional organization or strategic delegation lead to greater effectiveness or peace?**
* **What qualities do you look for in those you trust with responsibility, and how does David's choice of "brethren" inform your perspective?**
* **How can we foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among diverse individuals, mirroring the tribal representation in David's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of officials and commanders so important in the Bible?**

Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in 1 Chronicles 27, are crucial for several reasons. First, they demonstrate the historical accuracy and meticulous record-keeping of the biblical narrative, providing verifiable details about the structure of ancient Israelite society. Second, from a theological perspective, they highlight God's hand in establishing and ordering His people. David's administrative foresight is presented not just as human wisdom but as part of God's plan for a stable kingdom that would eventually point to the ultimate reign of Christ. These lists underscore themes of order, accountability, and the importance of wise governance for the well-being of the nation. They show that even seemingly mundane administrative details are part of God's grand design for His people.

**Who was Elihu, "one of the brethren of David"?**

Answer: Elihu, "one of the brethren of David," is generally understood to be a close kinsman or relative of King David, rather than necessarily a literal full brother, though that remains a possibility. The Hebrew word for "brother" (_ach_) can encompass a broader range of familial relationships, including cousins or other close relatives within the same clan. Some scholars suggest he might be Eliab, David's eldest brother, whose name could be rendered differently or is a variant. The Chronicler's emphasis on his familial connection to David highlights his trusted status and the importance of loyalty in David's administration, especially for the critical role of commanding the tribe of Judah. His appointment underscores the practice of placing trusted family members in key governmental positions to ensure stability and fidelity to the crown.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, exemplified by the appointment of tribal commanders like Elihu and Omri in [1 Chronicles 27:18](/1_chronicles/27-18 "1 Chronicles 27:18 - Tribal Commanders"), foreshadows the perfectly ordered and eternally stable kingdom of Jesus Christ. While David established an earthly kingdom through human administration and delegated authority, Christ is the ultimate King who reigns with perfect wisdom and divine authority. He is not merely "one of the brethren" but the Son of God, the Head of the Church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Church")), who perfectly administers His spiritual kingdom. Just as David appointed leaders over tribes, Christ has given gifts to His church, appointing apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11 - Gifts to the Church")). The unity and order sought in David's kingdom find their ultimate fulfillment in the body of Christ, where diverse members are knit together under one Head ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ")), each playing a vital role in the advancement of God's purposes. The earthly administrative details of David's reign point to the heavenly reality of Christ's flawless governance, ensuring that His kingdom, unlike any earthly one, will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")).

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 Samuel 17:29

And David said, What have I now done? [Is there] not a cause?

1 Samuel 17:13

And the three eldest sons of Jesse went [and] followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle [were] Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

1 Samuel 16:6

¶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed [is] before him.