1 Chronicles 27:20

Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:

Of the children {H1121} of Ephraim {H669}, Hoshea {H1954} the son {H1121} of Azaziah {H5812}: of the half {H2677} tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519}, Joel {H3100} the son {H1121} of Pedaiah {H6305}:

of the descendants of Efrayim: Hoshea the son of 'Azazyahu; of the half-tribe of M'nasheh: Yo'el the son of P'dayah;

over the Ephraimites was Hoshea son of Azaziah; over one of the half-tribes of Manasseh was Joel son of Pedaiah;

of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:

Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:20 is part of a detailed record of King David's administrative and military structure, specifically listing the commanders appointed over each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse focuses on the leaders from the tribes of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh, both descendants of Joseph.

Context

This chapter, 1 Chronicles 27, outlines David's sophisticated system of governing his kingdom. It details the twelve military divisions, each serving one month a year under a specific commander, responsible for 24,000 men. This administrative foresight ensured a well-organized defense and efficient management of resources for ancient Israel. The inclusion of commanders for Ephraim and Manasseh highlights their significant roles within the tribal allocation, representing the "House of Joseph" which received substantial land in Canaan (see Joshua 16:1 for Ephraim's territory and Joshua 17:1 for Manasseh's territory).

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization: The meticulous listing of commanders underscores King David's commitment to establishing a structured and orderly kingdom. This level of detail reflects wise governance and strategic planning for national stability and effective military organization.
  • Leadership and Accountability: Each named individual was a specific tribal leader with clear responsibilities, demonstrating a system of delegated authority and accountability crucial for effective administration and the functioning of David's government.
  • Tribal Unity within Structure: While maintaining distinct tribal identities, David's system integrated all tribes into a unified national defense and administration, fostering cohesion under his reign.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned in this verse carry significant meanings in Hebrew, common for the period:

  • Hoshea (ื”ื•ึนืฉึตืืขึท): Means "salvation" or "he saves." This is famously the original name of Joshua, son of Nun, before Moses renamed him (see Numbers 13:16).
  • Azaziah (ืขึฒื–ึทื–ึฐื™ึธื”ื•ึผ): Means "Yahweh has strengthened" or "strength of Yah."
  • Joel (ื™ื•ึนืึตืœ): Means "Yahweh is God."
  • Pedaiah (ืคึฐึผื“ึธื™ึธื”): Means "Yahweh has ransomed" or "Yahweh has delivered."

These Biblical names often reflect the parents' faith or hope in God's character and actions, a common cultural practice in ancient Israel.

Practical Application

While seemingly a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 27:20 offers valuable insights into leadership and administration:

  • Value of Structure: It highlights the importance of good organization and delegation in any large endeavor, whether in a church, business, or family. Effective structure enables efficient work and clear responsibilities.
  • Leadership Principles: David's example shows the wisdom of empowering capable individuals and entrusting them with specific roles, ensuring that leadership is distributed and responsibilities are clear.
  • God's Hand in Details: Even in what appears to be mundane administrative records, we can see God's principles of order and the importance of every individual's contribution within a larger divine plan.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.