APPOINTING THE POLITICAL AND MILITARY LEADERSHIPS The political and the military organizations: It is to be noticed that the system mentioned here and in the previous chapters is a new system, although not exactly conforming to what came in the Mosaic law, yet not contradictory to it. It suits the building of the temple as a new stage; a development to how things were in the wilderness, or in the days of Joshua, the judges, and the beginning of the era of the kings. It is a new system set upon a direct guidance of God. The list of leaders here came conforming to what came in chapter 11, of David’s mighty men of valor We notice that the author sets his lists based upon the figure 12, and its derivatives (1 Chronicles 24: 7- 9; Ezra 8: 24); he probably finds in this figure a kind of perfection; as the year is divided into 12 months; and this figure has its holiness for the Jews, who are divided into 12 tribes. … The army, like the Levites served in divisions: 1- Those responsible for organizing the monthly service 1 - 15 2- Officers over the tribes of Israel 16 - 24 3- The senior state officials 25 - 31 4- The king’s counselors 32 – 34 1- THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MONTHLY SERVICE: “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 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” (1) Here we find a description of how the armed forces of the kingdom were organized. Having been a man of war, who engaged in many battles, David now, being given by God comfort from his enemies, tends to organize his army. He did not gather them together in one place, for that could create trouble for him and the state; And he did not release them nor scatter them; for that could subject the kingdom to danger from the enemies; and the people might forget the art of war on which they were trained. But he planned to keep a steady portion of the army on a permanent level; 1- He kept 24000 men permanently armed, probably as one division in a certain location of the kingdom, strong enough to keep peace and security for the people…. We, likewise, as true Christians, should be properly instructed about the spiritual war; for we have spiritual enemies, against whom we should always stand by. 2- He used to change them every month; hence the total number of the militia would be 288,000; namely one fifth of the able men in the kingdom; Dividing them into 12 divisions , would guarantee that they will all be well trained and instructed in the military issues. No one therefore was committed to serve longer than one month every year, which was certainly within their capacity, except in cases of emergency, when they would be easily and quickly deployed.. It would be wise of the leaders, while providing security to the people, to plan it, as much as possible, in an easy and effective way, with the least burden upon the people. 3- Every group had a supreme leader, beside the captains of thousands and hundreds. Those twelve were mentioned among David’s mighty men of valor in (2 Samuel 23; 1 chronicles 11) The heads of the fathers’ houses, were individuals or members of a household who steadily provide king David with the services necessary for building of the temple. “Twenty-four thousand”; According to some, the figure 1000 here does not necessarily indicate the actual number, but rather refers to a division or a company of men, whatever its size is. : “Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabiel, and in his division were twenty-four thousand” (2) “he was of the children of Perez, and the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month” (3) “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” (4) Dodai the Ahohite had Mikloth with him (4), to replace him in case of his absence, incapacity, or death. “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-two thousand” (5) “This was the Benaiah who was mighty among the thirty, and was over the thirty; in his division was Ammizabad his son” (6) Ammizabad, Benaiah’s son was in his division (6), followed by Asahel his other son (7); which indicates that organizing the Militia was done at the beginning of the reign of David, for Asahel was killed by Abner while David reigned in Hebron; then he renewed it after he had comfort from his wars, to provide his son Solomon with peace… If we assume that we are in peace, as long as we are still in the flesh, we should always be ready for spiritual wars. In the East, there was a common proverb of significance, sent by kings to their enemies; namely, “Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20: 11); namely, it is not befitting of him who puts on weapons, to boast as though he went into battle and came back victorious. He is committed first to conquer to boast his conquest. According to Solomon the sage, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverb 27: 1). And according to the apostle: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls” (1 Corinthians 10: 12). + Our abidance here is not secure; until we get out of the currants of the present life, and sail to the safe haven. Do not boast therefore, that you stand fast, but take heed lest you fall; For, if Paul so fears, he who is stronger than all of us, how much more it is befitting of us to do?! + He who reviles the others will fall into their same sins; hence we are advised by the blessed Paul, saying: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls”. + The first feature of the military tactics, is to know where you stand; for many things depend on it. Hence Paul often talks about standing fast; saying: “Stand fast in the faith, be brave and strong” (1 Corinthians 16: 13); “Stand fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4: 1); “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls”; and, “That it may be well with you, and you may live long on earth” (Ephesians 6: 3). He certainly means the right way of standing fast. Those who are more experienced in war know the great importance of how to stand fast. (St. John Chrysostom) “The fourth captain of the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (7) “The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were twentyfour thousand” (8) “The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikketh the Tekoite; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (9) “The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (10) “The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbechai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (11) “The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (12) “The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites; in his division was twenty-four thousand” (13) “The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (14) “The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (15) 2- OFFICERS OVER THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL: “Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the officer over the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri; over the Simeonitess Shephatiah the son of Maachah” (16) They still follow the same system set by Moses in the old days in the wilderness; namely, that every tribe should have a leader or chief; which probably continued to be followed by election or by inheritance within the same family. Those mentioned here were the acting ones when those events were narrated. Elihu or Eliab, who was a chief of Judah, was the eldest son of Jesse, who came as a descendant of Nahshon and Salmon, who were the chiefs of the tribe in the days of Moses; Yet we assume that their authority diminished from what they used to have when every tribe acted alone. For now, all the tribes submit, not only to the king, but to the chief of the tribe as well. Being Christians, we are committed to “submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good” (1 Peter 2:13-14). The list of tribes came in a certain order: First the sons of Leah in order: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. Then the sons of Rachel: Joseph represented by his two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh; then Benjamin. Then the sons of Belha; (not in a chronological order): Naphtali and Dan. Then the sons of Zilpah: Gad, Asher (not mentioned here) The names of the heads of the tribes of Israel in the days of David, refer to the existence of a kind of cooperation, comfort, and peace between them and the king; contrary to what happened in the days of Solomon, when a kind of controversy was obvious, that became more prominent directly after Solomon’s death. “Over the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; over the Aaronites, Zadok” (17) “Over Judah, Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar, Omri the son of Michael” (18) “Over Zebulun, Ishmaiah, the son of Azriel” (19) “Over the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; Over the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah” (20) “Over half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; over Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner” (21) “Over Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner” (21); Despite the fact that Abner was an enemy of David, and was an opponent to giving the throne to him; yet David did not come against this promotion, but probably recommended it himself; which teaches us to pay evilback with good. A marvelous portrait of David’s personality, who practiced the gospel commandment while under the law. + It may not be easy for man “to love his enemies, bless those who curse him, does good to those who hate him, and pray for those who spitefully use him and persecute him” (Matthew 5: 43, 44); but if he remembers the mutual human nature between him and them, he will not care for the sufferings they cause to him; and the more cruel they are, the more compassionate he will be, as a father toward his retarded son.. Paul, having diagnosed the ailment that provoked his enemies to act in such a way, his care for them as sick increased.. We hear him talking with exalted compassion about those who scourged him five times (2 Corinthians 11: 24), who stoned, shackled, shed his blood, and intended to cut him to pieces, saying: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10: 2); And addressing those who afflicted him, he says: “Do not be haughty but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, he may not spare you either” (Romans 11: 20, 21). And when he realized the judgment to dwell upon them; he unceasingly wept and wailed for their sake. + By becoming one with those who revile and slander you, and mixing with them, you will overcome them (by love and faith). And as the yeast hidden in dough will not perish, but will rather alter the nature of the dough, so it is with preaching the gospel. Therefore do not fear, when I tell you that afflictions are to come; for your light will never be quenched, but will prevail on all men. (St. John Chrysostom) “Over Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham, These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel” (22) “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” (23) Giving his command to number the people, David did not allow it for those under the age of twenty years, with the assumption that by so doing he would alleviate the bad impression of what he was doing; yet that exemption was a weak, attempt, on account of that it was not customary to number those under twenty years, but only grown up men. That failed census was not consummated for the wrath of God dwelt before Joab completes it; and probably because David, ashamed of what he did, ordered to keep the records of the census secret, and refrained from using its results. Being done out of the pride of David’s heart, it was reluctantly done by Joab, Feeling shame for doing it, David probably wished it to be forgotten, on account of that the divine chastisement dwelt upon Israel because of him. A good man, will not find pleasure in doing what provokes God to anger, and will not be able to use anything he got via sin. David did the old census in a moment of pride and lack of faith; but now he does no census, but trusts in God’s promises. He has 12 officials responsible for the local affairs; as well as counselors and friends providing him with counsel. “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” (24) 3- THE SENIOR STATE OFFICIALS:: The last part of the chapter refers to the possessions of the king, and his sources of income, that were used in running the kingdom, which doubled during his reign. It is to be noticed that after more than four centuries, the possessions of the royal household was recorded in a more accurate way (Ezekiel 46: 16-18). David did not collect taxes from the people, and did not stretch his hand to the spoils of war, but left tem to the account of the temple (26: 26) “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” (25) “Ezri the son of Chelub was over those who did the work of the field for tilling the ground” (26) “And Shimei the Ramathite was over the vineyards, and Zabdi the Shiphmite was over the produce of the vineyards for the supply of wine” (27) “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” (28) “And Shitrai the Sharonite was over the herd that fed in Sharon, and Shaphat the son of Adlai was over the herds that were in the valleys” (29) “Obil the Ishmaelite was over the camels; Jehdeiah the Meronothite was over the donkeys” (30) “and Jaziz the Hagerite was over the flocks. All these were the officials over king David’s property” (31) “The officials over the king’s property”, as they were called, were supervising the king’s vineyards, olive trees, flocks of camels, donkeys, and sheep. Beside the high officials, everyone was engaged in a service that suits his abilities, according to the simplicity of those days. Having been a disciplined man of war, David was a great instructor and ruler; and a faithful steward over his own property; according to what is written: “The king himself is served from the field” (Ecclesiastes 5: 9). The rulers who want their subjects to be diligent, have to make themselves role models of diligence and business administration . We find later how the poor of the land vinedressers and farmers (2 kings 25: 12); but now David let his elites do those works. 5- THE KING’S COUNSELORS: “Also Jehonathan, David’s uncle was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hashmoni was with the king’s sons” (32) As the Holy Book did not refer to an uncle of David who was his counselors, therefore some interpret the word “uncle” as (a close friend). The entourage of the king were known for their wisdom, and eloquence; therefore that one so called “David’s uncle”, chosen as a counselor, was not only a learned man of experience in politics, but in the Holy Books as well; Another one, similarly knowledgeable and skillful, was made a mentor of the king’s sons; And ‘Ahithophel, was a clever and a crafty counselor; But the faithful ‘Hushai was the king’s companion and his trusted secretary. They all were men of great abilities; for the wisdom of a ruler is demonstrated in their choice of their counselors. But, in spite of those trustworthy and beloved counselors, relatives, and friends, David preferred the Word of God over all, “Your testimonies are my delight and my counselors” (Psalm 119: 24). “Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion” (33) ‘Hushai’ being faithful saved David’s life from the evil council of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15-23); “After Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, then Abiathar, and the general of the king’s army was Joab” (34) ‘Ahithophel’ whose painful story came in (2 Samuel 15, 17), was like ‘Joab’, a man of great privileges, but unfaithful. ------------------------- AN INSPIRATION FROM 1 CHRONICLES 27 GRANT ME, O LORD, A LIFE OF PERPETUAL READINESS + My God, my soul perpetually blesses You; For You set me a soldier in the salvation army; You are my Leader; You are myWeapon; You are the Grantor of conquest, and the Giver of crowns; You granted me to get up from my fall, and made me steadfast in You; Make me perpetually attached to You, lest I fall again; Keep me company all the way, until I encounter You face to face. + By You, I enjoy faith and love; By faith, I do not fear the devil, my enemy; By You, the hosts of darkness cannot prevail over me; for You are with me; I would not fear death; for You are my Life; By Love I challenge my weak nature; I desire the salvation of all my oppressors; I love all humans, and rejoice in their fellowship with You. + Glory be to You, O Lord of hosts; who keeps Your children against evil ------------------------------------------- DAVID’S LAST DAYS (1 Chronicles – chapters 28-29) In the last two chapters of the first book of the chronicles, with his last days on earth, David sought to encounter all the leaders of the land in a great assembly, to present a message to Israel, and another to his son Solomon, in the hearing of the whole nation, he presented it with an amazing wisdom. Although he almost dedicated his last days on earth to prepare for the building of the temple, yet he was more preoccupied with preparing the heart of his son Solomon, and those of the leaders and the people to work in unison with faithful and loyal hearts. David’s heart was not preoccupied with parading his preparations for building the temple before the leaderships, for the sake of his personal glory; but, with a spirit of wisdom, love, and humility, David made it clear that that work, done by the Lord, was the subject of pleasure for all Israel, leaders and people. Having found pleasure in finding a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, he intended for the leaders and the people to have the same feelings, to adopt the idea as though it comes from them, and to consummate it with the spirit of diligence. In psalm 132: 3-5 he expressed his desire concerning building a house for the comfort of the ark pf the covenant of the Lord; and intended for all to have the same holy desire and zeal. … We, likewise, find our comfort when the Lord dwells in us, being His holy temple. + We shall indeed not cease to watch, pray, strive, and work, until the Lord is pleased with our souls, and chooses them a dwelling place for himself, saying: “This is My resting place forever. Here I will dwell, for I have desired it” (Psalm 132: 14) (Father Martyrus the Syrian) + Where did David look for a place for the Lord? Being meek, he looked for it in his soul…. How can someone be a place for the Lord? … Listen to the prophet say: “On this one will I look: on him who is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66: 2)…. Do you wish to be a place for the Lord? Be as Isaiah says.. + Seek the friendship of Christ without fear; for He wishes that you give him hospitality in your house; to set a place for Him…. What does it mean to set a place for Him?... Do not love yourself, Love Him. … For if you love yourself you are closing the door before Him; but If you love Him you would open the door before Him; and If you do, He will enter; and you will be with Him who loves you. (St. Augustine) + Do not seek the comfort of the body; but pray diligently and fervently; do not ever pray slothfully; Stand up and pray from the depth of your heart, for it is your duty toward God. “I will not go up to the comfort of my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty God of Jacob” (Psalm 132). But if you allow yourself to pray with slothfulness, and not from your whole heart, you will not find comfort in your prayer, nor after your prayer. If you wish to find comfort indeed, cleanse your sins with your tears before God; saying: “Al night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears” (Psalm 6). Therefore beware not to stretch your body before God, and despise prayer for the sake of the comfort of the flesh (St. (Mar) Isaac the Syrian)
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