King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 27:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 27:2 in the King James Version says “Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thous...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.”

1 Chronicles 27:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

2

Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

3

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

4

And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand. Dodai: or, Dodo, 2.Sam.23.9.

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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 · 13 words
עַ֞ל1 of 13
H5921

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

מַֽחֲלֻקְתּ֔וֹ2 of 13

“and in his course”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן3 of 13

“Over the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ4 of 13

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן5 of 13

“Over the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

יָֽשָׁבְעָ֖ם6 of 13

“was Jashobeam”

H3434

jashobam, the name of two or three israelites

בֶּן7 of 13

“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

זַבְדִּיאֵ֑ל8 of 13

“of Zabdiel”

H2068

gift of god; zabdiel, the name of two israelites

וְעַל֙9 of 13
H5921

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

מַֽחֲלֻקְתּ֔וֹ10 of 13

“and in his course”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים11 of 13

“were twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַרְבָּעָ֖ה12 of 13

“and four”

H702

four

אָֽלֶף׃13 of 13

“thousand”

H505

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

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 27:2 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 27:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 11:112 Samuel 23:8

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