TRV
Translation
King James Version
Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:
Complete Jewish Bible
of Z'vulun: Yishma'yahu the son of 'Ovadyah; of Naftali: Yerimot the son of 'Azri'el;
Berean Standard Bible
over Zebulun was Ishmaiah son of Obadiah; over Naphtali was Jerimoth son of Azriel;
American Standard Version
of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel:
World English Bible Messianic
of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Ouer Zebulun, Ishmaiah the sonne of Obadiah: ouer Naphtali, Ierimoth the sonne of Azriel:
Young's Literal Translation
of Zebulun, Ishmaiah son of Obadiah; of Naphtali, Jerimoth son of Azriel;
In the KJVVerse 11,129 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 27 verses 16–34
16 ¶ 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:
17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:
18 Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:
19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:
20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:
21 Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:
22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.
23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.
24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.
25 And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:
26 And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:
27 And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:
28 And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that were in the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:
29 And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:
30 Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:
31 And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.
32 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:
33 And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:
34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.
We have here an account,
I. Of the princes of the tribes. Something of the ancient order instituted by Moses in the wilderness was still kept up, that every tribe should have its prince or chief. It is probable that it was kept up all along, either by election or by succession, in the same family; and those are here named who were found in that office when this account was taken. Elihu, or Eliab, who was prince of Judah, was the eldest son of Jesse, and descended in a right line from Nahshon and Salmon, the princes of this tribe in Moses's time. Whether these princes were of the nature of lord-lieutenants that guided them in their military affairs, or chief-justices that presided in their courts of judgment, does not appear. Their power, we may suppose, was much less now that all the tribes were united under one king than it had been when, for the most part, they acted separately. Our religion obliges us to be subject, not only to the king as supreme, but unto governors under him (Pe1 2:13, Pe1 2:14), the princes that decree justice. Of Benjamin was Jaaziel the son of Abner, Ch1 27:21. Though Abner was David's enemy, and opposed his coming to the throne, yet David would not oppose the preferment of his son, but perhaps nominated him to this post of honour, which teaches us to render good for evil.
II. Of the numbering of the people, Ch1 27:23, Ch1 27:24. It is here said, 1. That when David ordered the people to be numbered he forbade the numbering of those under twenty years old, thinking thereby to save the reflection which what he did might otherwise cast upon the promise that they should be innumerable; yet it was but a poor salvo, for it had never been customary to number those under twenty, and the promise of their numbers chiefly respected the effective men. 2. That the account which David took of the people, in the pride of his heart, turned to no good account; for it was never perfected, nor done with exactness, nor was it ever recorded as an authentic account. Joab was disgusted with it, and did it by halves; David was ashamed of it, and willing it should be forgotten, because there fell wrath for it against Israel. A good man cannot, in the reflection, please himself with that which he knows God is displeased with, cannot make use of that, nor take comfort in that, which is obtained by sin.
III. Of the officers of the court. 1. The rulers of the king's substance (as they are called, Ch1 27:31), such as had the oversight and charge of the king's tillage, his vineyards, his olive-yards, his herds, his camels, his asses, his flocks. Here are no officers for state, none for sport, no master of the wardrobe, no master of the ceremonies, no master of the horse, no master of the hounds, but all for service, agreeable to the simplicity and plainness of those times. David was a great soldier, a great scholar, and a great prince, and yet a great husband of his estate, kept a great deal of ground in his own hand, and stocked it, not for pleasure, but for profit; for the king himself is served of the field, Ecc 5:9. Those magistrates that would have their subjects industrious must themselves be examples of industry and application to business. We find, however, that afterwards the poor of the land were thought good enough to be vine-dressers and husbandmen, Kg2 25:12. Now David put his great men to preside in these employments. 2. The attendants on the king's person. They were such as were eminent for wisdom, being designed for conversation. His uncle, who was a wise man and a scribe, not only well skilled in politics, but well read in the scriptures, was his counsellor, Ch1 27:32. Another, who no doubt excelled in learning and prudence, was tutor to his children. Ahithophel, a very cunning man, was his counsellor: but Hushai, an honest man, was his companion and confidant. It does not appear that he had many counsellors; but those he had were men of great abilities. Much of the wisdom of princes is seen in the choice of their ministry. But David, though he had all these trusty and well-beloved cousins and counsellors about him, preferred his Bible before them all. Psa 119:24, Thy testimonies are my delight and my counsellors.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–34. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:19 meticulously records two specific tribal leaders, Ishmaiah of Zebulun and Jerimoth of Naphtali, as integral components of King David's comprehensive administrative and military organization. This verse, part of a larger catalog of officials, underscores the Chronicler's profound emphasis on order, unity, and the systematic inclusion of all twelve tribes within the unified kingdom under David's divinely appointed rule. It serves as a testament to the foresight and stability established during his reign, laying a foundational blueprint for future governance and worship in Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently employed in 1 Chronicles 27:19, and indeed pervading much of 1 Chronicles, is the List or Catalog. This device is utilized to meticulously enumerate individuals, families, and administrative divisions, serving to powerfully emphasize comprehensiveness, order, and historical accuracy. The repetitive structure of "Of [Tribe], [Name] the son of [Father]:" also functions as a subtle form of Repetition, reinforcing the systematic and exhaustive nature of David's administrative scheme. While not a literary device in the strict sense, the significant use of Onomastics (the study of names) is highly significant here, as the meanings of the names (e.g., Ishmaiah, Azriel) frequently carry profound theological weight, subtly reinforcing the spiritual worldview of the Israelites and their deep reliance on God in all aspects of life, including the critical sphere of leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, powerfully exemplified by the listing of tribal leaders in 1 Chronicles 27:19, reflects a profound and enduring theological truth: God is inherently a God of order, not chaos. Just as God established perfect order in creation and meticulously structured the covenant community of Israel, David, as God's chosen and anointed king, diligently sought to bring divine order and structure to the governance of His people. This administrative structure was not merely a practical necessity; it was fundamentally a spiritual act of stewardship, ensuring that every part of God's people was accounted for, represented, and actively contributing to the national well-being. It profoundly underscores the biblical principle that effective and godly leadership involves careful planning, wise delegation, and transparent accountability, always recognizing the inherent value and unique contribution of every individual and group within the larger body. This remarkable foresight in establishing a stable and unified kingdom was absolutely foundational for the future worship at the Temple and the ongoing, vibrant covenant relationship with God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative records in 1 Chronicles, including the specific mention of tribal leaders like Ishmaiah and Jerimoth, offer timeless and profound insights for contemporary life and leadership. David's unwavering commitment to order, accountability, and comprehensive representation serves as a powerful and enduring model for any organization, whether it be a family, a business, a community group, or a church. It serves as a vital reminder that good stewardship inherently involves thoughtful planning, clearly defined roles, and a deep appreciation for the unique contribution of every single member. Just as each tribe was absolutely essential to David's unified kingdom, so too is every individual vital to the health, vitality, and effectiveness of our communities and, most profoundly, to the body of Christ. We are profoundly called to embrace our roles, whether perceived as large or small, with diligence, faithfulness, and a genuine spirit of service, recognizing that true leadership is ultimately about empowering others and fostering genuine unity. This passage encourages us to thoughtfully consider how we can bring greater order, intentionality, and equity to our own spheres of influence, ensuring that no one is overlooked and that all parts work together harmoniously for a common, God-honoring purpose.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Chronicler include such detailed lists of names and administrative structures?
Answer: The Chronicler's purpose in including such remarkably detailed lists, as vividly seen in 1 Chronicles 27, is multifaceted and deeply significant. Firstly, it serves to powerfully legitimize the Davidic monarchy and the subsequent Temple worship by firmly connecting them to Israel's sacred covenant history and divine instructions. It demonstrates unequivocally that David's kingdom was not haphazard or arbitrary but divinely ordained and meticulously organized under God's guidance. Secondly, it provides an exhaustive and accurate historical record, affirming the continuity of God's people and their leadership across generations. Thirdly, it conveys a profound theological message: God is inherently a God of order, and His people are therefore called to reflect that divine order in their governance, worship, and daily lives. Finally, it powerfully emphasizes the intrinsic importance of every individual and every tribe in God's grand plan, showing that even seemingly minor figures played crucial, though often unsung, roles in the larger unfolding narrative of salvation history.
Are the individuals listed in 1 Chronicles 27:19 mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?
Answer: Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah from Zebulun and Jerimoth the son of Azriel from Naphtali are not prominent figures who are mentioned extensively elsewhere in the broader biblical narrative. Their inclusion here is primarily to complete the comprehensive and systematic list of tribal princes, rather than to highlight their individual exploits or specific achievements. This reinforces the Chronicler's overarching focus on the systematic and divinely ordered nature of David's administration and the collective participation of all tribes in the unified kingdom, rather than solely on the fame or individual prominence of every single person listed. It serves as a humble reminder that countless faithful individuals played crucial, though often unrecorded, roles in the advancement of God's kingdom throughout history.
What is the significance of the names "Ishmaiah" and "Azriel"?
Answer: The names "Ishmaiah" and "Azriel" are profoundly significant because they are both theophoric names, meaning they incorporate a divine element, typically a form of God's name (Yahweh or El). "Ishmaiah" (Yishma'yah) means "Jehovah hears" or "God hears," reflecting the deep-seated belief in God's attentiveness, responsiveness, and active involvement in the lives of His people. "Azriel" ('Azri'el) means "God is my help" or "my help is God," powerfully expressing a complete reliance on divine assistance and strength. These names are far more than mere labels; they are living affirmations of faith and enduring testaments to the pervasive spiritual worldview of ancient Israel, where personal identity, family heritage, and daily existence were often profoundly intertwined with theological truths about God's character and His mighty actions.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of David's earthly kingdom, with its carefully appointed leaders from every tribe, finds its ultimate fulfillment and glorious perfection in the spiritual kingdom of Christ. David's diligent efforts to bring order and profound unity to Israel beautifully foreshadow the perfect order and glorious unity found in the body of Christ, the Church. Just as David appointed leaders to oversee his people, Christ, as the ultimate and sovereign Head over all things to the church, has established a divine order, gifting individuals with diverse ministries for the building up and edification of His people (Ephesians 4:11-13). The tribal leaders, representing every segment of Israel, powerfully point to the New Covenant reality where Christ's kingdom comprehensively embraces every tribe and language and people and nation, transcending all earthly boundaries and uniting all believers under His benevolent and sovereign rule. The very names "Ishmaiah" ("Jehovah hears") and "Azriel" ("God is my help") find their ultimate, most profound, and complete meaning in Jesus Christ. Through Him, God truly hears our prayers with perfect attentiveness (John 14:13-14), and He is our ever-present, unfailing help in every time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Christ is the true King of kings and Lord of lords who establishes an eternal, perfectly ordered kingdom, not merely through human administration, but through His divine authority, His sacrificial love, and the empowering, unifying presence of His Holy Spirit.