1 Chronicles 27:25-34

The Voice

The exile takes a toll not just on the lives of the Jews, but also on Israel herself. The chronicles of King David are among several historical documents stored in the royal archives. When the Babylonians attack Jerusalem and destroy Solomon’s temple, those official records are lost as well. Israel loses significant portions of the nation’s written history, so that history remains only in the oral traditions of the people. Because of this loss of history, the chronicler writes this book for the Jews—so that their descendants will have a testament to the early history and the greatness of the Israelites before they are forgotten.

²⁵These are other officials in David’s government: Azmaveth (son of Adiel) managed the king’s own storehouses. Jonathan (son of Uzziah) managed the storehouses that did not belong directly to the king in the country, cities, villages, and towers. ²⁶Ezri (son of Chelub) managed the farmhands who tilled the soil. ²⁷Shimei (the Ramathite) managed the vineyards, and Zabdi (the Shiphmite) managed the grapes and wine stored in the wine cellars. ²⁸Baal-hanan (the Gederite) managed the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah, and Joash managed oil stored in the storehouses. ²⁹Shitrai (the Sharonite) managed the cattle grazing in Sharon, and Shaphat (son of Adlai) managed the cattle grazing in the valleys. ³⁰Obil (the Ishmaelite) managed the camels. Jehdeiah (the Meronothite) managed the donkeys. ³¹Jaziz (the Hagrite) managed the flocks. These men were the managers of King David’s property.

³²Jonathan (David’s uncle) was a counselor, a discerning man, and a scribe. Jehiel (son of Hachmoni) was a companion of and attendant for the king’s sons. ^33-34Ahithophel was counselor to the king, and he was succeeded by Jehoiada (son of Benaiah) and Abiathar. Hushai (the Archite) was the king’s confidant. Joab was the leader of the king’s army.

Read full chapter