King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 27:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 27:16 in the King James Version says “Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, She...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:”

1 Chronicles 27:16 · KJV

Context

14

The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

15

The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. Heldai: or, Heled, Chap.11.30.

16

Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

17

Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:

18

Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:

Read 1 Chronicles 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Military and civil administration - kingdom organization. The Hebrew term שָׂרִים (sarim) - princes/officers is theologically significant here, pointing to Godly governance and administration. 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 Godly governance and administration. 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's kingdom administration.

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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 Military and civil administration - kingdom organization 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 Godly governance and administration challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's kingdom administration 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 · 12 words
וְעַל֙1 of 12
H5921

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

שִׁבְטֵ֣י2 of 12

“Furthermore over the tribes”

H7626

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל3 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לָרֽאוּבֵנִ֣י4 of 12

“of the Reubenites”

H7206

a reubenite or descendant of reuben

נָגִ֔יד5 of 12

“the ruler”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

אֱלִיעֶ֖זֶר6 of 12

“was Eliezer”

H461

eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites

בֶּֽן7 of 12

“the son”

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

זִכְרִ֑י8 of 12

“of Zichri”

H2147

zicri, the name of twelve israelites

לַשִּׁ֨מְעוֹנִ֔י9 of 12

“of the Simeonites”

H8099

a shimonite (collectively) or descendants of shimon

שְׁפַטְיָ֖הוּ10 of 12

“Shephatiah”

H8203

shephatjah, the name of ten israelites

בֶּֽן11 of 12

“the son”

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

מַעֲכָֽה׃12 of 12

“of Maachah”

H4601

maakah (or maakath), the name of a place in syria, also of a mesopotamian, of three israelites, and of four israelitesses and one syrian woman

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 27:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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