1 Chronicles – Chapter 27

Old Testament34 Verses

Chapter Summary

1 Chronicles 27 opens with the words: "Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and officers, that…" The chapter centers on David, Jonathan and Manasses. Across its 34 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and officers, that served the king according to their companies, who came in and went out every month in the year, under every chief were four and twenty thousand.

2Over the first company the first month Jesboam, the son of Zabdiel was chief, and under him were four and twenty thousand.

3Of the sons of Phares, the chief of all the captains in the host in the first month.

4The company of the second month was under Dudia, an Ahohite, and after him was another named Macelloth, who commanded a part of the army of four and twenty thousand.

5And the captain of the third company for the third month, was Banaias the son of Joiada the priest: and in his division were four and twenty thousand.

6This is that Banaias the most valiant among the thirty, and above the thirty. And Amizabad his son commanded his company.

7The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zabadias his son after him: and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

8The fifth captain for the fifth month, was Samaoth a Jezerite: and his company were four and twenty thousand.

9The sixth, for the sixth month, was Hira the son of Acces a Thecuite: and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

10The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helles a Phallonite of the sons of Ephraim: and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

11The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sobochai a Husathite of the race of Zarahi: and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

12The ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer an Anathothite of the sons of Jemini, and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

13The tenth, for the tenth month, was Marai, who was a Netophathite of the race of Zarai: and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

14The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Banaias, a Pharathonite of the sons of Ephraim: and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

15The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Holdai a Netophathite, of the race of Gothoniel: and in his company were four and twenty thousand.

16Now the chiefs over the tribes of Israel were these: over the Rubenites, Eliezer the son of Zechri was ruler: over the Simeonites, Saphatias the son of Maacha:

17Over the Levites, Hasabias the son of Camuel: over the Aaronites, Sadoc:

18Over Juda, Eliu the brother of David over Issachar, Amri the son of Michael:

19Over the Zabulonites, Jesmaias the son of Adias: over the Nephtalites, Jerimoth the son of Ozriel:

20Over the sons of Ephraim, Osee the son of Ozaziu: over the half tribe of Manasses, Joel the son of Phadaia:

21And over the half tribe of Manasses in Galaad, Jaddo the son of Zacharias: and over Benjamin, Jasiel the son of Abner.

22And over Dan, Ezrihel the son of Jeroham: these were the princes of the children of Israel.

23But David would not number them from twenty years old and under: because the lord had said that he would multiply Israel like the stars of heaven.

24Joab the son of Sarvia began to number, but he finished not: because upon this there fell wrath upon Israel: and therefore the number of them that were numbered, was not registered in the chronicles of king David.

25And over the king's treasures was Azmoth the son of Adiel: and over those stores which were in the cities, and in the villages, and, in the castles, was Jonathan the son of Ozias.

26And over the tillage, and the husbandmen, who tilled the ground, was Ezri the son of Chelub:

27And over the dressers of the vine yards, was Semeias a Romathite: and over the wine cellars, Zabdias an Aphonite.

28And over the oliveyards and the fig groves, which were in the plains, was Balanam a Gederite: and over the oil cellars, Joas.

29And over the herds that fed in Saron, was Setrai a Saronite: and over the oxen in the valleys, Saphat the son of Adli:

30And over the camels, Ubil an Ishmahelite and over the asses, Jadias a Meronathite:

31And over the sheep Jaziz an Agarene. All these were the rulers of the substance of king David.

32And Jonathan David's uncle, a counsellor, a wise and learned man: he and Jahiel the son of Hachamoni were with the king's sons.

33And Achitophel was the king's counsellor, and Chusai the Arachite, the king's friend.

34And after Achitophel was Joiada the son of Banaias, and Abiathar. And the general of the king's army was Joab.

Important Verses in 1 Chronicles 27

Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and officers, that served the king according to their companies, who came in and went out every month in the year, under every chief were four and twenty thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:1

The company of the second month was under Dudia, an Ahohite, and after him was another named Macelloth, who commanded a part of the army of four and twenty thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:4

But David would not number them from twenty years old and under: because the lord had said that he would multiply Israel like the stars of heaven.

1 Chronicles 27:23

And after Achitophel was Joiada the son of Banaias, and Abiathar. And the general of the king's army was Joab.

1 Chronicles 27:34

Historical Context

1 Chronicles belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around Temple worship. Chapter 27 of 29 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 34 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, Jonathan, Manasses and Zechariah, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and…" The final verse reads: "And after Achitophel was Joiada the son of Banaias, and Abiathar. And the general of the king's army was Joab. " In terms of historical background, Writing for the restored community after the exile, the Chronicler retells Israel's story with emphasis on David, the Temple, and worship. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

The list of names is not mere record-keeping: it anchors the story of David's legacy and Temple preparation in real families and real history. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and officers, that served the king…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

Catholic exegesis reads 1 Chronicles 27 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 791).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

People in This Chapter

David5 mentionsJonathan2 mentionsManasses2 mentionsZechariah1 mentionMichael1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read 1 Chronicles Chapter 27, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the Church as mother and teacher remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1604).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Chronicles Chapter 27 about?

1 Chronicles 27 contains 34 verses. It opens with "Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and…" and closes with "And after Achitophel was Joiada the son of Banaias, and Abiathar. And the general of the king's army was Joab. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative and genealogy.

What is a key verse in 1 Chronicles 27?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now the children of Israel according to their number, the heads of families, captains of thousands and of hundreds, and officers, that served the king according to their…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Chronicles Chapter 27?

This chapter mentions David, Jonathan, Manasses, Zechariah, Michael.

Who wrote 1 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars. After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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