1 Chronicles 27:3

Of the children of Perez [was] the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

Of the children {H1121} of Perez {H6557} was the chief {H7218} of all the captains {H8269} of the host {H6635} for the first {H7223} month {H2320}.

He was from the descendants of Peretz and was in charge of all the army captains during the first month.

He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month.

He was of the children of Perez, the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 27:3

1 Chronicles 27:3 provides a specific detail about King David's highly organized administrative and military structure, focusing on the lineage of one of his chief commanders. It states, "Of the children of Perez [was] the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month." This verse identifies the tribal affiliation of the military leader in charge during the initial month of David's annual rotation system.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a larger passage in 1 Chronicles chapter 27, which meticulously details David's organizational genius. He established a system of twelve divisions, each consisting of 24,000 men, who served the king for one month out of the year. This ensured a standing, well-trained army without placing an undue, year-round burden on the entire populace. It also provided a structured way to rotate leadership and military readiness throughout the kingdom.

The mention "Of the children of Perez" is significant. Perez (or Pharez) was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:29), and his lineage was prominent in the tribe of Judah, from which King David himself descended. This highlights the importance of tribal identity and the specific contributions of Judah's descendants in David's administration. The commander for the first month, identified in the preceding verse as Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel (1 Chronicles 27:2), was a distinguished warrior and likely a key figure in David's mighty men.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Order and Organization: The verse underscores David's commitment to meticulous planning and administrative order, which was crucial for the stability and strength of his kingdom.
  • Leadership and Delegation: It highlights the importance of assigning specific responsibilities to capable leaders, ensuring effective governance and military readiness.
  • Tribal Significance: The mention of Perez's lineage emphasizes the continued importance of tribal identity and the role of specific families within Israel's national structure.
  • Accountability: The monthly rotation system implies a structured accountability, where each commander was responsible for their division during their assigned period.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "host" (ืฆึธื‘ึธื, tsaba) refers to an army, a military force, or even a multitude. In this context, it specifically denotes the military divisions under the command of the captains. The name "Perez" (ืคึถึผืจึถืฅ, Peretz) means "breach," recalling the circumstances of his birth when he "broke forth" before his twin brother. This historical detail adds depth to the lineage mentioned.

Practical Application

Even today, the principles seen in David's administration remain relevant. This verse reminds us of the value of:

  • Strategic Planning: Good leadership involves careful planning and the establishment of clear structures to achieve goals, whether in government, business, or spiritual organizations.
  • Delegation: No leader can do everything alone. Wise leaders delegate authority and responsibility to capable individuals, empowering others and ensuring efficiency.
  • Accountability and Rotation: Implementing systems of regular review and rotating responsibilities can prevent burnout, foster new perspectives, and develop a broader base of experienced leaders.
  • Utilizing Diverse Gifts: Just as David drew leaders from various tribes and lineages, effective organizations recognize and utilize the unique strengths and backgrounds of all their members, mirroring the concept of the body of Christ with its many members.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:20 (3 votes)

    And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

  • Genesis 38:29 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

  • Genesis 49:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

  • Genesis 49:10 (2 votes)

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

  • Numbers 10:14 (2 votes)

    In the first [place] went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

  • Numbers 7:12 (2 votes)

    And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah: