1 Chronicles 27:3

KJV

Of the children of Perez [was] the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the children {H1121} of Perez {H6557} was the chief {H7218} of all the captains {H8269} of the host {H6635} for the first {H7223} month {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was from the descendants of Peretz and was in charge of all the army captains during the first month.

Berean Standard Bible

He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month.

American Standard Version

He was of the children of Perez, the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:3 provides a precise detail within King David's highly organized administrative and military structure, specifically identifying the lineage of the chief commander appointed for the first month of the annual rotation. This verse underscores David's exceptional organizational foresight and his commitment to maintaining a stable and ready kingdom through a meticulously ordered system of leadership, accountability, and the strategic utilization of personnel based on their tribal affiliations and proven capabilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military and Administrative Organization"), a chapter dedicated to meticulously detailing King David's comprehensive administrative and military systems during the latter part of his reign. Following a general introduction to David's military divisions and their commanders in [1 Chronicles 27:1](/1_chronicles/27-1 "1 Chronicles 27:1 - Overview of David's Divisions"), verse 2 specifically names Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel as the commander for the first month. Verse 3 then elaborates on Jashobeam's lineage, identifying him as "of the children of Perez," a significant genealogical detail. This pattern of detailed enumeration continues throughout the chapter, listing the commanders for each of the twelve months, alongside other key officials. The Chronicler's emphasis on such meticulous record-keeping highlights a profound concern for order, legitimacy, and the proper functioning of God's people under their divinely appointed king, showcasing David's wisdom in establishing a structured and accountable kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign marked a pivotal era of expansion, consolidation, and relative peace for Israel, necessitating robust administrative and military infrastructures to govern a growing empire. The rotational military system described in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military and Civil Officials") was an ingenious and practical solution for maintaining a large, trained standing army without imposing an unbearable, year-round burden on the populace. Each division, comprising 24,000 men, served for one month annually, ensuring continuous military readiness and distributing the national defense responsibility equitably across the kingdom. The specific mention of "Perez" is culturally significant, as Perez was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar ([Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - Birth of Perez")), making his descendants a prominent and numerous clan within the powerful tribe of Judah. In Israelite society, lineage was paramount, often determining social status, inheritance rights, and eligibility for leadership roles. Jashobeam, identified in this verse, was also renowned as one of David's elite "mighty men" ([1 Chronicles 11:11](/1_chronicles/11-11 "1 Chronicles 11:11 - Jashobeam, One of David's Mighty Men")), indicating that David appointed highly capable, proven warriors to these critical command positions, reflecting both strategic acumen and trust.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 27:3](/1_chronicles/27-3 "1 Chronicles 27:3 - Commander for the First Month") and its broader context illuminate several profound themes. Foremost is **Order and Organization**, showcasing David's commitment to meticulous planning and administrative structure as indispensable foundations for a stable and prosperous kingdom. This reflects a divine principle, as God Himself is a God of order, not confusion ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")). The verse also highlights **Wise Leadership and Delegation**, demonstrating David's prudence in entrusting significant responsibilities to capable individuals, a principle essential for effective governance, echoing Jethro's counsel to Moses in [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Advice on Delegating Authority"). Furthermore, the emphasis on Perez's lineage underscores the **Significance of Tribal Identity and Heritage**, illustrating the enduring importance of family and tribal contributions within Israel's national framework, particularly for the tribe of Judah from which David himself hailed and from which the messianic line would emerge ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah")). Finally, the systematic rotational system inherently implies **Accountability**, where each commander was responsible for their division during their assigned period, fostering a culture of diligent and responsible service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perez (Hebrew, _Perets_):** This name, meaning "breach" or "bursting forth," recalls the dramatic circumstances of his birth as recorded in [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - Birth of Perez"), where he emerged first, breaking through before his twin brother Zerah. As a son of Judah, Perez became the progenitor of a significant and numerous clan within the tribe, a lineage that held prominence and from which King David himself descended. The mention here underscores the importance of tribal and familial identity in Israelite society and the Chronicler's meticulous attention to genealogy, connecting the commander to a respected and foundational family line.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _ro'sh_):** Derived from a root meaning "to shake," this term refers to the head, whether literally or figuratively, signifying the most prominent or leading position. In this context, it denotes the supreme military leader, the highest-ranking official responsible for the entire "host" (army) during his designated month. The use of _ro'sh_ emphasizes the paramount authority and significant responsibility entrusted to this individual within David's highly organized and hierarchical military structure.
* **Host (Hebrew, _tsaba'_):** This term refers to a mass of persons, especially those organized for war, such as an army or military force. While _tsaba'_ can also refer to heavenly bodies ("the host of heaven"), in this military context, it specifically designates the 24,000-man military division that served under the designated captain for a particular month. Its use highlights the organized, disciplined, and substantial nature of David's armed forces, which were crucial for maintaining the kingdom's security and order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the children of Perez":** This opening clause immediately establishes the specific lineage and tribal affiliation of the commander, identifying him as a descendant of Perez, a prominent clan within the tribe of Judah. This detail was crucial for the original Israelite audience, as it underscored the commander's legitimate standing within the national framework and connected him to a respected heritage that was foundational to David's own royal line. It highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on genealogy and the importance of family identity in Israelite society.
* **"[was] the chief of all the captains of the host":** This phrase precisely defines the elevated role and extensive authority of the individual. He was not merely one among many captains, but the supreme "chief" over all other captains within the substantial military division assigned for that month. This vividly illustrates the hierarchical and well-structured nature of David's army, emphasizing the significant leadership and strategic responsibility vested in this single commander to oversee 24,000 men.
* **"for the first month":** This concluding clause specifies the temporal assignment of this commander, revealing the systematic, rotational nature of David's military organization. It underscores that different leaders and divisions took turns serving the king throughout the year, ensuring continuous military readiness, distributing the burden of service, and fostering a broad base of experienced leadership within the kingdom. This detail highlights David's foresight in creating a sustainable and efficient defense system.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several key literary devices in this passage, consistent with his broader narrative style in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Structure"). **Enumeration** is a dominant feature, as the text meticulously lists the commanders for each month, demonstrating a comprehensive and systematic approach to record-keeping that emphasizes the order and structure David brought to his kingdom. There is a strong **Emphasis** on divine order and human organization, reflecting the Chronicler's theological perspective that a well-ordered kingdom, much like a well-ordered temple, receives God's blessing and functions effectively. The **Detailing** of specific lineages, such as "Of the children of Perez," serves a dual purpose: it legitimizes the appointments by connecting them to established and respected family lines within Israel, and it reinforces the continuity and strength derived from Israel's tribal identity and heritage, particularly from the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, as exemplified in 1 Chronicles 27:3, reflects a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, not of chaos. David's administrative genius in establishing such a systematic and rotational military structure was not merely a practical necessity but also a reflection of divine wisdom, enabling the kingdom to function effectively, maintain stability, and ensure justice. This principle extends beyond military organization to all aspects of life and faith, emphasizing the importance of diligence, good governance, and responsible stewardship of resources and people. The delegation of authority, the accountability inherent in the rotational system, and the utilization of diverse gifts from various tribes all point to a model of leadership that seeks to maximize effectiveness for the common good, mirroring God's own orderly creation and the structured way He provides for and leads His people. This passage implicitly teaches that divine blessing often accompanies human diligence and wise administration.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Jethro's Advice on Appointing Capable Leaders") - Jethro's advice to Moses to appoint capable leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, demonstrating the importance of delegated authority and organized administration in God's plan for His people.
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Submission to Governing Authorities") - Paul's instruction that all governing authorities are instituted by God, underscoring the divine sanction and purpose behind earthly order and leadership, reflecting God's desire for a well-ordered society.
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order, Not Confusion") - A foundational theological statement affirming that God is not a God of confusion but of peace and order, a principle vividly reflected in David's well-organized kingdom and applicable to the functioning of the church.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of David's military organization in 1 Chronicles 27:3, though seemingly a simple historical record, offers profound insights for contemporary life and leadership. It serves as a powerful reminder that effective leadership, whether in a family, a business, a church, or a community, necessitates intentional planning, strategic delegation, and an unwavering commitment to order. Just as David ensured the readiness and stability of his kingdom through a systematic and accountable approach, we are called to cultivate discipline and structure in our own lives and endeavors. This includes wisely stewarding our time, talents, and resources, and recognizing the transformative value of empowering others by delegating responsibilities according to their gifts and strengths. The mention of specific lineages also highlights the importance of valuing diverse gifts and backgrounds within any collective body, recognizing that God equips different individuals for different roles for the benefit of the whole. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to pursue excellence in organization and administration, not as ends in themselves, but as faithful means to achieve God-honoring goals, foster human flourishing, and bring glory to His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your personal life, family, or professional responsibilities could greater order and organization lead to more effective and less chaotic outcomes?**
* **How effectively do you delegate tasks and empower others, recognizing and utilizing their unique gifts and strengths for the common good?**
* **What systems of accountability or rotational responsibilities could you implement to prevent burnout, foster new perspectives, or develop broader leadership within your sphere of influence?**
* **How does the theological principle of God as a God of order influence your approach to daily tasks, long-term planning, and the pursuit of excellence in your commitments?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of mentioning "the children of Perez" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "the children of Perez" is significant for several reasons. Perez was one of the twin sons of Judah, and his lineage constituted a prominent and numerous clan within the powerful tribe of Judah ([Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - Birth of Perez")). This detail highlights the enduring importance of tribal identity and the specific contributions of various clans within Israel's national structure. For the Chronicler, who often emphasized genealogies, it also served to legitimize the appointment of Jashobeam, the commander for the first month, by connecting him to a notable and respected lineage within the royal tribe from which King David himself descended. It underscores the continuity and strength derived from Israel's established family and tribal structures, reinforcing the legitimacy of David's administration.

**What was the purpose of David's monthly military rotation system?**

Answer: David's monthly military rotation system, meticulously detailed in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military Organization"), served multiple crucial purposes for his kingdom. Firstly, it ensured a constant state of military readiness without placing an undue, year-round burden on the entire populace. Each division of 24,000 men served for one month, allowing the majority of the population to engage in their agricultural or other pursuits for the rest of the year. Secondly, it provided ongoing training and experience for a broad segment of the fighting force, enhancing national defense capabilities. Thirdly, it efficiently distributed the responsibility and cost of maintaining a standing army across the entire kingdom. Finally, it fostered a sense of national unity and shared defense, with different tribes and leaders taking turns in service to the king and the nation, strengthening the bonds of the kingdom.

**How does this verse reflect David's leadership qualities?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 27:3, situated within the broader context of [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Leadership and Administration"), powerfully reflects David's exceptional leadership qualities. It demonstrates his **strategic foresight** in establishing a comprehensive and sustainable military system that balanced readiness with the needs of the populace. It highlights his **organizational genius** in meticulously structuring the army into divisions with clear responsibilities and a rotational schedule. His leadership was also characterized by **wise delegation**, entrusting critical roles to capable and proven individuals like Jashobeam, who was renowned as one of his "mighty men" ([1 Chronicles 11:11](/1_chronicles/11-11 "1 Chronicles 11:11 - Jashobeam, One of David's Mighty Men")). Furthermore, it showcases his **attention to detail** and his profound understanding of the importance of lineage and tribal identity in maintaining order, loyalty, and a sense of shared purpose within his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:3 details the earthly administration of King David, a figure who serves as a type and shadow of the greater King to come, it subtly points to the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. David's meticulous organization of his earthly host, with its rotational leadership and temporal assignments, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unchanging headship of Christ over His spiritual host, the church. Jesus is the ultimate "Chief" and "Commander" ([Isaiah 55:4](/isaiah/55-4 "Isaiah 55:4 - God's Everlasting Covenant with David")), the true Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), whose kingdom is not of this world and knows no end ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Unlike David's commanders who served for a month and then rotated out, Christ's priesthood and kingship are permanent and unchangeable ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the one who perfectly orders and upholds all things by the word of His power ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Upholds All Things")) and perfectly administers His body, the church, equipping its members for service and growth into maturity ([Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Christ Equips the Church for Ministry")). In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of divine order, perfect leadership, and an eternal kingdom administered by the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world and reigns forevermore ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

Genesis 38:29

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Numbers 10:14

In the first [place] went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Numbers 7:12

And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah: