And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king.
1 CHRONICLES 26:30KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 26:30 mean?
1 Chronicles 26:30 describes how Hashabiah and his relatives, who were Hebronites and known as brave men, were appointed as officers over 1,700 people to oversee the work related to the LORD and the king on the west side of the Jordan River. Their responsibilities included handling both religious and royal duties among the Israelites in that region.
This verse is part of a larger section where the writer lists the organization of the Levites during King David’s reign. The focus here is on the Hebronite clan, specifically Hashabiah and his family, who were given significant authority and trusted with important tasks. The verse highlights their courage and leadership, as well as the division of labor among the Levites for both spiritual and governmental service.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 26:30
- חֶבְרוֹנִי (Ḥevroni, "Hebronites"): This word identifies the clan descended from Hebron, a Levite ancestor. It shows that specific family lines had particular roles and areas of responsibility.
- חֲשַׁבְיָה (Ḥashavyah, "Hashabiah"): This is the personal name of the leader mentioned. The name means "the LORD has considered," which may hint at his favored status for this important role.
- חַיִל (ḥayil, "valour"): This word means strength, ability, or bravery. It emphasizes that the men chosen were not just numerous but also capable and respected.
- פְּקֻדָּה (pequddah, "officers"): This term refers to those entrusted with oversight or supervision, highlighting the administrative and leadership aspect of their service.
Why 1 Chronicles 26:30 matters
- This verse clarifies that Levites were not only involved in temple service but also played key roles in civil administration and governance under King David.
- The mention of specific numbers and locations shows the careful organization and delegation of duties among the Levites, reflecting the importance of order in Israel’s religious and civic life.
- By naming Hashabiah and his family as "men of valour," the verse highlights the value placed on character and ability, not just lineage, for those given leadership responsibilities.