King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 26:32 Mean?

1 Chronicles 26:32 in the King James Version says “And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 26:32 · KJV

Context

30

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

31

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.

32

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

Read 1 Chronicles 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration. The Hebrew term אוֹצָר (otsar) - treasury/storehouse is theologically significant here, pointing to Stewardship of sacred resources. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Stewardship of sacred resources. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as source of all spiritual riches.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Stewardship of sacred resources challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as source of all spiritual riches teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאֶחָ֣יו1 of 22

“And his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בְּנֵי2 of 22

“men”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חַ֗יִל3 of 22

“of valour”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אַלְפַּ֛יִם4 of 22

“were two thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּשְׁבַ֥ע5 of 22

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

מֵא֖וֹת6 of 22

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

רָאשֵׁ֣י7 of 22

“chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאָב֑וֹת8 of 22

“fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַֽיַּפְקִידֵ֞ם9 of 22

“made rulers”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

דָּוִ֣יד10 of 22

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃11 of 22

“of the king”

H4428

a king

עַל12 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָרֽאוּבֵנִ֤י13 of 22

“over the Reubenites”

H7206

a reubenite or descendant of reuben

וְהַגָּדִי֙14 of 22

“the Gadites”

H1425

a gadite (collectively) or descendants of gad

וַֽחֲצִי֙15 of 22

“and the half”

H2677

the half or middle

שֵׁ֣בֶט16 of 22

“tribe”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

הַֽמְנַשִּׁ֔י17 of 22

“of Manasseh”

H4520

a menashshite or descendant of menashsheh

לְכָל18 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וּדְבַ֥ר19 of 22

“and affairs”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים20 of 22

“pertaining to God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וּדְבַ֥ר21 of 22

“and affairs”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃22 of 22

“of the king”

H4428

a king

Study Guide

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 26:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 26:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 19:111 Chronicles 12:371 Chronicles 23:241 Chronicles 15:121 Chronicles 24:31

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 26 →

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