1 Chronicles 27:2

KJV

Over the first course for the first month [was] Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Over the first {H7223} course {H4256} for the first {H7223} month {H2320} was Jashobeam {H3434} the son {H1121} of Zabdiel {H2068}: and in his course {H4256} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Over the first division, for the first month, was Yashov'am the son of Zavdi'el; there were 24,000 in his division.

Berean Standard Bible

Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division.

American Standard Version

Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:2 introduces the meticulously organized system of King David's standing army, specifically highlighting the first of twelve monthly divisions. This verse names Jashobeam, the son of Zabdiel, as the commander appointed over this initial "course," which comprised a formidable force of twenty-four thousand men. It sets the stage for a detailed enumeration of David's administrative genius, showcasing his foresight in establishing a rotational military structure that ensured continuous readiness and security for the kingdom of Israel without overburdening its populace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 27 serves as a detailed appendix to the narrative of David's reign, immediately following chapters that describe the preparations for the temple (Chs. 22-26), the listing of David's mighty men (Ch. 11), and the account of the census (Ch. 21). This chapter specifically outlines the administrative and military structure David put in place, demonstrating his meticulous organization and foresight in governing the kingdom. Verses 1-15 detail the twelve monthly divisions of the army, each with its commander and size, while subsequent sections of the chapter describe other key officials and their roles, such as tribal leaders and royal administrators. This organizational blueprint underscores David's commitment to order and effective governance, providing a comprehensive picture of his kingdom's infrastructure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (circa 1010-970 BC) marked a pivotal period in Israelite history, transforming a loose tribal confederation into a centralized monarchy. The establishment of a professional, standing army was a crucial innovation for national defense, territorial expansion, and maintaining internal stability. Prior to this, military service was often ad-hoc, relying on tribal levies. David's system of monthly "courses" for 24,000 men was a practical solution, ensuring a well-trained and readily available force while minimizing the economic burden on the agricultural society. This rotational system allowed men to return to their farms and livelihoods for eleven months of the year, preventing widespread disruption. Jashobeam, the commander mentioned in this verse, was a legendary figure, known as one of David's "mighty men" (cf. [1 Chronicles 11:11](/1_chronicles/11-11 "1 Chronicles 11:11 - Jashobeam, Chief of the Mighty Men")), whose reputation for valor would have inspired confidence in the troops under his command.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the chapter it introduces, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theological message. Firstly, it highlights **Order and Structure**, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and systematic organization in leadership. David's administrative genius in establishing such a detailed and efficient system reflects a divine principle of order, contrasting with the chaos that often characterized earlier periods of Israelite history. Secondly, it underscores **Responsible Leadership and Delegation**, as David wisely appointed capable and trusted commanders like Jashobeam to specific, significant roles, entrusting them with substantial responsibility for the welfare and readiness of their divisions. This delegation ensured accountability and efficiency across the kingdom. Finally, the system exemplifies **Strategic Preparedness and National Security**, demonstrating David's foresight in maintaining a formidable military force that could respond to threats or undertake campaigns without depleting the nation's vital civilian workforce. This continuous readiness was vital for the stability and prosperity of the united monarchy, reflecting the Chronicler's broader interest in the strength and well-being of God's people under righteous rule, as seen in the broader narrative of [David's reign](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Course (Hebrew, _machalaqah'_):** This term denotes a "division," "section," "turn," or "rotation." It is a crucial administrative term, indicating a structured system of service. The same word is used throughout Chronicles to describe the divisions of priests and Levites for their temple duties (e.g., [1 Chronicles 24:1](/1_chronicles/24-1 "1 Chronicles 24:1 - Divisions of Priests")). Its use here underscores the highly organized and systematic nature of David's military administration, mirroring the meticulous order applied to sacred service.
* **Jashobeam (Hebrew, _Yashov'am'_):** A prominent figure in David's inner circle, identified as "the son of Zabdiel." He is also known as Josheb-basshebeth or Adino the Eznite in other biblical accounts (cf. [2 Samuel 23:8](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - David's Mighty Men") and [1 Chronicles 11:11](/1_chronicles/11-11 "1 Chronicles 11:11 - Jashobeam, Chief of the Mighty Men")). His inclusion as the commander of the first and largest monthly division highlights his elite status, military prowess, and the high degree of trust David placed in him. His leadership of the "first course" suggests his preeminence among David's commanders.
* **Twenty and four thousand (Hebrew, _'esrim v'arba'ah 'elef'_):** This precise number signifies a substantial and well-disciplined military unit. The consistency of this number across all twelve monthly divisions (as seen in the subsequent verses of the chapter) emphasizes the scale of David's kingdom's resources and his capacity for maintaining a large, organized military force. It speaks to the logistical capabilities and the strategic importance of this standing army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Over the first course for the first month [was] Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel":** This clause precisely identifies the commander responsible for the initial rotation of military service. "First course" and "first month" establish the sequential and temporal order of David's system, indicating that this division initiated the annual cycle. Jashobeam's lineage ("the son of Zabdiel") provides specific identification, linking him to a recognized family or clan, and reinforcing his established position within the kingdom's hierarchy.
* **"and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand":** This part of the verse specifies the exact numerical strength of Jashobeam's division. The figure of 24,000 men underscores the significant size and formidable nature of each monthly contingent. This large number emphasizes the scale of David's military organization and the substantial resources he commanded, ensuring that a powerful force was always available for duty.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse and the surrounding chapter to convey David's organizational prowess. **Enumeration** is a primary device, as the chapter systematically lists each of the twelve monthly divisions, their commanders, and their size. This precise listing creates an impression of thoroughness, order, and control. The repetition of the "twenty and four thousand" figure for each division (implied across the chapter) serves as a form of **Anaphora** or **Parallelism**, reinforcing the uniformity and substantial nature of David's military structure. The mention of Jashobeam, a well-known "mighty man," also functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the part (a renowned commander) stands for the whole (the elite nature and capability of the entire military system). This highlights the quality of leadership David appointed, lending credibility and prestige to the entire arrangement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:2, by detailing David's meticulous military organization, subtly echoes divine principles of order, wisdom, and stewardship. Just as God brings order out of chaos in creation and establishes covenants with clear stipulations, so too does David, as God's chosen king, implement a structured and efficient administration for the well-being of his kingdom. This reflects the theological truth that good governance and responsible leadership are not merely practical necessities but also expressions of divine wisdom, enabling a society to flourish and fulfill its purpose. The emphasis on preparedness and the strategic deployment of resources speaks to the broader biblical theme of vigilance and readiness, whether for physical defense or spiritual service.

* [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Order Before Building")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative structure presented in 1 Chronicles 27:2 offers timeless principles for effective leadership and personal discipline. David's foresight in establishing a rotational system, ensuring both readiness and sustainability, provides a powerful model for managing resources, delegating responsibilities, and planning for the future in any sphere of life. Whether in a family, a business, or a church, the benefits of clear organization, accountability, and strategic preparedness are immeasurable. Just as Jashobeam was entrusted with a significant division, we are all entrusted with various responsibilities—time, talents, resources, relationships. This verse encourages us to approach these trusts with the same diligence and order that David applied to his kingdom, recognizing that good stewardship brings stability and allows for flourishing. It reminds us that even seemingly mundane organizational tasks can reflect a deeper commitment to order, which ultimately points to the character of a God who is Himself a God of order, not of confusion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or responsibilities could greater order and structure lead to increased effectiveness and peace?**
* **How does the principle of delegation, as seen in David's appointment of commanders, apply to your own leadership roles or team dynamics?**
* **What does "strategic preparedness" look like in your spiritual life, and how can you cultivate it?**

### FAQ
**Why did King David establish this system of monthly courses for his army?**

Answer: King David established this system primarily to maintain a strong, standing army for the defense and security of his kingdom without imposing a permanent, crippling burden on the civilian population. Before David, military service was often ad-hoc, relying on tribal levies which disrupted agricultural and economic life. By organizing his army into twelve monthly "courses" of 24,000 men each, David ensured that a well-trained and formidable force was always available for duty. This rotational system allowed the majority of the men to return to their homes and livelihoods for eleven months of the year, balancing military readiness with the economic stability and well-being of the nation. It was a testament to David's administrative genius and strategic foresight, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military and Civil Officers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:2 describes the earthly administrative order of King David's kingdom, it subtly prefigures the perfect and eternal order established by Christ, the ultimate King. David's meticulous organization of his military forces for the security and flourishing of Israel points forward to Christ's sovereign rule over His spiritual kingdom, the Church. Just as Jashobeam led a formidable division, Christ is the supreme Commander, leading His people not into earthly battles but in a spiritual warfare against sin and darkness (cf. [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Whole Armor of God")). The "first course" under Jashobeam, initiating the annual cycle of service, can be seen as a shadow of Christ's preeminence and His role as the "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God")), who inaugurated a new spiritual order. The 24,000 men in each division, representing a vast, organized force, hints at the countless multitude of God's people, redeemed and ordered by Christ, who are called to serve in His eternal kingdom (cf. [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). Ultimately, the temporary, earthly security provided by David's army finds its fulfillment in the eternal peace and perfect governance offered by Christ, the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who establishes an unshakable kingdom that will never end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")).

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 11:11

And this [is] the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain [by him] at one time.

2 Samuel 23:8

¶ These [be] the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same [was] Adino the Eznite: [he lift up his spear] against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.