captains of thousands. The host comprised all males over twenty. From this were organized twelve divisions of 24,000 men, commanded by twelve of the thirty. David's 600 (1 Samuel 23:13 , &c.) divided into three of 200 each (consisting of ten subdivisions of twenty each, commanded by the "thirty"), commanded by the "three". The commander of the "thirty" was not one of the "three", but next below them. See notes on 1 Chronicles 1:0 1 and 2 Samuel 23:0 .
the tribes of Israel. Each tribe had a ruler, called (1 Chronicles 27:22 ) "the princes of the tribes": 1. The first four sons of Leah, in order of their birth. 2. Issachar and Zebulun, fifth and sixth (Genesis 30:18 , Genesis 30:20 ).
Thus the first six are Leah's sons. Her maid Zilpah's (Gad and Asher) not mentioned. Then Naphtali (Bilhah, Rachel's maid). Then Ephraim and Manasseh (Rachel's, through Joseph). Then Benjamin (Rachel's other son). Dan comes last! See note on Genesis 49:17 .
David's uncle. In 1 Chronicles 20:7 and 2 Samuel 21:21 Jonathan is the son of Shimea, David's brother. The Hebrew dad may thus be used of a brother's son as well as a fathers brother's son.
Verse 1
children = sons.
chief fathers = heads of the fathers.
captains of thousands. The host comprised all males over twenty. From this were organized twelve divisions of 24,000 men, commanded by twelve of the thirty. David's 600 (1 Samuel 23:13 , &c.) divided into three of 200 each (consisting of ten subdivisions of twenty each, commanded by the "thirty"), commanded by the "three". The commander of the "thirty" was not one of the "three", but next below them. See notes on 1 Chronicles 1:0 1 and 2 Samuel 23:0 .
Verse 2
Jashobeam. Compare 1 Chronicles 11:11 .
Verse 3
Perez = Pharez, son of Judah. See note on 1 Chronicles 25:11 .
chief = head.
Verse 4
Dodai = Dodo (2 Samuel 23:9 ). See note on 1 Chronicles 25:11 .
ruler = divisional officer.
Verse 5
Benaiah. Compare 1 Chronicles 11:22-25 . 2 Samuel 23:20-23 .
chief priest. Read "Jehoiada the priest" a head (1 Kings 4:4 ).
Verse 6
among = "a hero [of] thirty".
Verse 8
Shamhuth = Shammah (2 Samuel 23:11 ), and Sham-moth (1 Chronicles 11:27 ), and see note on 1 Chronicles 25:11 .
Izrahite. Compare 1 Chronicles 25:11 .
Verse 9
Ira. One of the thirty (See 1 Chronicles 11:28 and 2 Samuel 23:26 ).
Verse 10
Helez. Compare 2 Samuel 23:26 .
Verse 11
Sibbecai. Compare 1 Chronicles 11:29 and 2 Samuel 21:18 .
Verse 15
Heldai. Compare 1 Chronicles 11:30 . Heled, 2 Samuel 23:29 (Hildai, see note on 1 Chronicles 25:11 ).
Verse 16
the tribes of Israel. Each tribe had a ruler, called (1 Chronicles 27:22 ) "the princes of the tribes": 1. The first four sons of Leah, in order of their birth. 2. Issachar and Zebulun, fifth and sixth (Genesis 30:18 , Genesis 30:20 ).
Thus the first six are Leah's sons. Her maid Zilpah's (Gad and Asher) not mentioned. Then Naphtali (Bilhah, Rachel's maid). Then Ephraim and Manasseh (Rachel's, through Joseph). Then Benjamin (Rachel's other son). Dan comes last! See note on Genesis 49:17 .
Verse 18
Elihu. Probably Eliab (1 Chronicles 2:13 ), Jesse's eldest son (1 Samuel 16:6 ).
Verse 23
not the number. Only the fighting men. See 1 Chronicles 21:5 and 2 Samuel 24:9 .
the stars of the heavens. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6 . See note on Genesis 15:5 .
Verse 24
there fell wrath. Compare 1 Chronicles 21:6 , 1 Chronicles 21:7 .
Verse 25
over the king's treasures. There were twelve of these stewards.
treasures = treasuries.
castles = fortresses.
Verse 30
Ishmaelite. Camels appropriately committed to him.
Verse 32
David's uncle. In 1 Chronicles 20:7 and 2 Samuel 21:21 Jonathan is the son of Shimea, David's brother. The Hebrew dad may thus be used of a brother's son as well as a fathers brother's son.
a wise man = a man of understanding.
Verse 34
general = prince.
army = host.