1 Chronicles 27:21

Of the half [tribe] of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:

Of the half {H2677} tribe of Manasseh {H4519} in Gilead {H1568}, Iddo {H3035} the son {H1121} of Zechariah {H2148}: of Benjamin {H1144}, Jaasiel {H3300} the son {H1121} of Abner {H74}:

of the half-tribe of M'nasheh in Gil'ad: Yiddo the son of Z'kharyahu; of Binyamin: Ya'asi'el the son of Avner;

over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead was Iddo son of Zechariah; over Benjamin was Jaasiel son of Abner;

of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:

Commentary

Context

1 Chronicles 27 details King David's extensive and sophisticated administrative structure for his kingdom. This chapter outlines the monthly divisions of military service, the leaders of the tribal divisions, and various royal officials. Verse 21 continues the list of tribal captains or overseers, specifically naming the representatives for the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled in Gilead (east of the Jordan River) and the tribe of Benjamin. These individuals were crucial for maintaining order, managing resources, and ensuring the smooth operation of David's unified Israelite kingdom, reflecting the careful planning and organization characteristic of his reign.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization: This verse, like the entire chapter, highlights King David's commitment to establishing a highly organized and efficient administration. It underscores the importance of structure and delegation in effective governance.
  • Tribal Identity and Unity: While each tribe maintained its distinct identity and leadership, they were all integrated into a larger national structure under the unified authority of the king. This demonstrates the balance between local identity and national cohesion.
  • Importance of Leadership: The specific naming of Iddo and Jaasiel emphasizes the value placed on individual leaders and their specific roles within the larger framework. Every position, even those listed in what might seem like a dry record, was significant for the functioning of the kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The names in this verse, like many Hebrew names, carry meaning:

  • Iddo (Hebrew: Yiddô) can mean "his witness" or "praise."
  • Zechariah (Hebrew: Zekharyah) means "Yahweh remembers."
  • Jaasiel (Hebrew: Ya`asi'el) means "God makes" or "God creates."
  • Abner (Hebrew: 'Abner) means "my father is a lamp" or "father of light."

While the primary purpose of these names here is identification, their meanings often carried significance for the parents or the community, subtly pointing to aspects of faith or hope within the Israelite culture.

Practical Application

Though a list of names from ancient history, this verse offers timeless principles:

  • Value of Structure: Just as David's kingdom benefited from clear roles and responsibilities, any organization—be it a family, a business, or a church—thrives on good structure and delegation.
  • Every Role Matters: No position is too small or insignificant in God's larger plan. The detailed listing of these tribal leaders reminds us that every person's contribution is vital to the overall success and well-being of the community.
  • Divine Order: The meticulous record-keeping reflects a divine interest in order and accountability. We are called to live orderly lives and to exercise our responsibilities faithfully, knowing that God works through human organization to achieve His purposes. As 1 Corinthians 14:40 reminds us, "Let all things be done decently and in order."
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 (2 votes)

    And the name of Saul's wife [was] Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host [was] Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

  • 1 Samuel 14:51 (2 votes)

    And Kish [was] the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.

  • 2 Samuel 3:37 (2 votes)

    For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.

  • 2 Samuel 3:27 (2 votes)

    And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

  • 1 Kings 4:14 (2 votes)

    Ahinadab the son of Iddo [had] Mahanaim: