1 Chronicles 26-28: Passing the Torch

Thoughts

Chronicles 26

Families of the gatekeepers are listed, drawn from the Korahites and Merarites.

Korah → Meshelemiah → sons: Zechariah (firstborn), Jediael (second), Zebadiah (third), Jathniel (fourth), Elam (fifth), Jehohanan (sixth), Eliehoenai (seventh)

Obed-Edom → sons: Shemaiah (firstborn), Jehozabad (second), Joah (third), Sacar (fourth), Nethanel (fifth), Ammiel (sixth), Issachar (seventh), Peullethai (eighth)
  Shemaiah → sons: Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, Elihu, Semachiah (mighty men of valor)

Hosah (of the Merarites) → sons: Shimri (chief, though not firstborn), Hilkiah (second), Tebaliah (third), Zechariah (fourth)

Chief gatekeepers: Meshelemiah (a Korahite) and Obed-Edom.

• Their sons and relatives were mighty men of valor, responsible for guarding the temple gates.
• Gatekeeper assignments were determined by lot:
  • East gate: Shelemiah.
  • North gate: Zechariah.
  • South gate: Obed-Edom and his sons.
  • West gate and Shalleketh Gate: Shuppim and Hosah.

Levites were assigned responsibility for temple treasuries and dedicated gifts.

• Notable families:
  • The Gershonites (led by Jehieli’s sons).
  • The Kohathites (descendants of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, Uzziel).
• They oversaw treasures dedicated by David, Samuel the seer, Saul, Abner, Joab, and other leaders.

From the Izharites: Chenaniah and his sons were officers and judges over Israel’s civil affairs.

From the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his 1,700 relatives managed Israel west of the Jordan.

Jerijah (another Hebronite leader) and 2,700 relatives were placed in charge of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan.

• Their duty: to handle all matters of God and the king.

Chronicles 27

Israel’s military was divided into 12 divisions, each of 24,000 men, serving month by month throughout the year. Each division had a commander, usually a mighty man of valor or from David’s circle of heroes.

List of Commanders (by month):

• 1st month: Jashobeam son of Zabdiel (24,000)
• 2nd month: Dodai the Ahohite, with Mikloth (24,000)
• 3rd month: Benaiah son of Jehoiada (leader of the 30) (24,000)
• 4th month: Asahel (Joab’s brother), later Zebadiah his son (24,000)
• 5th month: Shamhuth the Izrahite (24,000)
• 6th month: Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite (24,000)
• 7th month: Helez the Pelonite (of Ephraim) (24,000)
• 8th month: Sibbecai the Hushathite (of Zerah) (24,000)
• 9th month: Abiezer the Anathothite (of Benjamin) (24,000)
• 10th month: Maharai the Netophathite (of Zerah) (24,000)
• 11th month: Benaiah the Pirathonite (of Ephraim) (24,000)
• 12th month: Heldai the Netophathite (of Othniel, Judah) (24,000)

Each tribe had a chief officer/leader listed:

• Reuben: Eliezer son of Zichri
• Simeon: Shephatiah son of Maacah
• Levi: Hashabiah son of Kemuel
• Aaron (priests): Zadok
• Judah: Elihu (David’s brother)
• Issachar: Omri son of Michael
• Zebulun: Ishmaiah son of Obadiah
• Naphtali: Jerimoth son of Azriel
• Ephraim: Hoshea son of Azaziah
• Half-Manasseh (west): Joel son of Pedaiah
• Half-Manasseh (east): Iddo son of Zechariah
• Benjamin: Jaasiel son of Abner
• Dan: Azarel son of Jeroham
• Note: The census was not completed by Joab, and wrath came on Israel because of it (echoing David’s earlier sin, 21:1–8).

Royal Officials Over the King’s Property

• Treasuries: Azmaveth son of Adiel
• Storehouses in fields, cities, villages, towers: Jonathan son of Uzziah
• Field workers (tilling land): Ezri son of Chelub
• Vineyards: Shimei the Ramathite
• Wine cellars: Zabdi the Shiphmite
• Olive and sycamore trees: Baal-hanan the Gederite
• Oil stores: Joash
• Herds in Sharon: Shitrai the Sharonite
• Herds in valleys: Shaphat son of Adlai
• Camels: Obil the Ishmaelite
• Donkeys: Jehdeiah the Meronothite
• Flocks: Jaziz the Hagrite

 The King’s Court Officials 

• Jonathan (David’s uncle): counselor, scribe, wise man
• Jehiel son of Hachmoni: tutor to the king’s sons
• Ahithophel: counselor
• Hushai the Archite: the king’s friend
• Jehoiada son of Benaiah and Abiathar: counselors after Ahithophel
• Joab: commander of the army

Chronicles 28

David gathers: commanders, judges, officers, stewards, mighty men, and all the leaders of Israel.

David explains he had it in his heart to build a temple for the ark of God, but God chose Solomon instead, because David was a man of war and bloodshed.

God’s choice: Solomon will be king, and he will build the house of the Lord.

Solomon is told if he seeks God, He will be found; if he forsakes Him, God will cast him off.

• David gives Solomon detailed plans for:
  • The porch, buildings, storehouses, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the place of the mercy seat.
  • The divisions of priests and Levites.
  • The temple vessels: lampstands, tables, basins, golden altar, chariot of cherubim covering the ark.
• These plans were given “by the Spirit” 

David tells Solomon:

• “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.”
• Similar to Joshua 1:9! David as Moses and Solomon as Joshua

Priests, Levites, skilled craftsmen, and willing people are ready to help Solomon with the work.

Questions

How did David receive the detailed plans “by the Spirit”?

Why did wrath come on Joab for not finishing census?

Application

We’re all in this togetherrrrrr. David didn’t just tell Solomon “go build the temple.” He drew up careful blueprints, organized the workers, and prepared resources. This reminds us that God honors careful planning. Finishing matters too! Plans on paper don’t build anything. Solomon had to do the work and see it through. For us, it’s a call not just to dream or plan spiritual goals, but to carry them out in faith and obedience. We never have to do it alone …we are called into God’s work as a community with our different gifts. And of course God by our side.