Cornelius a Lapide
Table of Contents
Synopsis of the Chapter
The 12 Princes are enumerated who in turn throughout the 12 months of the year presided over 24 thousand soldiers. In addition, the Princes of the individual tribes, and the Officials of David, both those who at home oversaw domestic affairs, and those who abroad oversaw his vineyards, fields, oxen, camels, and sheep.
Vulgate Text: 1 Paralipomenon 27:1-34
1. The sons of Israel according to their number: the chiefs of families, tribunes, and centurions, and officers who served the king according to their divisions, entering and departing month by month throughout the year — each presided over twenty-four thousand. 2. Over the first division in the first month, Jesboam the son of Zabdiel presided, and under him were twenty-four thousand. 3. Of the sons of Phares, he was chief of all the captains in the army in the first month. 4. The division of the second month was under Dudia the Ahohite, and after him was another named Macelloth, who governed a part of the army of twenty-four thousand. 5. The captain of the third division for the third month was Banaias the son of Joiada the priest: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 6. This is the Banaias who was mightiest among the thirty; and over the thirty; and his son Amizabad commanded his division. 7. The fourth, for the fourth month, was Azahel the brother of Joab, and Zabadias his son after him: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 8. The fifth, for the fifth month, was the prince Samaoth the Jezerite: and in his division were twenty-four thou- sand. 9. The sixth, for the sixth month, Hira the son of Acces the Tekoite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 10. The seventh, for the seventh month, Helles the Phallonite, of the sons of Ephraim: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 11. The eighth, for the eighth month, Sobochai the Husathite, of the stock of Zarahi: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 12. The ninth, for the ninth month, Abiezer the Anathothite, of the sons of Benjamin: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 13. The tenth, for the tenth month, Marai, also a Netophathite, of the stock of Zarai: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 14. The eleventh, for the eleventh month, Banaias the Pharathonite, of the sons of Ephraim: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 15. The twelfth, for the twelfth month, Holdai the Netophathite, of the stock of Gothoniel: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 16. Over the tribes of Israel: over the Reubenites, the leader Eliezer son of Zechri; over the Simeonites, Saphatias son of Maacha; 17. over the Levites, Hasabias son of Camuel; over the Aaronites, Sadoc; 18. over Judah, Eliu the brother of David; over Issachar, Amri son of Michael; 19. over the Zebulonites, Jesmaias son of Abdias; over the Naphtalites, Jerimoth son of Ozriel; 20. over the sons of Ephraim, Hosea son of Ozaziu; over the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel son of Phadaia; 21. and over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Jaddo son of Zacharias; over Benjamin, Jasiel son of Abner. 22. Over Dan, Ezrihel son of Jeroham: these were the princes of the sons of Israel. 23. But David would not number them from twenty years of age and under: because the Lord had said that He would multiply Israel like the stars of heaven. 24. Joab the son of Sarvia had begun to number, but did not finish: because upon this, wrath had fallen upon Israel: and therefore the number of those who had been counted was not recorded in the annals of King David. 25. Over the treasures of the king was Azmoth the son of Adiel. Over those treasures that were in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, Jonathan the son of Ozias presided. 26. Over the rural work and the farmers who tilled the land, Ezri the son of Chelub presided; 27. over the vine-dressers, Semeias the Romathite; over the wine cellars, Zabdias the Aphonite. 28. Over the olive groves and fig trees that were in the plains, Balanan the Gederite; over the storehouses of oil, Joas. 29. Over the herds that grazed in Sharon, Setrai the Sharonite was appointed; and over the oxen in the valleys, Sapphat the son of Adli; 30. over the camels, Ubil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys, Jadias the Meronathite. 31. Over the sheep, Jaziz the Hagarene. All these were overseers of the property of King David. 32. Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a prudent and learned man; he and Jahiel the son of Hachamoni were with the king's sons. 33. Achitophel was also the king's counselor, and Chusai the Archite was the king's friend. 34. After Achitophel came Joiada the son of Banaia, and Abiathar. The commander of the king's army was Joab.
Note: Just as in the two preceding chapters David distributed the priests as well as the Levites into 24 classes, which would serve God in the temple in weekly rotation; so here he distributes the rest of the people — namely, the Israelites fit for war — into 12 classes, and appoints a prince over each class, so that each class in turn once a year for one month would serve the King and the Republic for war, so that in rotation 24 thousand armed men with their commander would be at his disposal for every military expedition.
This was a prudent and statesmanlike ordinance of David: both so that by this means he might train all his subjects in arms, that they might learn to wage war; and for the protection of himself and his kingdom. For since the Israelites, few in number, were surrounded on all sides by enemies — namely the Philistines, Edomites, Ammonites, Arabs, and Egyptians — it was necessary for them to be always ready for war. Lest therefore they be overwhelmed by a sudden invasion of enemies, David ordained that 24 thousand should always be under arms for the defense of the king and the kingdom, and should confront enemies wherever they attacked. This was not burdensome for the subjects, because each man needed to take the field in arms for only one month in the year, and during the remaining months he attended to his own affairs at home. Furthermore, by this arrangement the levy of funds was spared, which are usually enormous for conscripting and maintaining an army. For each man sustained himself during his month of armed service in the army. By this arrangement he ensured that he always had at hand a numerous soldiery, both fresh and veteran, so that he could resist any enemies of any number: because according to the number of enemies he could call out as many thousands from each class as were needed.
Finally, the entire people of Israel, distributed into twelve classes of warriors, constituted as many strong armies: for each class consisted of 24 thousand armed men and had its own commander or prince, each of whom is here listed in his order. Moreover, each commander had his deputy, who would take his place when he was sick or otherwise occupied, and would lead and command his class in battle, as is clear from verses 4 and 7. Thus the Romans of old, masters of the world, always kept many legions under arms, and distributed them throughout the provinces, so as to keep them in duty and obedience, and sustained them at the expense of the provinces. So too the Chinese always keep one hundred thousand soldiers under arms, who stand guard against the Tartars lest they invade China.
Verse 4: Another Named Macelloth
Verse 4. AND AFTER HIM ANOTHER NAMED MACELLOTH — that is to say, for Dudia, who was the commander of the second division, Macelloth was given as deputy when he was absent or hindered, to lead the division in his stead, as I have already said.
Verse 7: Zabadias His Son After Him
Verse 7. AND ZABADIAS HIS SON AFTER HIM — that is to say, Asahel, the prince of the fourth division, was given as deputy his son Zabadias.
Verse 16: Over the Tribes
Verse 16. OVER THE TRIBES. — Here are enumerated the princes of each of the twelve tribes, who were their firstborn. But the military princes were not these firstborn, but men outstanding in courage, strength, and military knowledge, and therefore chosen by David.
Verse 23: The Wrath Had Fallen Upon Israel
Verse 23. BECAUSE UPON THIS THE WRATH (of God) HAD FALLEN UPON ISRAEL. — For on account of David's numbering of the people, God sent a plague that consumed 70 thousand. See the comments on 2 Kings, last chapter.
Verse 34: After Achitophel, Joiada and Abiathar
Verse 34. AFTER ACHITOPHEL CAME JOIADA THE SON OF BANAIA, AND ABIATHAR — that is to say, after Achitophel, David's counselor, ended his life by hanging, Joiada and Abiathar the High Priest succeeded him, and they were David's most intimate counselors.