Study Desk

Of the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, were in charge of the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan, for all the work of the LORD and the service of the king.

and Jerijah's relatives, 2,700 capable men, were heads of fathers' households; and King David made them overseers of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, for everything pertaining to God and to the king.

Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division for the first month; and in his division were 24,000.

He was descended from Perez, and was chief of all the commanders of the army for the first month.

Dodai the Ahohite and his division was in charge of the division for the second month, Mikloth was the chief officer; and in his division were 24,000.

The third commander of the army for the third month was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, as chief; and in his division were 24,000.

The fourth, for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him; and in his division were 24,000.

The fifth, for the fifth month was the commander Shamhuth the Izrahite; and in his division were 24,000.

The sixth, for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; and in his division were 24,000.

The seventh, for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite of the sons of Ephraim; and in his division were 24,000.

The eighth, for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite of the Zerahites; and in his division were 24,000.

The ninth, for the ninth month was Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjamite; and in his division were 24,000.

The tenth, for the tenth month was Maharai from Netophah of the Zerahites; and in his division were 24,000.

The eleventh, for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite of the sons of Ephraim; and in his division were 24,000.

The twelfth, for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite of Othniel; and in his division were 24,000.

But David did not count those twenty years of age and under, for the LORD had said he would multiply Israel as the stars of heaven.

Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards; Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars.

Then David the king rose to his feet and said, "Hear me, my brothers [in arms] and my people. I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God, and I prepared materials for the building.

"But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My Name (Presence), because you are a man of war and have shed blood.'

"However, the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me from all in my father's house to be king over Israel forever. For He has chosen Judah to be the leader; and in the house (tribe) of Judah he chose the house of my father; and among the sons of my father He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.