1 Chronicles 27: 1 – 34
Unappreciated
27 And the children of Israel, according to their number, the heads of fathers’ houses, the captains of thousands and hundreds and their officers, served the king in every matter of the military divisions. These divisions came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division having twenty-four thousand. 2 Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel, and in his division were twenty-four thousand; 3 he was of the children of Perez, and the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month. 4 Over the division of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his division Mikloth also was the leader; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 5 The third captain of the army for the third month was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, who was chief; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 6 This was the Benaiah who was mighty among the thirty, and was over the thirty; in his division was Ammizabad his son. 7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbechai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were twenty-four thousand. 16 Furthermore, over the tribes of Israel: the officer over the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri; over the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah; 17 over the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; over the Aaronites, Zadok; 18 over Judah, Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; 19 over Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; over Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel; 20 over the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; over the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; 21 over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; over Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; 22 over Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel. 23 But David did not take the number of those twenty years old and under, because the LORD had said He would multiply Israel like the stars of the heavens. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began a census, but he did not finish, for wrath came upon Israel because of this census; nor was the number recorded in the account of the chronicles of King David. 25 And Azmaveth the son of Adiel was over the king’s treasuries; and Jehonathan the son of Uzziah was over the storehouses in the field, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses. 26 Ezri the son of Chelub was over those who did the work of the field for tilling the ground. 27 And Shimei the Ramathite was over the vineyards, and Zabdi the Shiphmite was over the produce of the vineyards for the supply of wine. 28 Baal-Hanan the Gederite was over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowlands, and Joash was over the store of oil. 29 And Shitrai the Sharonite was over the herds that fed in Sharon, and Shaphat the son of Adlai was over the herds that were in the valleys. 30 Obil the Ishmaelite was over the camels, Jehdeiah the Meronothite was over the donkeys, 31 and Jaziz the Hagrite was over the flocks. All these were the officials over King David’s property. 32 Also Jehonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons. 33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion. 34 After Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, then Abiathar. And the general of the king’s army was Joab.
The other day I caught myself feeling like a victim. In many cases I extend kindness and good and receive back hate and evil. When this happens, I get overwhelmed with the attack of being unappreciated.
For over 30 years I’ve been writing and teaching about responsibility and accountability long enough to know that whenever I feel victimized by someone or something, there’s usually something for me to learn from that experience. And about 99.8% of the time, I’m not, at least initially, very enthusiastic to find out what the lesson is.
When the enemy has been successful in hurting me, I have had a hard time in pushing forward. I know that the solution is to run to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but the enemy strangles me over what people have done to me for no real reason at all. I become totally ineffective.
Admittedly, there is a part of me that is attached to seeing myself as a good guy who can be there for anyone, anytime, with whatever is needed. I guess you could say that I’m a recovering helper. As a very experienced helper, I’m generally mindful of the symptoms of over-giving. I get overwhelmed by feeling burdened, irritable, grumpy, and holding unresolved grievances.
Fortunately, in recent years, I’ve become much more acutely aware of these symptoms when they (less frequently than in the past) show up and hijack my generally good mood. Connecting the dots to recognize the cause/effect relationship between my feelings and the part that I play in creating them seems to be the key to putting in the corrections that bring me back to “normal”. These days it doesn’t take too long, usually no more than a few hours. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of minutes before I’m back to being “myself” again.
I currently live in a mood of gratitude almost all of the time, which seems to make it a lot more pleasant for others to be around me, and for me to be around myself. That’s probably why I (and others) am so quick to notice when I’m feeling grumpy. The difference is obvious because I no longer spend much time being focused on “self”.
The most-frequently called-for corrections when I am guilty of neglecting myself or over-giving, have to do with giving myself a healthy dose of responsible self-care, putting a temporary moratorium on placing anything that isn’t absolutely necessary on my plate for a while, taking some things off my incomplete list if that is possible, getting support or assistance with handling them when it’s not, renegotiating agreements that are stressing me out, forgiving myself for slipping into the black hole again, and apologizing to anyone to whom I may have offended or upset with my behavior or communications.
The last two are particularly important to me, especially the part about apologizing. Apologizing for me isn’t as much about admitting to a transgression in order to receive forgiveness, but rather, it’s the means through which I confirm that I have been in some way unkind, disrespectful, or insensitive to another and taking responsibility for my actions. This relieves others of any concern that they may have that they were in some way at fault for my responses to them.
While they may also bear some responsibility if there has been a breakdown in our relationship, it is their business to deal with that and not mine to point it out to them, but more importantly, at least to me, is that in acknowledging my behavior and my responsibility for it, I am affirming to myself the reality of the consequences of my actions. And in so doing, I am creating a deeper and more lasting impression of the lesson that I need to learn to minimize the likelihood of repeating this pattern. Entrenched habits don’t die quickly or easily, but with practice and clear intentionality, they do weaken and diminish over time. They show up with less and less frequency, and they are neutralized more quickly and effectively.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be completely free of the impulse to default to feelings of self-pity and irritability when I overload myself, but for me that’s no longer the point. Knowing what I need to do to minimize the eruption of these tendencies and putting practices in place that will prevent them from taking my generally positive attitude hostage, for very long anyway, is good enough for me. And who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky and find that I can get a permanent victim label. I’m not too hopeful about that one. But who knows? Anything’s possible!
You will notice that at the end of this chapter we will receive a quick note regarding Joab. Personally, I feel for Joab. As in most people he did things heroic and did things that was not very smart. He like me have rubbed some people in authority the wrong way. Even though remaining faithful evil hatred remained against him.
For all his loyalty he was rewarded by David telling his son Solomon to not let him die a natural death but make sure he dies a violent death. In other words, David said, ‘Get him for me son.”
In all truth I understand that my Merciful Lord has forgiven me for all my sins. I look at the same Mercy our Great God gave him for the murder of one of his best friends, Uriah. Why couldn’t he cut this guy some slack and recognize all the loyalty this man did for him over his lifetime?
In reconciling this action my Precious Holy Spirit has taught me I believe the reason all this judgment came down so hard on Joab. You see, our Great God had promised David that his son Solomon would be his heir. If God made the promise, then it is total treason to attempt to mess with and try to change our Holy King’s decision.
In the book of 1 Kings chapter 1 we see that Joab conspired with Adonijah, a son of David and the high priest Abiathar to cause a coup and take the throne, “5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 (And his father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, “Why have you done so?” He was also very good-looking. His mother had borne him after Absalom.) 7 Then he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they followed and helped Adonijah.
On some occasions our Holy God gave David the gift of prophecy. David knew that Joab was part of the conspiracy of anointing Adonijah as king. Even though David countered this action he knew that the trouble would arise again in the future which it did. This second time Joab, Adonijah, and Abiathar had no excuse for the treason they tried to do.
This chapter covers David’s military in which Joab is the Commander of his army. Let’s see what today’s scriptures say.
The course and security of a nation is determined by its leaders, and Israel was no exception. While YHWH was over all, David knew how important it was to establish it under suitable leaders, who are now described. The appointment of suitable leaders is equally important for the church to cover every aspect of its life. if all is to run smoothly.
As well as the Priests, Levites, Sanctuary Musicians and Gatekeepers, David also organized the standing army. But whereas Saul had only required three thousand, calling on the militia when necessary, David required a large standing army to be ready at a moment’s notice. However, the men would also require time to sow and reap their crops, and to watch over the wellbeing of their flocks and herds. Thus, he divided the army into twelve parts, each part containing twenty-four large military units. The aim was that one part should be on the alert each month, while the remainder could rapidly be called on in an emergency. These parts he set under experienced commanders. He always had twenty-four large military units (companies) at the ready as a primary strike force to call on at any moment, with solid backing available from the remaining units if it was felt necessary to call on them.
27 And the children of Israel, according to their number, the heads of fathers’ houses, the captains of thousands and hundreds and their officers, served the king in every matter of the military divisions. These divisions came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division having twenty-four thousand.
Putting it briefly this is saying that those who were called up for one month per year for the defense of the nation together with their officers, amounted to twenty-four large units per month. These were mobilized ready for any action. The remainder of the 264 large military units (24 x 11) were free to attend their farms and businesses unless an emergency arose which required a massive call up. Each of the monthly contingents was under the command of one of David’s chosen mighty men, one of the ‘three’ or the ‘thirty’ (11.10-31).
Of those mighty men Abishai is omitted, as we would expect because he was deputy commander to his brother Joab. More surprising is the omission of Elhanan, one of the thirty. This could either have arisen because of his death, or because he had some superior office to fulfil of which we are not told
2 Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel, and in his division were twenty-four thousand;
Over the first course was the first of the ‘three’ mighty men Jashobeam the Hachmonite (11.11). He had at his command for the first moon period, which would commence with the new moon and end with the new moon, twenty-four large military units. These were probably dispersed to different parts of the land under individual commanders. David had learned always to be at the ready.
3 he was of the children of Perez, and the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month.
Jashobeam was the son of Zabdiel (verse 2), and was of the children of Perez, Judah’s son. He was chief of all the commanders of the Israelite army.
4 Over the division of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his division Mikloth also was the leader; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The commander for the second moon period was the Dodai (Dodo) the father of Eleazar, one of ‘the three’ (compare 11.12). Dodai had as his second in command Mikloth the Benjamite chief (see 8.32; 9.37 where he was a Benjamite chief living in Jerusalem). These positions as commander appear to have been partly hereditary, which would explain why he had not yet been replaced by the next candidate Eleazar. Eleazar would in deference to his father not take over the command until his father was ready to withdraw. Dodai too was responsible for twenty-four thousand military fighters.
5 The third captain of the army for the third month was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, who was chief; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
Note the change of expression. The commander for the third moon period was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, (see 11.22), who was also commander of David’s bodyguard, the Cherethites and the Pelethites.. Here we learn that he was of a priestly family, being the son of Jehoiada the priest. He too had at his command twenty four ‘thousands’ or large military units.
6 This was the Benaiah who was mighty among the thirty and was over the thirty; in his division was Ammizabad his son.
We are reminded that this Benaiah was a powerful warrior connected with the thirty mentioned previously and being over them. Along with Benaiah served his son Ammizadab. Benaiah was ‘of the thirty and over the thirty’.
7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The commander for the fourth moon period was Asahel the brother of Joab. He was slain by Abner during the civil war with Israel, something for which Abner forfeited his own life to Joab as blood revenge (2 Samuel 2.18-23). He was replaced by his son Zebadiah. He too was commander over twenty-four large military units.
8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The commander for the fifth moon period was Shamhuth the Ezrahite, also known as Shammoth the Harorite (11.27). He too was commander over twenty-four large military units. ‘Harorite’ has reference to his place of birth. Izrahite probably links him to the family of Zerah, the son of Judah (2.4, 6).
9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The sixth commander for the sixth moon period was Ira the son of Ikkesh (11.28). He too had command over twenty-four large military units.
10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The seventh commander for the seventh moon period was Helez the Pelonite (see 11.27). He was an Ephraimite and had command over twenty-four thousand soldiers.
11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbechai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The eighth commander for the eighth moon period was Sibbecai the Hushathite (11.29). It was he who put an end to the war with the Philistines at Gezer when he slew Sippai of the sons of the ‘giant’ (20.4). He was a Zerahite. He also had command over the same amount of soldiers.
12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The ninth commander for the ninth moon period was Abiezer the Anathothite, who came from Anathoth and was a Benjamite.
13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The tenth commander for the tenth moon period was Maharai from the villages of Netophath (compare 11.30). He was a Zerahite.
14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The eleventh commander for the eleventh moon period was Benaiah the Pirathonite. He was an Ephraimite.
15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
The twelfth commander of the twelfth month was Heldai from Netophath. He was the son of Baanah (11.30). He was of the family of Othniel (Joshua 15.17).
These twelve commanders, each in turn, were in command of twenty-four different large military units, which waited in readiness for one moon period in case the kingdom was attacked. For one moon period they were the standing army. Then they were released for eleven moon periods to carry on with their daily lives, in the main sowing, ploughing, reaping, and attending to flocks and herds, although no doubt always ready for call-up.
We are now given the names of the commanders of the militia, who were not part of the standing army, but were nevertheless expected to be ready for call up in times of emergency. They would not be as fully armed as the standing army. The names of thirteen ‘tribes’ are listed, with one of the names being Aaron, possibly because they would be looked for to protect the Sanctuary. Because Joseph is replaced by Ephraim and East Manasseh and West Manasseh, Gad and Asher are missing so as to maintain ‘the twelve tribes.
The lists of the leaders of the militia were as follows:
16 Furthermore, over the tribes of Israel: the officer over the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri; over the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah; 17 over the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; over the Aaronites, Zadok; 18 over Judah, Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; 19 over Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; over Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel; 20 over the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; over the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; 21 over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; over Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; 22 over Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
Many of these names are found elsewhere, but not as associated with these leaders, although Elihu was one of David’s brothers; Zadok was High Priest at the Tabernacle in Gibeon; Jaasiel’s father Abner was Saul’s cousin and Ishbosheth’s general; and Hashabiah was probably the one mentioned in 26.30.
Here they are described as the ‘commanders of the tribes of Israel’, who would, when required, lead them into war.
23 But David did not take the number of those twenty years old and under, because the LORD had said He would multiply Israel like the stars of the heavens.
We have here an explanation of YHWH’s anger at the numbering of Israel (chapter 21). It was because the numbers who made up Israel were to be left to God. They were God’s servants, not men. It was He Who therefore decided on their number, and it was not man’s concern.
24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began a census, but he did not finish, for wrath came upon Israel because of this census; nor was the number recorded in the account of the chronicles of King David.
This numbering is described here. As we saw earlier it was carried out by Joab at David’s command. It was never finished because of the intervention of the Angel of YHWH Who brought God’s wrath on Israel, and we learn here that the numbers were never officially recorded, which is why they are not given here.
What is now described relates to the extensive lands which belonged to the king. It was because he had these extensive lands, together with spoils taken in war, that there was probably no need in his day for taxation. We have here a unique overview of those who served ‘the king’s household’. Indeed, the kingdom could hardly have survived without them. Someone had to have such responsibility, even if it was not highly organized.
25 And Azmaveth the son of Adiel was over the king’s treasuries; and Jehonathan the son of Uzziah was over the storehouses in the field, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses.
We have already seen that the treasures dedicated to YHWH were watched over by the Levites. We now have reference to David’s own treasures, which would have been considerable. They would have been stored in the king’s palaces, and in safe places. They would have included items kept in storehouses for consumption by the king and his ministers. In considering this we should recognize how remarkable it is that even good men can allow treasures to interfere with their dedication to God, and David was no exception. The strictures of Deuteronomy, where kings were not to build up gold for themselves, were ignored (17.16-17). The one who had responsibility for these treasures in Jerusalem was Azmaveth, the son of Adiel.
These were the king’s wealth outside Jerusalem. Some gold and expensive vessels and furniture were no doubt involved, but these would include grain, hides, olive oil, figs, pomegranates, etc. Jonathan the son of Uzziah had overall responsibility for all these.
26 Ezri the son of Chelub was over those who did the work of the field for tilling the ground.
Responsible for the king’s laborer’s was Ezri, the son of Chelub. These were the men who ploughed, sowed, reaped and gathered into barns on his behalf.
27 And Shimei the Ramathite was over the vineyards, and Zabdi the Shiphmite was over the produce of the vineyards for the supply of wine.
The king’s vineyards were the responsibility of Shimei the Ramathite. He was in overall charge of their planting, dressing, pruning and harvesting.
The turning of the produce of the vineyards into wine, and the storing of the wine in the wine cellars, was the responsibility of Zabdi the Shiphmite.
28 Baal-Hanan the Gederite was over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowlands, and Joash was over the store of oil.
Olive oil was one of Israel’s important exports. Responsibility for the olive trees and the sycamore trees which were in the lowlands lay in the hands of Baal-hanan the Gederite.
Once the olive oil was gathered it was stored in cellars which were the responsibility of Joash.
29 And Shitrai the Sharonite was over the herds that fed in Sharon, and Shaphat the son of Adlai was over the herds that were in the valleys.
Sharon was a particularly fruitful area near the coastline. The abundant herds of oxen which fed there were under the hand of Shitrai the Sharonite.
The herds in the valleys, which were more inland, were the responsibility of Shaphat the son of Adlai.
30 Obil the Ishmaelite was over the camels, Jehdeiah the Meronothite was over the donkeys,
The numerous camels which belonged to David were in the hands of an expert in camels, an Ishmaelite (desert tribesman) named Obil. The name means ‘camel driver’. David was not averse to bringing in foreign experts. It is a reminder that David’s rule extended outside Israel.
David’s large numbers of donkeys were the responsibility of Jehdeiah the Meronothite.
31 and Jaziz the Hagrite was over the flocks. All these were the officials over King David’s property.
The vast flocks of sheep and goats belonging to David were in the hands of another foreigner, an experienced sheep man named Jaziz the Hagrite. The Hagrites were desert tribesmen who had many sheep and goats and knew how to care for them. As David’s sheep and goats were probably mainly in territory adjacent to the desert this would be a wise move. Jaziz would know how to combat the Hagrite tendency to treat all sheep and goats as theirs.
We are now informed that all these had responsibility for different aspects of David’s wealth. We should copy his efficiency in ensuring good organization, while ensuring that we are not so taken up with it that we lose sight of God and His greater requirements. Nor must we allow such organization to deaden the work of the Spirit through us.
We are now given the names of David’s inner counsellors, who were personally known to him, and would have had continual permanent access go him. It is probably not accidental that they number seven, the number of divine perfections.
32 Also Jehonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons.
Jonathan was of royal blood, being closely related to David, and acknowledged by all as a man of understanding. He was a trained scribe, and acted as a counsellor, someone reliable who could always be called on to advise.
Given responsibility for the oversight of the king’s sons was Jehiel, son of Hachmoni. As the one responsible for the king’s sons he would be trusted, have continual permanent access to the king, and have been appointed because he was a man of wisdom.
33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion.
Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor, a man of whom it could be said that his counsel was such that it was like enquiring from an oracle of God (2 Samuel 16.23). Outwardly he was David’s faithful counsellor. But when he treacherously followed Absalom it was his advice that David feared the most (2 Samuel 15.31). Had Absalom taken his advice he would probably have seized the throne. Ahithophel was a man of great wisdom and understanding, and it is possible that he was related to Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11.3, where Bathsheba was the daughter of Eliam, and 2 Samuel 23.34 where Eliam was the son of Ahithophel). This could explain why he proved unfaithful during the rebellion even though he was not confident of Absalom’s chances. For if he was Bathsheba’s uncle he of all men had cause to remember David’s treacherous behavior. It may be that he harbored a resentment of which David knew nothing, unlike God being unforgiving. On the other hand, his son Eli-am remained faithful to David and was one of his commanders (2 Samuel 23.34).
In Egypt the title of ‘the king’s friend’ was that of an official closest to the king to whom he looked for help and guidance. Hushai may have held a similar position. But it may simply be that Hushai was the counsellor closes to David’s heart.
34 After Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, then Abiathar. And the general of the king’s army was Joab.
Once Ahithophel had betrayed him, and had committed suicide, David turned to Jehoiada, the son of Benaiah (possibly the Benaiah who was over his bodyguard), who was clearly outstanding for his wisdom, and to Abiathar who was High Priest, and had fled to him when Saul slaughtered all his family for innocently assisting David, although both had probably previously been on his inner counsel. We know that he ‘enquired of God’ through Abiathar (1 Samuel 23.6, 9; 30.7).
And his commander-in-chief was Joab, a fierce man whom he knew intimately but not always with admiration.
