1 Chronicles 27:32

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Also Jonathan {H3083} David's {H1732} uncle {H1730} was a counsellor {H3289}, a wise {H995} man {H376}, and a scribe {H5608}: and Jehiel {H3171} the son {H1121} of Hachmoni {H2453} was with the king's {H4428} sons {H1121}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan David's uncle was an adviser, a man of understanding and a secretary. Yechi'el the son of Hachmoni took care of the king's sons.

Berean Standard Bible

David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king.

American Standard Version

Also Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counsellor, a man of understanding, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:32 provides a concise yet significant glimpse into the sophisticated administrative structure of King David's kingdom, specifically highlighting two key figures: Jonathan, David's uncle, who served as a multifaceted royal advisor, and Jehiel, son of Hachmoni, who was entrusted with the care or oversight of the king's sons. This verse, embedded within a larger catalog of David's officials, underscores the importance of wise counsel, specialized roles, and the meticulous organization essential for effective governance and the continuity of the royal line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter dedicated to detailing the elaborate administrative and military organization of King David's reign. Following the monthly military divisions (verses 1-15) and the tribal leaders (verses 16-24), verses 25-34 enumerate the various departmental heads and royal advisors. This section meticulously lists officials responsible for the king's treasuries, agricultural resources, vineyards, olive groves, livestock, and other royal assets, culminating in the mention of David's personal counselors and close associates. The inclusion of Jonathan and Jehiel in this list emphasizes their integral roles within the inner circle of royal administration, showcasing David's foresight in establishing a comprehensive and specialized government. The chapter concludes with a summary statement about Ahithophel's counsel and Joab's command, providing a complete picture of David's reliance on a diverse team.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC), the Israelite monarchy was transitioning from a tribal confederacy to a more centralized kingdom. This required the establishment of a robust administrative bureaucracy, a common feature of ancient Near Eastern empires. Kings relied heavily on trusted advisors, scribes, and officials to manage the complex affairs of state, including military logistics, economic resources, and legal matters. The mention of an "uncle" in a prominent advisory role reflects the ancient practice of incorporating family members into positions of trust, often blending kinship with merit. The role of those "with the king's sons" was particularly crucial, as it involved the education, protection, and preparation of the next generation of leadership, ensuring dynastic stability in a period of significant national development.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 27:32 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **organized leadership and divine order**, demonstrating David's meticulous efforts to govern Israel effectively, mirroring God's own orderly nature. This emphasis on structure and delegation is a recurring motif, showing how God works through human instrumentalities to establish His kingdom. Secondly, the verse underscores the **value of wise counsel and discernment** in leadership, a principle deeply rooted in Israelite wisdom tradition, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Many Counselors") which states, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Jonathan's role as a "counsellor" and "wise man" exemplifies this. Thirdly, the mention of Jehiel "with the king's sons" points to the critical theme of **stewardship of the next generation**, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and preparing future leaders for their responsibilities, a vital aspect of ensuring the continuity of God's covenant promises through the Davidic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsellor (Hebrew, _yo'etz'_):** This term (יוֹעֵץ) refers to one who gives advice, counsel, or consultation. In ancient Near Eastern courts, a counselor was a highly trusted and influential figure, often involved in strategic planning, policy formulation, and judicial matters. Their wisdom and discretion were paramount, as their advice could directly impact the king's decisions and the welfare of the nation. Jonathan's designation as a "counsellor" indicates a position of significant influence and intellectual capacity within David's inner circle.
* **Scribe (Hebrew, _sopher'_):** The Hebrew word (סֹפֵר) for scribe in this context denotes more than just a copyist. A royal scribe was a highly educated official, often serving as a secretary of state, a recorder of royal decrees, a keeper of archives, or even a legal expert. This role required literacy, administrative skill, and often diplomatic acumen. Jonathan's dual role as "counsellor" and "scribe" suggests a comprehensive understanding of both policy and its implementation, making him an invaluable asset to David's administration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe:"** This clause introduces Jonathan, a significant figure not only by his familial relation to David (uncle) but by his multiple, high-level administrative functions. His designation as a "counsellor" highlights his role in providing strategic advice. Being a "wise man" points to his inherent discernment and practical knowledge, while "scribe" indicates his proficiency in statecraft, record-keeping, and possibly legal or diplomatic affairs. The combination of these roles underscores his profound influence and trusted position within David's court, illustrating the king's reliance on competent and sagacious advisors.
* **"and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni [was] with the king's sons:"** This second clause introduces Jehiel, identified by his patronymic, "son of Hachmoni," which may connect him to a prominent family known for its loyal service (e.g., Jashobeam, a Hachmonite, was one of David's mighty men in [1 Chronicles 11:11](/1_chronicles/11-11 "1 Chronicles 11:11 - Jashobeam the Hachmonite")). Jehiel's specific role "with the king's sons" implies a crucial responsibility related to the royal princes. This could encompass their education, guardianship, administration of their affairs, or even serving as their personal tutor or steward. This highlights the importance David placed on the upbringing and preparation of his heirs, ensuring the continuity and stability of the Davidic dynasty.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 27:32, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The text systematically lists individuals and their specific roles within David's administration, creating a detailed inventory of his kingdom's organizational structure. This precise cataloging serves to emphasize the meticulous nature of David's reign and the comprehensive scope of his governance. Additionally, there is an element of **Characterization by Role**, where individuals are defined primarily by their functions and contributions to the kingdom rather than by extensive personal narratives. This focus on function underscores the importance of specialized labor and delegated authority in establishing a stable and effective monarchy. The verse also implicitly uses **Juxtaposition** by presenting two distinct individuals with different yet complementary roles—one advising the king, the other overseeing the princes—thereby illustrating the multifaceted nature of royal administration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:32, by detailing the administrative structure of David's kingdom, implicitly conveys profound theological truths about governance and divine order. It reflects the biblical principle that effective leadership, whether in secular or sacred spheres, requires wisdom, discernment, and the strategic delegation of authority. David's meticulous organization, guided by God's wisdom, ensured the stability and prosperity of Israel, foreshadowing the perfect administration of God's own kingdom. The emphasis on wise counsel and the careful raising of the next generation speaks to God's concern for continuity, justice, and the flourishing of His people through righteous leadership. This verse reminds us that God often works through human structures and gifted individuals to bring about His purposes.

* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail Without Counsel")
* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - By Wise Counsel Make War")
* [Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Advice to Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of David's administration in 1 Chronicles 27:32 offers timeless principles for leadership and community building in any era. Just as King David surrounded himself with a diverse array of capable, wise, and trusted advisors and specialists, so too should leaders today recognize the immense value of seeking counsel, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a culture of expertise. No leader, however gifted, can effectively manage all aspects of a complex organization alone. The mention of Jonathan's wisdom and Jehiel's role with the king's sons highlights the enduring importance of both strategic foresight and the diligent investment in the next generation. This verse challenges us to consider how we are stewarding our own spheres of influence, whether in family, church, or workplace, by valuing wisdom, nurturing talent, and preparing those who will follow. It encourages us to build structures that are not only efficient but also grounded in integrity and a commitment to flourishing, reflecting the divine order that God desires for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or leadership could you benefit from seeking wise counsel, and from whom might you seek it?**
* **How are you actively investing in and mentoring the next generation, preparing them for future responsibilities and challenges?**
* **What lessons can we learn from David's administrative structure about the importance of delegation and specialized roles in achieving common goals?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Jonathan being David's "uncle" in this context?**

Answer: The mention of Jonathan as David's "uncle" (דּוֹד, _dod_) signifies a close familial relationship, which in ancient Israel often implied a deep level of trust and loyalty. While merit and skill were undoubtedly important for such high-ranking positions, family ties often played a significant role in securing positions of influence within royal courts. This familial connection would have provided David with a counselor whose allegiance was deeply personal, adding an extra layer of reliability to his wisdom and administrative capabilities. It also highlights the blend of kinship and competence that characterized David's trusted inner circle.

**What exactly did Jehiel "with the king's sons" do?**

Answer: While the text does not specify the exact duties of Jehiel, his role "with the king's sons" (עִם־בְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ, _'im b'nei hammelekh_) strongly suggests a position of significant responsibility related to the royal princes. This could have involved overseeing their education, managing their personal affairs, serving as their guardian or tutor, or even administering their households and estates. In a monarchy, the upbringing and preparation of the king's sons were paramount for the continuity and stability of the dynasty. Jehiel's presence indicates David's meticulous attention to ensuring that his heirs were well-prepared for their future roles, under the care of a trusted and capable individual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 27:32, though detailing the earthly administration of King David, powerfully anticipates the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. David, as a wise king who meticulously organized his kingdom with capable advisors and stewards for his sons, serves as a type of the ultimate King. Jesus is the true and ultimate "Counsellor," far surpassing Jonathan's wisdom, for He is the "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Wonderful Counselor"). He embodies all wisdom and knowledge, and His counsel leads to life and peace, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). Furthermore, just as Jehiel was entrusted with the care of David's sons, Christ, the Son of God, is entrusted by the Father with all those who believe in Him, His spiritual "sons and daughters" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")). He is the one who nurtures, guides, and prepares His people for their eternal inheritance and their roles in His heavenly kingdom, ensuring that "none of them is lost" ([John 17:12](/john/17-12 "John 17:12 - None of them is lost")). In Christ, we see the perfect administration, the ultimate wisdom, and the faithful stewardship that secures the eternal well-being of God's chosen family.

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

2 Samuel 21:21

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.

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 13:3

But Amnon had a friend, whose name [was] Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab [was] a very subtil man.