March 17, 2025

1 Chronicles 27: The Names of Military Leaders, Tribal Officials, and Royal Stewards

In 1 Chronicles 27, we see the names of those appointed by King David to serve in military leadership, tribal governance, and resource management. These names are not just historical records—they carry deep prophetic significance, revealing Yah’s divine plan for restoration, protection, judgment, and provision.

By studying the meanings of these names, we uncover a message about Yah’s watchful care, righteous leadership, and enduring strength over His people.


1 Chronicles 27:1-15 – The Names of the Military Commanders

David organized 12 divisions of 24,000 men each, rotating them monthly to ensure continuous national defense. Their commanders’ names form a prophetic message of return, strength, endurance, and Yah’s intervention.

The Commanders and Their Meanings:

  1. Jashobeam – The People Will Return
  2. Dodai (Dodo) – Beloved or Cherished
  3. Benaiah – Yah Has Built or Yah’s Strength
  4. Asahel – Elohim Has Made
  5. Shamhuth – Desolation or Destruction
  6. Ira – Watchful or Guard
  7. Helez – Strength or Power
  8. Sibbecai – Sustained by Yah
  9. Abiezer – My Father Is Help
  10. Maharai – Swift or Hasty
  11. Benaiah (Again) – Yah Has Built or Yah’s Strength
  12. Heldai – Enduring or He Who Is Strong

Connected Message Through Name Meanings:

The people will return (Jashobeam), for they are cherished (Dodai). Yah has built (Benaiah) His people with strength (Helez). He has made (Asahel) them watchful (Ira) and sustained them (Sibbecai).

Their Father is their help (Abiezer), and though they may face desolation (Shamhuth), they will endure (Heldai). Yah’s strength (Benaiah) is swift to act (Maharai), bringing victory and restoration.


1 Chronicles 27:16-24 – The Names of the Tribal Leaders

Each of Israel’s twelve tribes was led by a designated chief. Their names reflect Yah’s role as helper, judge, and deliverer, showing His faithfulness to each tribe.

Tribal Leaders and Their Meanings:

  1. Reuben - Eliezer – Elohim Is My Help
  2. Simeon - Shephatiah – Yah Has Judged
  3. Levi - Hashabiah – Yah Has Considered
  4. Aaron - Zadok – Righteous or Justified
  5. Judah - Elihu – My Elohim Is He
  6. Issachar - Omri – My Grain or My Sheaf
  7. Zebulun - Ishmaiah – Yah Hears
  8. Naphtali - Jerimoth – He Lifts Up
  9. Ephraim - Hoshea – Yah Saves
  10. Manasseh (West) - Joel – Yah Is Elohim
  11. Manasseh (East) - Iddo – Appointed or Timely
  12. Benjamin - Jaasiel – Elohim Works or Yah Makes
  13. Dan - Azarel – Elohim Is My Help

Connected Message Through Name Meanings:

Elohim is my help (Eliezer), for Yah has judged (Shephatiah) and considered (Hashabiah) His people. He has declared them righteous (Zadok) and saved them (Hoshea). He lifts up (Jerimoth) and hears (Ishmaiah), establishing their portion (Omri).

Yah is Elohim (Joel) who works for His people (Jaasiel). At the appointed time (Iddo), He will be their help (Azarel), bringing deliverance and just judgment.


1 Chronicles 27:25-31 – The Names of the Royal Officials

These men oversaw King David’s resources, managing treasuries, agriculture, and supplies. Their names reveal Yah’s provision, protection, and compassion.

Royal Officials and Their Meanings:

  1. Azmaveth – Strong as Death (Over the King’s Treasuries)
  2. Jonathan – Yah Has Given (Over Regional Treasuries)
  3. Ezri – My Help (Over Field Workers)
  4. Shimei – Yah Has Heard (Over Vineyards)
  5. Zabdi – Endowed by Yah (Over Wine Storage)
  6. Baal-Hanan – Yah’s Compassion (Over Olive Trees)
  7. Joash – Yah Has Given (Over Olive Oil Storage)

Connected Message Through Name Meanings:

Yah has given (Jonathan) strength (Azmaveth) to guard His people’s blessings. He is their help (Ezri) and hears their prayers (Shimei). He endows (Zabdi) them with abundance and shows compassion (Baal-Hanan). Yah has given (Joash) oil for anointing and provision.


1 Chronicles 27:32-34 – The Names of the King’s Counselors

These men advised David, offering guidance, wisdom, and insight. Their names reflect Yah’s wisdom and faithfulness.

Key Counselors and Their Meanings:

  1. Jonathan – Yah Has Given
  2. Ahithophel – Brother of Folly or My Brother Is Counsel
  3. Hushai – Quick or Hasty
  4. Jehoiada – Yah Knows or Yah Watches
  5. Abiathar – My Father Is Great

Connected Message Through Name Meanings:

Yah has given (Jonathan) wisdom and watches over His people (Jehoiada). Though others may fall into folly (Ahithophel), Yah acts swiftly (Hushai) and demonstrates His greatness (Abiathar) in times of need.


Summary of the Connected Message for 1 Chronicles 27

The people will return (Jashobeam), for they are cherished (Dodai). Yah has built (Benaiah) His people with strength (Helez) and made them watchful (Ira). Though desolation (Shamhuth) may come, their Father is their help (Abiezer), sustaining them (Sibbecai).

Yah has judged (Shephatiah), considered (Hashabiah), and declared His people righteous (Zadok). He lifts up (Jerimoth) and saves (Hoshea), working on their behalf (Jaasiel).

He gives wisdom (Jonathan) and hears prayers (Shimei). He endows (Zabdi) and shows compassion (Baal-Hanan), bringing restoration and peace through His righteous leadership and perfect timing (Iddo).


Final Reflection

The names in 1 Chronicles 27 reveal Yah’s sovereignty, wisdom, and protection over His people. He builds, sustains, strengthens, judges, and provides, ensuring that His people are led in righteousness and truth.

May we trust in His appointed times, knowing that He hears, He acts, and He delivers.