1 Chronicles 28:1

KJV

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} assembled {H6950} all the princes {H8269} of Israel {H3478}, the princes {H8269} of the tribes {H7626}, and the captains {H8269} of the companies {H4256} that ministered {H8334} to the king {H4428} by course {H4256}, and the captains {H8269} over the thousands {H505}, and captains {H8269} over the hundreds {H3967}, and the stewards {H8269} over all the substance {H7399} and possession {H4735} of the king {H4428}, and of his sons {H1121}, with the officers {H5631}, and with the mighty men {H1368}, and with all the valiant men {H2428}, unto Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David assembled in Yerushalayim all the leaders of Isra'el - the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the divisions serving the king, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and the supervisors over the property and livestock of the king, along with his sons, the officials, the warrior-heroes, and anyone else who was a leader.

Berean Standard Bible

Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men—every mighty man of valor.

American Standard Version

And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that served the king by course, and the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, and the rulers over all the substance and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officers, and the mighty men, even all the mighty men of valor, unto Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:1 meticulously records a momentous convocation initiated by King David in Jerusalem, bringing together an exhaustive array of Israel's civil, military, administrative, and spiritual leadership. This grand assembly, convened as David approached the twilight of his reign, served as a formal and public declaration of his divine mandate for the building of the Temple and the orderly transfer of authority to his son, Solomon, ensuring national unity and commitment to God's future purposes for His people and His dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the pivotal opening to a crucial section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 28-29), which meticulously details David's final public acts, his comprehensive preparations for the Temple's construction, and the formal succession of Solomon. Having been divinely prevented from building the Temple himself due to his involvement in warfare, as explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build the Temple"), David now dedicates his remaining energy and foresight to ensuring its successful realization through his chosen successor. The preceding chapters in 1 Chronicles have systematically established David's divinely favored reign, his military triumphs, and his deep-seated desire to establish a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. This grand assembly, therefore, represents the culmination of David's extensive preparations, a formal handover of a divine blueprint, and a solemn charge to the nation's most influential leaders and his son, Solomon.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The gathering described in [1 Chronicles 28:1](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1 - David Assembles Israel's Leaders") is unparalleled in its comprehensive scope, vividly illustrating the highly organized and centralized nature of David's kingdom at its zenith. Jerusalem, recently established as the unified capital and spiritual center after the Ark of the Covenant was brought there (as chronicled in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem")), served as the uniquely appropriate venue for such a national convocation. The various categories of leaders enumerated—princes, captains, stewards, officers, mighty men, and valiant men—underscore the sophisticated administrative, military, and economic structures David had meticulously developed during his reign. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the formal transfer of power and the initiation of major national undertakings invariably involved public assemblies. These gatherings were crucial for securing the loyalty of key figures, disseminating vital information, and ensuring continuity and stability. This particular assembly was thus critical for legitimizing Solomon's succession in the eyes of the entire nation and for rallying widespread national support for the immense undertaking of building the Temple, a project that would demand vast resources, unified effort, and collective commitment.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 28:1](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1 - David Assembles Israel's Leaders") introduces and reinforces several overarching themes that are central to the Chronicler's theological narrative. First, it powerfully underscores the theme of **divine election and succession**, as David formally presents Solomon as God's divinely chosen successor, thereby fulfilling the promises inherent in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Second, it highlights the critical theme of **leadership and governance**, showcasing David's meticulous planning, his commitment to involving all levels of national leadership in a project of profound divine significance, and the paramount importance of unity and consensus for the successful execution of God's work. Third, the verse meticulously sets the stage for the overarching theme of **Temple building**, which is foundational to the Chronicler's theology, portraying the Temple as the singular focal point of Israel's worship, national identity, and covenant relationship with God—a concept further elaborated in passages like [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). Finally, it subtly but powerfully reinforces the theme of **preparation and continuity**, as David, though unable to personally build the Temple, diligently prepares the way for his son, demonstrating exemplary faithful stewardship, profound foresight, and an unwavering commitment to God's long-term purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Assembled (Hebrew, _qâhal'_):** The verb קָהַל (_qâhal_) means "to convoke," "to assemble," or "to gather together." Its usage here signifies a formal, deliberate, and purposeful convocation rather than a casual meeting or spontaneous gathering. It implies a structured act of bringing together representatives from all significant segments of Israelite society for a matter of paramount national and spiritual importance. This was not merely a king consulting his inner circle, but a public, comprehensive gathering designed to secure broad participation, endorsement, and commitment for the monumental task ahead. The term often carries a connotation of a solemn, even sacred, assembly, fitting for the context of preparing for the construction of God's Temple.
* **Princes (Hebrew, _sar'_):** The term שַׂר (_sar_) refers to a "head person," "chief," or "official" of any rank or class. In this context, the plural "princes" (שָׂרִים, _sarim_) denotes individuals holding high rank and authority, encompassing civil, military, and tribal leaders. The repetition "princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes" emphatically highlights the comprehensive nature of the civil leadership present, encompassing both national and regional authorities. Their presence signifies the immense political and social weight of the assembly, ensuring that the decisions made would possess widespread legitimacy and command support across all tribal divisions of Israel.
* **Valiant men (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** The Hebrew word חַיִל (_chayil_) primarily refers to "force," whether of men, means, or other resources, encompassing concepts like an "army," "wealth," "virtue," "valor," and "strength." When applied to men, as here, it signifies "valiant men," "men of valor," or "mighty men" known for their strength, courage, and military prowess. Their inclusion in this assembly underscores the national scope of the gathering and suggests their potential role in supporting the king's decrees, providing resources, or defending the future Temple. It also highlights that this was a convocation not just of administrators and politicians, but of the nation's most respected and influential figures from all walks of life, including those who had fought alongside David to establish and secure the kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David assembled all the princes of Israel,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes David's active, intentional, and sovereign role in initiating this profoundly significant event. "All the princes of Israel" indicates the highest level of national civil leadership, suggesting a comprehensive representation from across the entire kingdom, signifying a unified national presence.
* **"the princes of the tribes,"**: This clause specifically identifies the tribal leaders, ensuring that the traditional, foundational structures of Israelite society were represented alongside the broader national administration. This emphasizes the vital importance of unity and consensus across the ancient tribal divisions for the national undertaking.
* **"and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course,"**: This refers to the military commanders, likely those who served in rotational shifts, indicating the full involvement of the organized military structure in the assembly. This highlights the king's comprehensive control over his armed forces and their integral role in national affairs and major projects.
* **"and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds,"**: Further detailing the military hierarchy, this points to the various levels of command within the Israelite army, from larger units (thousands) to smaller ones (hundreds). Their presence signifies the military's endorsement, commitment, and readiness to support the national project.
* **"and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons,"**: This refers to the high-ranking administrators responsible for managing the royal treasury, vast estates, and accumulated wealth. Their inclusion is crucial, as the Temple project would necessitate immense financial and material resources, underscoring the practical, economic, and logistical dimensions of the undertaking.
* **"with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem."**: This final, broad categorization encompasses various other officials, renowned heroes, and men of valor, ensuring that virtually every influential and respected segment of Israelite society was present. The concluding phrase "unto Jerusalem" specifies the capital city as the sacred, political, and geographical locus of this momentous national assembly, emphasizing its solemnity, importance, and central significance for the entire nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed with striking effect in [1 Chronicles 28:1](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1 - David Assembles Israel's Leaders") is **Enumeration**, where a detailed and extensive list of various leadership groups is provided. This comprehensive catalog of attendees—from "princes of Israel" to "valiant men"—serves to powerfully underscore the national scope, the profound significance, and the unprecedented nature of the event David is orchestrating. The deliberate **Repetition** of "princes" and "captains" (over companies, thousands, and hundreds) further emphasizes the thoroughness of the representation, particularly within the civil and military spheres. By meticulously listing such a diverse and exhaustive array of leaders, the Chronicler masterfully creates an overwhelming impression of **Unity** and collective endorsement, suggesting that the subsequent decisions regarding the Temple and Solomon's succession were not merely the king's personal will but a nationally supported and divinely sanctioned endeavor. The gathering "unto Jerusalem" functions as a symbolic **Setting**, grounding the momentous occasion in the heart of the kingdom, its spiritual center, and the divinely appointed place for the future Temple, thereby imbuing the event with profound solemnity and historical weight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 28:1](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1 - David Assembles Israel's Leaders") stands as a powerful testament to the themes of divine order, faithful leadership, and the continuity of God's covenant purposes. David's meticulous assembly of Israel's entire leadership structure reflects a divinely inspired commitment to ensure a smooth, unified, and legitimate transition of power to Solomon, particularly for the monumental and sacred task of building the Temple. This act underscores the Chronicler's profound emphasis on Israel's identity as a people under God's covenant, where national endeavors, especially those concerning worship and the establishment of God's dwelling place, require collective buy-in, widespread participation, and divine sanction. It highlights that even in human planning, organization, and succession, God's sovereign will is powerfully at work, preparing the way for the fulfillment of His promises, particularly concerning the enduring Davidic dynasty and the establishment of a permanent, central place of worship for His people.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [1 Kings 5:1-18](/1_kings/5-1-18 "Solomon Prepares for Temple Building")
* [Nehemiah 11:1-36](/nehemiah/11-1-36 "The People Settle in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grand assembly convened by David in [1 Chronicles 28:1](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1 - David Assembles Israel's Leaders") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary leadership, both within the church and in broader societal contexts. It powerfully demonstrates the wisdom of comprehensive planning, the strategic importance of involving diverse stakeholders, and the necessity of securing broad consensus in significant undertakings, especially those with spiritual implications or national impact. David, despite being a powerful and divinely appointed king, did not act unilaterally but sought to unify the nation's entire leadership around God's purposes. This exemplifies the invaluable nature of collaborative leadership, the power of a shared vision, and the humble recognition that truly great works for God require the collective effort, commitment, and giftedness of many. It challenges us to critically examine how we can better empower and involve others in our shared mission, fostering genuine unity and ensuring continuity for future generations. Moreover, David's remarkable foresight in diligently preparing for the Temple's construction, even knowing he would not live to see its completion, inspires us to invest sacrificially in long-term spiritual goals, laying robust foundations for future ministry and leaving a legacy of faithfulness that extends far beyond our own immediate contributions or lifespan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's comprehensive approach to leadership in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of effective leadership today, particularly in spiritual endeavors?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals or communities, better prepare for and facilitate the "next generation" of God's work, even if we won't be the ones to complete it?**
* **What profound significance does the location "unto Jerusalem" hold for this assembly, and how might that inform our understanding of the importance of place and spiritual centers in our own contexts?**
* **How can we intentionally foster greater unity, shared vision, and collective commitment among diverse groups within our own spheres of influence for the sake of advancing God's purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did David assemble such a vast and diverse group of leaders?**

Answer: David assembled this extensive and diverse group—including civil, military, and administrative leaders from all levels of Israelite society—for several critical and strategic reasons. Firstly, it was to formally announce and publicly legitimize Solomon as his chosen successor, a choice that was divinely sanctioned and revealed (as clearly seen in [1 Chronicles 22:9-10](/1_chronicles/22-9-10 "1 Chronicles 22:9-10 - God's Promise to Solomon")). Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, it was to present the divine blueprint for the Temple and to secure the nation's collective commitment, resources, and unified effort for its monumental construction. By involving all segments of leadership, David ensured that the immense task of building the Temple would be perceived and undertaken as a truly national endeavor, fostering profound unity, gaining widespread support, and demonstrating transparency and divine authority in both the transfer of power and the execution of God's will. This comprehensive assembly underscored the gravity, national importance, and sacred nature of the decisions to be made.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Chronicles 28:1](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1 - David Assembles Israel's Leaders"), with its vivid depiction of King David assembling all of Israel's leaders for the Temple project and the formal succession of Solomon, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. David, the chosen king and a man after God's own heart, meticulously prepares the way for his son, Solomon, who builds the physical Temple—a powerful type of the spiritual house of God. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the greater Son of David, the true and eternal King who not only inherits the throne but also builds the ultimate spiritual Temple, His Church, a promise He explicitly makes in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church"). Just as David gathered the leaders of Israel to unify them around God's purposes for the earthly dwelling, Christ, through His redemptive ministry, sacrificial death, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, gathers people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to form His living body, the Church. This spiritual edifice is beautifully described as a "spiritual house" and a "holy priesthood" in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House"), built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). The unity and collective commitment sought by David for the earthly Temple find their perfect and eternal fulfillment in the profound unity of believers in Christ, who are "built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling for God's Spirit")). This momentous assembly in Jerusalem, preparing for the earthly dwelling of God, powerfully points forward to the heavenly Jerusalem where Christ reigns eternally, and where God dwells in perfect communion with His redeemed people for all time ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 23:2

And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.

1 Chronicles 11:10

¶ These also [are] the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, [and] with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:47

Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.

1 Chronicles 27:1

¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:34

And after Ahithophel [was] Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army [was] Joab.

Joshua 23:2

And Joshua called for all Israel, [and] for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old [and] stricken in age:

Joshua 24:1

¶ And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.