1 Chronicles 27:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:18 lists two leaders: Elihu, one of David’s brothers, as the leader over the tribe of Judah, and Omri, the son of Michael, as the leader over the tribe of Issachar. This verse is part of a record naming those responsible for overseeing the tribes of Israel during King David’s reign.

This verse appears in a section where the writer is documenting the organization of Israel’s tribes under David’s rule. The focus is on naming the officials who managed each tribe’s affairs, showing the administrative structure of the kingdom. The mention of Elihu as David’s brother highlights the close family involvement in leadership, while Omri’s identification by his father’s name, Michael, follows the common biblical practice of tracing lineage.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:18

• יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, “Judah”): This is the name of the tribe descended from one of Jacob’s sons, often associated with leadership and the royal line.
• אֱלִיהוּא (Elihu): The name means “He is my God.” The verse notes Elihu as one of David’s brothers, emphasizing a family connection in leadership.
• אַח (ach, “brethren”): This word indicates a close familial relationship, clarifying that Elihu is not just a fellow tribesman but a literal brother of David.
• דָּוִד (David): Naming David here ties the leadership of Judah directly to the royal family.
• יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissaskar, “Issachar”): Another tribe of Israel, showing that each tribe had its own appointed leader.
• עָמְרִי (Omri): A personal name, here identified as the leader of Issachar.
• בֵּן (ben, “son”): This word shows the lineage, connecting Omri to his father Michael.
• מִיכָאֵל (Mikha’el, “Michael”): The name of Omri’s father, meaning “Who is like God?” This detail helps identify the correct Omri, since names often repeat in biblical records.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:18 matters

• This verse clarifies that leadership in Israel under David was not just tribal but often involved close family members, especially in the tribe of Judah.
• The listing of leaders by both name and lineage helps distinguish individuals in a time when many people shared the same names, ensuring historical accuracy.
• The verse is part of a broader passage that demonstrates the organized and structured nature of David’s administration, highlighting the importance of order and accountability in Israel’s governance.