1 Chronicles 27:19
over Zebulun was Ishmaiah son of Obadiah; over Naphtali was Jerimoth son of Azriel;
over Zebulun
The tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was named after the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. Historically, Zebulun's territory was located in the northern part of Israel, near the Sea of Galilee. The mention of "over Zebulun" indicates a leadership or administrative role, suggesting a structured governance system within the tribes. This reflects the organized nature of King David's administration, which sought to maintain order and efficiency across the nation.

Ishmaiah son of Obadiah
The name "Ishmaiah" means "Yahweh will hear," indicating a person whose life is marked by divine attention and favor. "Obadiah," meaning "servant of Yahweh," suggests a lineage devoted to serving God. This highlights the importance of spiritual heritage and faithfulness in leadership roles. Ishmaiah's position over Zebulun signifies trust and responsibility, emphasizing the value of godly leadership in maintaining the spiritual and social well-being of the community.

over Naphtali
Naphtali, another of the twelve tribes, was named after the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe's territory was also in the northern region of Israel, known for its fertile land and strategic location. The phrase "over Naphtali" again underscores the administrative structure established by King David, ensuring that each tribe had dedicated leadership to manage its affairs and contribute to the unity and strength of the nation.

Jerimoth son of Azriel
"Jerimoth" means "He is exalted," reflecting a life that brings honor and glory to God. "Azriel," meaning "God is my help," suggests a reliance on divine assistance and guidance. The mention of Jerimoth as a leader over Naphtali highlights the importance of leaders who are not only capable but also spiritually grounded. This underscores the biblical principle that true leadership is rooted in humility and dependence on God, ensuring that the leader's actions align with divine purposes and contribute to the flourishing of the people they serve.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ishmaiah
A leader appointed over the tribe of Zebulun. His name means "Yahweh will hear," indicating a person whose life and leadership were likely characterized by a reliance on God.

2. Obadiah
The father of Ishmaiah. His name means "servant of Yahweh," suggesting a heritage of faith and service to God.

3. Jerimoth
A leader appointed over the tribe of Naphtali. His name means "He is Most High," which may reflect a recognition of God's sovereignty in his leadership.

4. Azriel
The father of Jerimoth. His name means "God is my help," indicating a lineage that acknowledges God's assistance and presence.

5. Zebulun and Naphtali
Two of the twelve tribes of Israel, each with its own unique role and inheritance in the Promised Land. Zebulun was known for its maritime activities, while Naphtali was known for its warriors.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Heritage
The lineage of leaders like Ishmaiah and Jerimoth highlights the importance of a godly heritage. Our family background can influence our faith and leadership, but each person must choose to follow God personally.

Names and Identity
The meanings of names in the Bible often reflect character or destiny. As Christians, our identity is found in Christ, and we are called to live in a way that reflects His character.

Tribal Roles and Responsibilities
Each tribe of Israel had specific roles and responsibilities. Similarly, in the body of Christ, each believer has unique gifts and callings that contribute to the whole.

God's Sovereignty and Help
The names Obadiah and Azriel remind us of God's sovereignty and help. In leadership and daily life, we must rely on God's guidance and strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the heritage of Ishmaiah and Jerimoth influence their roles as leaders? Reflect on how your own heritage has shaped your faith journey.

2. In what ways do the meanings of the names in this verse (Ishmaiah, Obadiah, Jerimoth, Azriel) inspire you to live out your Christian identity?

3. How can the roles of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali inform our understanding of spiritual gifts and roles within the church today?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's help in a leadership role or challenging situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can we ensure that our leadership and service are characterized by reliance on God, as suggested by the names and roles in this passage? Consider other scriptures that emphasize reliance on God.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:13
This verse provides Jacob's blessing to Zebulun, highlighting its future prosperity and maritime activities, which can be connected to the leadership of Ishmaiah.

Deuteronomy 33:23
Moses' blessing to Naphtali speaks of favor and blessing, which can be related to Jerimoth's leadership over the tribe.

1 Samuel 7:9
The name Obadiah, meaning "servant of Yahweh," can be connected to the role of Samuel as a servant and leader who interceded for Israel.

Psalm 121:2
The name Azriel, meaning "God is my help," can be connected to the psalmist's declaration of God as a source of help.
The Army, Tribal Princes, Royal PossessionsF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson, B. A.1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
People
Aaron, Aaronites, Abiathar, Abiezer, Abner, Adiel, Adlai, Ahithophel, Ammizabad, Arkite, Asahel, Azareel, Azaziah, Azmaveth, Azriel, Baalhanan, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Chelub, Dan, David, Dodai, Eleazar, Eliezer, Elihu, Ezri, Hachmoni, Hanan, Hashabiah, Heldai, Helez, Hosea, Hoshea, Hushai, Iddo, Ikkesh, Ira, Ishmaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Jaasiel, Jashobeam, Jaziz, Jehdeiah, Jehiel, Jehoiada, Jehonathan, Jeremoth, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jonathan, Kemuel, Levi, Levites, Maacah, Maachah, Maharai, Manasseh, Michael, Mikloth, Naphtali, Obadiah, Obil, Omri, Othniel, Pedaiah, Perez, Reubenites, Shamhuth, Shaphat, Shephatiah, Shimei, Shitrai, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Simeonites, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zarhites, Zebadiah, Zebulun, Zechariah, Zerahites, Zeruiah, Zichri
Places
Anathoth, Gilead, Jerusalem, Netophah, Pirathon, Sharon, Shephelah
Topics
Azriel, Az'riel, Ishmaiah, Ishma'iah, Jeremoth, Jer'emoth, Jerimoth, Jishmaiah, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Obadiah, Obadi'ah, Zebulun, Zeb'ulun
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 27:1-22

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 27:16-22

     5434   officer

Library
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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