TRV
Translation
King James Version
And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.
Complete Jewish Bible
and after Achitofel were Y'hoyada the son of B'nayah and Evyatar. Yo'av was commander of the king's army.
Berean Standard Bible
Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army.
American Standard Version
and after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the captain of the king’s host was Joab.
World English Bible Messianic
and after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the captain of the king’s army was Joab.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And after Ahitophel was Iehoiada the sonne of Benaiah and Abiathar: and captaine of the Kings armie was Ioab.
Young's Literal Translation
and after Ahithophel is Jehoiada son of Benaiah, and Abiathar; and the head of the host of the king is Joab.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 27 verses 16–34
16 ¶ Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:
17 Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:
18 Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:
19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:
20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:
21 Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:
22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.
23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.
24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.
25 And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:
26 And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:
27 And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:
28 And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that were in the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:
29 And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:
30 Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:
31 And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.
32 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:
33 And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:
34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.
We have here an account,
I. Of the princes of the tribes. Something of the ancient order instituted by Moses in the wilderness was still kept up, that every tribe should have its prince or chief. It is probable that it was kept up all along, either by election or by succession, in the same family; and those are here named who were found in that office when this account was taken. Elihu, or Eliab, who was prince of Judah, was the eldest son of Jesse, and descended in a right line from Nahshon and Salmon, the princes of this tribe in Moses's time. Whether these princes were of the nature of lord-lieutenants that guided them in their military affairs, or chief-justices that presided in their courts of judgment, does not appear. Their power, we may suppose, was much less now that all the tribes were united under one king than it had been when, for the most part, they acted separately. Our religion obliges us to be subject, not only to the king as supreme, but unto governors under him (Pe1 2:13, Pe1 2:14), the princes that decree justice. Of Benjamin was Jaaziel the son of Abner, Ch1 27:21. Though Abner was David's enemy, and opposed his coming to the throne, yet David would not oppose the preferment of his son, but perhaps nominated him to this post of honour, which teaches us to render good for evil.
II. Of the numbering of the people, Ch1 27:23, Ch1 27:24. It is here said, 1. That when David ordered the people to be numbered he forbade the numbering of those under twenty years old, thinking thereby to save the reflection which what he did might otherwise cast upon the promise that they should be innumerable; yet it was but a poor salvo, for it had never been customary to number those under twenty, and the promise of their numbers chiefly respected the effective men. 2. That the account which David took of the people, in the pride of his heart, turned to no good account; for it was never perfected, nor done with exactness, nor was it ever recorded as an authentic account. Joab was disgusted with it, and did it by halves; David was ashamed of it, and willing it should be forgotten, because there fell wrath for it against Israel. A good man cannot, in the reflection, please himself with that which he knows God is displeased with, cannot make use of that, nor take comfort in that, which is obtained by sin.
III. Of the officers of the court. 1. The rulers of the king's substance (as they are called, Ch1 27:31), such as had the oversight and charge of the king's tillage, his vineyards, his olive-yards, his herds, his camels, his asses, his flocks. Here are no officers for state, none for sport, no master of the wardrobe, no master of the ceremonies, no master of the horse, no master of the hounds, but all for service, agreeable to the simplicity and plainness of those times. David was a great soldier, a great scholar, and a great prince, and yet a great husband of his estate, kept a great deal of ground in his own hand, and stocked it, not for pleasure, but for profit; for the king himself is served of the field, Ecc 5:9. Those magistrates that would have their subjects industrious must themselves be examples of industry and application to business. We find, however, that afterwards the poor of the land were thought good enough to be vine-dressers and husbandmen, Kg2 25:12. Now David put his great men to preside in these employments. 2. The attendants on the king's person. They were such as were eminent for wisdom, being designed for conversation. His uncle, who was a wise man and a scribe, not only well skilled in politics, but well read in the scriptures, was his counsellor, Ch1 27:32. Another, who no doubt excelled in learning and prudence, was tutor to his children. Ahithophel, a very cunning man, was his counsellor: but Hushai, an honest man, was his companion and confidant. It does not appear that he had many counsellors; but those he had were men of great abilities. Much of the wisdom of princes is seen in the choice of their ministry. But David, though he had all these trusty and well-beloved cousins and counsellors about him, preferred his Bible before them all. Psa 119:24, Thy testimonies are my delight and my counsellors.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–34. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:34 serves as the concluding statement in a detailed enumeration of King David's administrative and military hierarchy, providing a final glimpse into the composition of his most influential advisors and the supreme commander of his armed forces. This verse specifically names key individuals who held positions of significant counsel and military authority, thereby underscoring the structured governance and the dynamic, yet stable, nature of David's reign, even amidst shifts in personnel and historical events. It highlights the pivotal roles of those closest to the king, offering a snapshot of the kingdom's operational backbone.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 27:34 and the surrounding chapter to convey its message. The overarching device is Catalog or List, which systematically enumerates the various officials and commanders, emphasizing the comprehensive and organized nature of David's administration. Within this specific verse, there is a subtle use of Juxtaposition by mentioning Ahithophel, whose wisdom turned to treachery, alongside loyal figures like Jehoiada and Abiathar. This implicit contrast highlights the importance of faithfulness in service, even as it acknowledges the historical reality of disloyalty. The phrase "And after Ahithophel" functions as a Temporal Marker, signaling a shift or a new phase in the composition of David's inner circle, acknowledging a significant historical event (Ahithophel's betrayal and death) without explicitly detailing it. The verse also serves as a Culmination or Summary, providing a final, authoritative statement about the key personnel at the apex of David's power structure, thereby concluding the detailed administrative roster of the chapter and reinforcing the Chronicler's theme of an orderly, divinely-blessed kingdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:34, by listing key figures in David's administration, underscores the divine principle that effective governance requires both robust structure and capable, divinely-appointed leadership. The Chronicler emphasizes David's meticulous organization, reflecting a kingdom ordered not by human whim alone, but by a king who sought to establish a stable realm that would serve God's purposes. The inclusion of figures like Ahithophel, even in retrospect, serves as a cautionary tale about the transient nature of human wisdom and loyalty, contrasting with the enduring need for counsel rooted in faithfulness to God. Ultimately, the verse points to God's sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating how He works through fallible leaders and evolving structures to achieve His redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line and the preparations for the temple.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though brief, offers profound insights into the nature of leadership and the importance of wise counsel, themes highly relevant for believers today. Just as David meticulously organized his kingdom, we are called to be diligent and orderly in our own spheres of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, or churches. The mention of Ahithophel reminds us that not all counsel, however seemingly wise or persuasive, is godly or trustworthy; discernment is paramount. We must seek guidance from those whose wisdom is rooted in God's Word and whose loyalty is to Christ, not personal gain or fleeting trends. Furthermore, the continuity of leadership, even through changes and challenges, highlights the resilience and adaptability required in any healthy organization or community. We are to pray for and support our leaders, recognizing that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will, and that true strength and stability lie in a reliance on divine wisdom and faithfulness rather than solely human ingenuity or power.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Ahithophel mentioned here, given his betrayal and death?
Answer: Ahithophel's mention in 1 Chronicles 27:34, prefaced by "after Ahithophel," is significant because it acknowledges his historical importance and the profound impact he had on David's administration, even though his influence ended in treachery. His counsel was once considered divinely inspired (2 Samuel 16:23), and his defection to Absalom's rebellion was a major crisis for David (2 Samuel 15:12). By including him, the Chronicler marks a transition in David's inner circle, highlighting the new composition of advisors who served after Ahithophel's fall. It serves as a historical reference point, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the court and the king's ability to adapt and continue governing effectively despite significant challenges, ultimately demonstrating God's preservation of David's kingdom.
Is Jehoiada the son of Benaiah the same person as Jehoiada the high priest?
Answer: No, Jehoiada the son of Benaiah in 1 Chronicles 27:34 is distinct from Jehoiada the high priest, who was prominent during the reign of Joash (e.g., 2 Kings 11:4). This Jehoiada is identified by his father, Benaiah, who was one of David's mighty men and later became commander of the army under Solomon (1 Kings 2:35). While the Bible doesn't explicitly detail Jehoiada son of Benaiah's specific role as a counselor, his inclusion among such prominent figures suggests he held a position of significant trust and influence, likely continuing his father's legacy of loyal service to the crown within David's administrative structure.
What does this verse tell us about King David's leadership style?
Answer: This verse, as part of the larger chapter, reveals several aspects of David's leadership. Firstly, it demonstrates his commitment to structured and organized governance. David did not rule haphazardly but established clear roles and responsibilities for his officials, from military commanders to counselors, reflecting a proactive approach to kingship. Secondly, it highlights his reliance on a diverse set of advisors and powerful figures, acknowledging the need for various types of expertise—military, priestly, and administrative—in running a kingdom. Thirdly, it subtly points to the dynamic and sometimes challenging nature of his court, where even trusted figures could betray him (Ahithophel), and others, like Joab and Abiathar, had complex relationships with the king yet remained integral to his reign. Overall, it paints a picture of a king who, while divinely chosen, also actively engaged in the practical, administrative aspects of ruling, seeking to establish a stable and effective kingdom for the people of Israel, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect rule.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, as highlighted in 1 Chronicles 27:34, with its carefully chosen counselors and a powerful general, foreshadows the perfectly ordered and eternally stable kingdom of Jesus Christ. David, though a king after God's own heart, ruled an earthly kingdom subject to human frailties, betrayals like Ahithophel's, and the complex loyalties of men like Joab and Abiathar. These imperfect human structures and leaders ultimately point to the coming of the Messiah, who is the true and ultimate King. Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16), whose reign is not dependent on fallible human counsel but is founded on divine wisdom itself (1 Corinthians 1:30). He is the perfect Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6), whose advice always leads to life and truth (John 14:6), and who will never betray His people. Furthermore, He is the General of the Lord's Army, leading His people not in earthly battles but in spiritual warfare, ultimately securing victory over sin, death, and all opposing powers (Colossians 2:15). The continuity of leadership in David's kingdom, despite changes, prefigures the eternal and unchanging reign of Christ, whose kingdom "shall have no end" (Luke 1:33), providing perfect order, justice, and peace for all eternity.