1 Chronicles 27:18

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

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

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

over Judah was Elihu, one of Davidโ€™s brothers; over Issachar was Omri son of Michael;

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

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 27:18 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 27:18 is a concise verse found within a detailed list of King David's administrative and military organization. This chapter meticulously records the commanders assigned to each of the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting David's foresight and dedication to establishing a structured and stable kingdom. The verse specifically names the leaders for the tribes of Judah and Issachar.

Context

This verse is part of a comprehensive roster (1 Chronicles 27:1-24) detailing the various officials and military divisions serving under King David. Following accounts of David's mighty men and military exploits, this chapter shifts focus to his extensive administrative organization. It reveals David's wisdom in delegating authority and ensuring that every tribe had a designated leader responsible for its military contingent, ready to serve the king annually. This systematic approach underscores the order and foresight characteristic of David's reign.

Key Themes

  • Order and Administration: The meticulous listing of tribal commanders underscores David's commitment to establishing a well-organized and efficient government. This was crucial for managing the kingdom's resources and defense.
  • Leadership and Delegation: David understood the importance of appointing capable individuals to lead distinct segments of the population. This act of delegating authority ensured effective governance across all twelve tribes.
  • Tribal Representation: Each tribe, from Judah to Issachar mentioned here, had its own designated prince or commander. This fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the diverse Israelite nation.
  • David's Inner Circle: The mention of Elihu from Judah as "one of the brethren of David" suggests the involvement of trusted family members or close kinsmen in key leadership roles, reflecting loyalty and intimate connection to the royal house.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "one of the brethren of David" (KJV) translates from the Hebrew ืึถื—ึธื“ ืžึตืึทื—ึตื™ ื“ึธื•ึดื™ื“ (echad me'achei David). While "brethren" can sometimes refer to literal brothers, in biblical contexts, the Hebrew word for "brother" (ืึธื—, ach) often has a broader meaning, encompassing close kinsmen, relatives, or even fellow tribesmen. This suggests Elihu was a trusted individual from David's extended family or clan in the tribe of Judah, indicating a position of significant trust and influence.

Practical Application

Though a seemingly dry list, 1 Chronicles 27:18 offers valuable lessons for today. It highlights the timeless principles of:

  • The Value of Structure: Effective leadership and management, whether in a family, business, or community, benefit from clear organization and delegated responsibilities.
  • Strategic Delegation: Identifying and empowering capable individuals to lead specific areas is essential for overall success and stability.
  • Recognizing Trustworthy Individuals: David's reliance on trusted kinsmen reminds us of the importance of integrity and loyalty in those we place in positions of authority.
  • Unity in Diversity: The representation of each tribe under central leadership underscores the importance of fostering unity among diverse groups for a common purpose.

This verse, like the entire chapter, reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane details of administration, God's hand can guide and bless ordered efforts. For other lists of David's officials, see also 2 Samuel 8:16-18 and 1 Chronicles 18:15-17.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

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