1 Chronicles 27:19

KJV

Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Zebulun {H2074}, Ishmaiah {H3460} the son {H1121} of Obadiah {H5662}: of Naphtali {H5321}, Jerimoth {H3406} the son {H1121} of Azriel {H5837}:

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:19 is a specific entry within a larger, meticulously detailed record of King David's administrative and military organization for the kingdom of Israel. This verse, listing Ishmaiah from Zebulun and Jerimoth from Naphtali, highlights David's comprehensive system of tribal leaders and officials. It underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on order, unity, and the participation of all twelve tribes in the unified kingdom under David's divinely appointed rule, serving as a testament to the stability and structure established during his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant block of text in 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that meticulously details King David's extensive preparations for the Temple and the comprehensive organization of the kingdom before his death. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization") outlines the monthly divisions of the army, their commanders, and a list of various high-ranking officials, including the princes of the tribes. Verse 19 is part of the enumeration of these tribal princes, demonstrating the systematic inclusion of all tribal entities within David's centralized administration. This section serves to underscore David's foresight, his commitment to order, and the divine mandate behind his kingdom's structure, providing a blueprint for future governance and worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a pivotal period of national consolidation and expansion for Israel. Following the fragmented tribal period, David unified the kingdom, established Jerusalem as its capital, and secured its borders. To govern such a diverse and growing nation, a sophisticated administrative and military infrastructure was essential. The detailed lists in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization") reflect this need for order, efficiency, and accountability. Culturally, the tribal identity remained strong, rooted in the patriarchal history of Israel. David's system, by appointing leaders from each tribe, acknowledged and integrated these ancient tribal structures into a unified national framework, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and representation rather than dissolving tribal distinctiveness.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of verses like [1 Chronicles 27:19](/1_chronicles/27-19 "1 Chronicles 27:19 - Tribal Leaders") contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, **Order and Organization** are paramount, showcasing David's commitment to establishing a well-structured and efficient administration, reflecting God's character as a God of order (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order, Not Disorder")). Secondly, **Tribal Representation and Unity** are emphasized; by listing leaders from each tribe, the Chronicler highlights the importance of every part of the nation in contributing to the unified kingdom, a concept that foreshadows the unity of the church as the body of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body of Christ")). Thirdly, there is a subtle theme of **Divine Providence in Leadership**, as many of the names listed throughout these chapters, including those in verse 19, are theophoric (containing elements of God's name), suggesting a reliance on God's guidance and blessing in the appointment and function of these leaders. Finally, these detailed lists serve the Chronicler's broader purpose of establishing the **Historical Record and Legitimacy** of the Davidic monarchy and the subsequent Temple worship by firmly connecting them to Israel's covenant history and divine instructions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ishmaiah (Hebrew, _Yishma'yah'_):** This name is a theophoric compound meaning "Jehovah hears" or "God hears." It reflects a common theme in Israelite personal names, expressing a personal or familial testimony about God's attentiveness, responsiveness, and covenant faithfulness. Its presence here subtly underscores the pervasive spiritual worldview where even personal identity was linked to divine attributes.
* **Azriel (Hebrew, _'Azri'el'_):** Another theophoric name, meaning "God is my help" or "my help is God." Like Ishmaiah, this name serves as an affirmation of faith, indicating a reliance on divine assistance and strength. In the context of leadership, such names could serve as a reminder that true authority and effectiveness ultimately derive from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah:"** This clause identifies the leader appointed from the tribe of Zebulun. The inclusion of the father's name ("Obadiah," meaning "servant of Yahweh") provides specific lineage, reinforcing the historical accuracy and the established family lines from which these leaders were drawn. It demonstrates the systematic nature of David's administration, ensuring representation from each tribal territory.
* **"of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:"** This clause similarly identifies the leader from the tribe of Naphtali. The parallel structure highlights the comprehensive and equitable approach David took in organizing his kingdom, ensuring that all major tribes had their designated representative within his governmental framework. These individuals were likely responsible for local tribal affairs and served as liaisons to the central government, fostering unity across the diverse tribal landscape.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 27:19, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is the **List** or **Catalog**. This device is used to meticulously enumerate individuals, families, and administrative divisions, serving to emphasize comprehensiveness, order, and historical accuracy. The repetitive structure of "Of [Tribe], [Name] the son of [Father]:" also functions as a form of **Repetition**, reinforcing the systematic and exhaustive nature of David's administrative scheme. While not a literary device in the strict sense, the use of **Onomastics** (the study of names) is significant here, as the meanings of the names (e.g., Ishmaiah, Azriel) often carry theological weight, subtly reinforcing the spiritual worldview of the Israelites and their reliance on God in all aspects of life, including leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, exemplified by the listing of tribal leaders in 1 Chronicles 27:19, reflects a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, not chaos. Just as God established order in creation and in the covenant community of Israel, David, as God's chosen king, sought to bring divine order to the governance of his people. This administrative structure was not merely practical; it was a spiritual act of stewardship, ensuring that every part of God's people was accounted for, represented, and contributing to the national well-being. It underscores the biblical principle that effective leadership involves careful planning, delegation, and accountability, recognizing the value and contribution of every individual and group within the larger body. This foresight in establishing a stable and unified kingdom was foundational for the future worship at the Temple and the ongoing covenant relationship with God.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders in Every Town")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative records in 1 Chronicles, including the specific mention of tribal leaders like Ishmaiah and Jerimoth, offer timeless insights for contemporary life. David's commitment to order, accountability, and comprehensive representation serves as a powerful model for any organization, whether it be a family, a business, or a church. It reminds us that good stewardship involves thoughtful planning, clear roles, and valuing the contribution of every member. Just as each tribe was essential to David's unified kingdom, so too is every individual vital to the health and effectiveness of our communities and the body of Christ. We are called to embrace our roles, big or small, with diligence and a spirit of service, recognizing that true leadership is about enabling others and fostering unity. This passage encourages us to consider how we can bring greater order and intentionality to our own spheres of influence, ensuring that no one is overlooked and that all parts work together for a common, God-honoring purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of David's kingdom challenge my own approach to order and stewardship in my personal or communal responsibilities?**
* **In what ways can I better recognize and affirm the unique contributions of every "tribe" or member within my sphere of influence, fostering unity and mutual respect?**
* **What does the biblical emphasis on leadership as service, exemplified by these tribal princes, teach me about my own opportunities to lead or serve?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include such detailed lists of names and administrative structures?**

Answer: The Chronicler's purpose in including such detailed lists, as seen in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization"), is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves to legitimize the Davidic monarchy and the subsequent Temple worship by firmly connecting them to Israel's covenant history and divine instructions. It demonstrates that David's kingdom was not haphazard but divinely ordained and meticulously organized. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive historical record, affirming the continuity of God's people and their leadership. Thirdly, it carries a theological message: God is a God of order, and His people are called to reflect that order in their governance and worship. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of every individual and every tribe in God's plan, showing that even seemingly minor figures played vital roles in the larger 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 mentioned extensively elsewhere in the biblical narrative. Their inclusion here is primarily to complete the comprehensive list of tribal princes, rather than to highlight their individual exploits. This reinforces the Chronicler's focus on the systematic nature of David's administration and the collective participation of all tribes, rather than the fame of every single individual. It reminds us that many faithful individuals played crucial, though often unsung, roles in God's kingdom.

**What is the significance of the names "Ishmaiah" and "Azriel"?**

Answer: The names "Ishmaiah" and "Azriel" are significant because they are theophoric names, meaning they incorporate a divine element, usually a form of God's name (Yahweh or El). "Ishmaiah" (Yishma'yah) means "Jehovah hears" or "God hears," reflecting the belief in God's attentiveness and responsiveness to His people. "Azriel" ('Azri'el) means "God is my help" or "my help is God," expressing reliance on divine assistance and strength. These names are not just labels; they are affirmations of faith and testaments to the pervasive spiritual worldview of ancient Israel, where personal identity was often intertwined with theological truths about God's character and actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of David's earthly kingdom, with its appointed leaders from every tribe, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfection in the spiritual kingdom of Christ. David's efforts to bring order and unity to Israel foreshadow the perfect order and glorious unity found in the [body of Christ](/ephesians/4-12 "Ephesians 4:12 - Building up the Body of Christ"), the Church. Just as David appointed leaders to oversee his people, Christ, as the ultimate [Head over all things to the church](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church"), has established a divine order, gifting individuals for the building up of His people (cf. [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Body of Christ")). The tribal leaders, representing every segment of Israel, point to the New Covenant reality where Christ's kingdom embraces [every tribe and language and people and nation](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe"), transcending earthly boundaries and uniting all believers under His sovereign rule. The very names "Ishmaiah" ("Jehovah hears") and "Azriel" ("God is my help") find their ultimate and most profound meaning in Jesus Christ. Through Him, God truly hears our prayers (cf. [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name")), and He is our ever-present help in times of need (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Christ is the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") who establishes an eternal, perfectly ordered kingdom, not through human administration alone, but through His divine authority, sacrificial love, and the empowering presence of His Spirit.

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.