1 Chronicles 29:27

And the time that he reigned over Israel [was] forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three [years] reigned he in Jerusalem.

And the time {H3117} that he reigned {H4427} over Israel {H3478} was forty {H705} years {H8141}; seven {H7651} years {H8141} reigned {H4427} he in Hebron {H2275}, and thirty {H7970} and three {H7969} years reigned {H4427} he in Jerusalem {H3389}.

The duration of his reign over Isra'el was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hevron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Yerushalayim.

The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and threeyearsreigned he in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of King David's illustrious reign, immediately following his final public acts of worship, exhortation to the people, and preparation for his son Solomon's succession to the throne. It serves as a concise historical summary, highlighting the duration and key phases of his rule over all Israel, setting the stage for the transition of power detailed in the subsequent verses of 1 Chronicles 29. The Chronicler emphasizes David's significant impact and the divine blessing upon his kingdom.

Key Themes

  • The Duration of David's Reign: The precise mention of "forty years" underscores the completeness and stability of David's rule. This number often symbolizes a significant period of testing, establishment, or a generation in biblical contexts, marking a full era of leadership for Israel.
  • Phased Kingship: The commentary distinguishes between David's initial rule of "seven years reigned he in Hebron" over the tribe of Judah, and his consolidated reign of "thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem" over all twelve tribes. This transition to Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment, as it became the political and spiritual capital of the united kingdom, fulfilling a long-held prophecy concerning the Davidic line. This division of time is also noted in 2 Samuel 5:5.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment: David's long and impactful reign was not merely a human achievement but a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. His rule laid the foundation for the enduring Davidic dynasty, through which the Messiah would eventually come, as prophesied in the Davidic Covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's repetition of "reigned he" emphasizes David's active and continuous leadership throughout these distinct periods. The precision of the numbers—"forty years," "seven years," and "thirty and three years"—highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler, underscoring the historical accuracy and factual basis of the account. There are no complex Hebrew terms in this verse, as it serves as a straightforward chronological summary.

Practical Application

This verse, though a historical summary, offers several enduring lessons:

  • Leadership and Legacy: David's reign, marked by both triumphs and personal failings, ultimately demonstrates the importance of a leader's faithfulness to God and their commitment to preparing the next generation for stewardship. His legacy was enduring because it was rooted in a covenant with God.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite the challenges and imperfections, God remained true to His promises concerning David's kingdom. This reminds us that God's plans and purposes will prevail, even through human weakness.
  • The Significance of Seasons: David's reign had distinct phases—a period of establishment in Hebron and a longer period of consolidated rule from Jerusalem. This illustrates that different seasons of life or leadership have unique purposes and challenges, each contributing to a greater divine plan.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 2:11

    And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Samuel 5:4

    David [was] thirty years old when he began to reign, [and] he reigned forty years.

  • 2 Samuel 5:5

    In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:4

    [These] six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.

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