1 Chronicles 27:22

KJV

Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These [were] the princes of the tribes of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Dan {H1835}, Azareel {H5832} the son {H1121} of Jeroham {H3395}. These were the princes {H8269} of the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of Dan: 'Azar'el the son of Yerocham. These were the commanders of the tribes of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

and over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version

of Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the captains of the tribes of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:22 concludes a detailed enumeration of the twelve tribal leaders appointed by King David, specifically naming Azareel, son of Jeroham, as the prince of the tribe of Dan. This verse, part of a larger administrative register (1 Chronicles 27:1-24), underscores David's meticulous efforts to establish a stable, organized, and unified kingdom. It highlights his comprehensive approach to governance, ensuring that every tribe had a designated leader responsible for civil administration, military conscription, and potentially judicial oversight, thereby reflecting the Chronicler's emphasis on order, legitimate authority, and the divine blessing upon David's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a list of tribal princes that begins in [1 Chronicles 27:16](/1_chronicles/27-16 "1 Chronicles 27:16 - Tribal Leaders"). Chapter 27 as a whole details David's comprehensive administrative and military organization of Israel, following his earlier establishment of the Levites and priests (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Organization of the Levites")). The Chronicler meticulously records these appointments to demonstrate David's foresight, wisdom, and dedication to orderly governance, which was crucial for the stability and prosperity of the united monarchy. The inclusion of specific names and tribal affiliations, even for a tribe like Dan, reinforces the historical veracity and the Chronicler's theological agenda of presenting David as an ideal king who established the foundations for the future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE), Israel was transitioning from a loose tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy. While Saul's reign initiated this, David solidified it, incorporating existing tribal structures into a more unified national administration. The "princes of the tribes" (שָׂרִים, _sarim'_) were not merely figureheads but active regional administrators, serving as liaisons between the central government in Jerusalem and their respective tribal territories. Their roles likely encompassed tax collection, judicial arbitration, military mobilization (as suggested by the preceding military lists in [1 Chronicles 27:1-15](/1_chronicles/27-1-15 "1 Chronicles 27:1-15 - David's Military Divisions")), and maintaining internal order. This system allowed David to exert authority across the diverse tribal landscape while respecting traditional tribal identities.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, **Order and Governance** is paramount, as David's meticulous organization of both military and civil structures is presented as a hallmark of his righteous rule. This reflects a divine principle that order is essential for flourishing, mirroring God's own orderly creation. Secondly, **Unity in Diversity** is emphasized by the comprehensive list of all twelve tribes, including Dan, underscoring the idea that despite their distinct identities and territories, all parts of Israel were united under David's divinely appointed kingship. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of the church as a unified body with diverse members (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ")). Thirdly, the **Importance of Leadership** is highlighted, as the appointment of specific, named individuals for each tribe signifies the crucial role of delegated authority and accountable leadership in maintaining national cohesion and executing the king's vision. These leaders were instrumental in bringing David's administrative reforms to fruition throughout the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azareel (Hebrew, _'Azar'el'_):** This is a theophoric name, meaning "God has helped" or "God is my helper." The inclusion of such names throughout biblical genealogies and administrative lists serves not merely as identification but as a subtle theological statement. It reminds the reader that even in the mundane details of governance and administration, God's providence and assistance are present. For Azareel, a leader of the tribe of Dan, his name would have been a constant reminder of divine support in his leadership role.
* **Princes (Hebrew, _sarim'_):** This term (שָׂרִים) refers to chiefs, leaders, officials, or commanders. It denotes individuals holding significant authority and responsibility within their respective spheres. In this context, the _sarim'_ were not merely tribal elders but appointed royal officials, integrating the traditional tribal structure into David's centralized administration. Their role was crucial for the effective governance of the kingdom, bridging the gap between the central authority in Jerusalem and the local tribal populations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham.":** This clause specifically identifies the appointed leader for the tribe of Dan. The consistent formula "Of [Tribe], [Name] the son of [Father's Name]" throughout [1 Chronicles 27:16-22](/1_chronicles/27-16-22 "1 Chronicles 27:16-22 - List of Tribal Princes") lends a sense of official record-keeping and meticulous detail. The mention of Dan is significant, as this tribe sometimes receives negative attention or is omitted in other biblical lists (e.g., [Revelation 7](/revelation/7 "Revelation 7 - The 144,000 Sealed")). Its inclusion here affirms its continued place within the twelve tribes of Israel under David's unified kingdom.
* **"These [were] the princes of the tribes of Israel.":** This concluding statement serves as a summary and a definitive declaration. It rounds off the entire list of tribal leaders, confirming their collective identity and their authoritative positions within David's administrative framework. The phrase emphasizes that these individuals represented the entirety of Israel, highlighting the unity and comprehensive nature of David's governance over all the tribes.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse, and indeed the entire section (1 Chronicles 27:16-22), is **Enumeration**. The Chronicler meticulously lists each tribal prince, providing a comprehensive and systematic account. This detailed listing serves to underscore David's organizational prowess and the thoroughness of his administration. Furthermore, the consistent formulaic presentation ("Of [Tribe], [Name] the son of [Father's Name]") creates a sense of **Repetition** and rhythm, reinforcing the official and administrative nature of the record. The inclusion of **Theophoric Naming** (e.g., Azareel, "God has helped") is also a subtle literary and theological choice, embedding a reminder of divine involvement and blessing within the very names of the leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:22, by detailing David's appointment of tribal princes, speaks profoundly to the theological importance of order, delegated authority, and the unity of God's people. Just as God is a God of order, establishing creation with structure and purpose, so too is the effective governance of His people a reflection of His character. David's meticulous administration, including the appointment of leaders for every tribe, demonstrates a commitment to stewardship and the well-being of the nation, a principle that finds resonance throughout Scripture. It underscores that leadership, when exercised righteously and systematically, is a divine instrument for maintaining justice, peace, and cohesion within a community. The inclusion of all tribes, even Dan, also subtly reinforces God's covenant faithfulness to His people as a whole, ensuring that no part is overlooked in the divine-human partnership of building His kingdom.

* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders in Every Town")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 27:22 details an ancient administrative structure, its underlying principles offer timeless wisdom for contemporary life. The meticulous organization demonstrated by King David reminds us of the value of intentional planning and structure in any endeavor, whether in personal life, family, business, or the church. Order facilitates clarity, efficiency, and purpose, allowing for the effective stewardship of resources and responsibilities. Furthermore, the verse highlights the enduring significance of leadership. Just as David appointed capable individuals to guide and serve the tribes, there remains a vital need for dedicated, wise, and God-fearing leaders in all spheres of society today. We are called not only to recognize and honor those in authority but also to actively support and pray for them, understanding their crucial role in maintaining order, promoting justice, and guiding communities toward flourishing. Finally, the inclusion of every tribe, emphasizing that every part matters, serves as a powerful reminder that in any community—especially the body of Christ—each individual and group has a unique and essential role to play, contributing to the strength and vitality of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's commitment to order and structure in governance challenge my own approach to personal responsibilities or community involvement?**
* **In what ways can I better support and pray for the leaders in my life, whether in my family, church, workplace, or government?**
* **Considering that every tribe, including Dan, had a designated leader, how does this emphasize the value of every individual's contribution within a larger community or the church?**
* **What specific steps can I take to foster greater unity and effective leadership in the groups or communities I am a part of?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific mention of Azareel from Dan important, given Dan's sometimes ambiguous portrayal in Scripture?**

Answer: The specific mention of Azareel from the tribe of Dan is important because it confirms Dan's continued inclusion and participation within the unified kingdom of Israel under David. While the tribe of Dan is sometimes associated with idolatry (e.g., [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Danite Migration and Idolatry")) and is notably absent from the list of sealed tribes in [Revelation 7](/revelation/7 "Revelation 7 - The 144,000 Sealed"), its presence here in David's administrative list demonstrates that, at this historical juncture, Dan was still considered an integral part of the twelve tribes. This highlights David's comprehensive approach to governance, ensuring representation and leadership for all tribal entities, reinforcing the theme of national unity.

**What was the practical role of these "princes of the tribes" in David's kingdom?**

Answer: The "princes of the tribes" were crucial regional administrators within David's centralized monarchy. Their practical roles were multifaceted, likely including civil administration, judicial oversight (resolving disputes within their tribal territories), and military conscription (mobilizing men for David's army, as suggested by the preceding military lists in [1 Chronicles 27:1-15](/1_chronicles/27-1-15 "1 Chronicles 27:1-15 - David's Military Divisions")). They served as the primary link between the central government in Jerusalem and the local tribal populations, ensuring the king's decrees were implemented and order was maintained throughout the land. Their appointment reflects David's strategic efforts to consolidate power and establish a stable, well-governed nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, culminating in the appointment of tribal princes like Azareel, foreshadows the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Head of His Church. David's efforts to bring order and unity to Israel point to Christ, who is not merely a regional ruler but the cosmic King, holding all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Just as David delegated authority to ensure the well-being of his kingdom, Christ, having ascended to heaven, has established His Church and gifted it with diverse leaders and ministries to build up the body ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). The unity of the twelve tribes under David prefigures the spiritual unity of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language, all united under Christ as the Head of His body, the Church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body") and [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Ultimately, David's earthly kingdom, with its administrative structures, serves as a shadow of the perfect, eternal, and perfectly ordered kingdom of God, fully realized in Christ, where He reigns supreme, bringing ultimate peace, justice, and perfect governance to His people ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

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.