King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 26:31 Mean?

“Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.”

Context

Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king. officers: Heb. over the charge

Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.

And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king. affairs: Heb. thing

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31, 32) **Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the** **chief.**—Rather, *To the Hebronites there was the head Jeriah* (*as to the Hebronites, according to their registers, according to families, in the fortieth year of the reign of David, they were sought out; and there were found among them valiant warriors in Jazer-Gilead*)*; and his brethren, sons of might, two thousand seven hundred heads of families: and David the king made them overseers over the Reubenites,* &c. The long parenthesis obscures the meaning or these two verses. The general statement is that other Hebronites were charged with the supervision of the land east of Jordan: the parenthesis accounts for the fact. (31) **Jerijah.**—1Chronicles 23:19, “Jeriah.” The Hebrew is the same (*Yĕrîyâh*)*.* **In the fortieth year of the reign of David.**—This datum is important as fixing the time of these last regulations of David. (Comp. 1Chronicles 23:1.) It evidently points to an ancient source. **Jazer of Gilead.**—A Merarite city (Joshua 21:39); whereas the Hebronites were Kohathites. Perhaps we should read, “In the cities of Gilead.” (32) **Two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers.**—Rather, *heads of the families, i.e.,* of single households. Sometimes the Hebrew phrase means *heads of father-houses* or *clans;* but it obviously cannot be so here, as the whole number of Levites appointed to be “officers and judges” was only 6,000 (1Chronicles 23:4). The 2,700 fathers mentioned here, with the 1,700 of 1Chronicles 26:30, make a total of 4,400. The remaining 1,600 (6,000 minus 4,400) may probably be assigned to Chenaniah (1Chronicles 26:29). It is strange that the house of Hebron should be twice mentioned (1Chronicles 26:30-31) and the house of Uzziel not at all (see 1Chronicles 26:23). Further, of the three great branches of Levi, none but Kohathite houses are named in connexion with “the outward business.” The account appears to be incomplete. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 26:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.