1 Chronicles 27:20
over the Ephraimites was Hoshea son of Azaziah; over one of the half-tribes of Manasseh was Joel son of Pedaiah;
over the Ephraimites
The term "Ephraimites" refers to the descendants of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph and a prominent tribe in Israel. Historically, Ephraim held a significant position among the tribes, often representing the northern kingdom of Israel. The Hebrew root for Ephraim, "Ephrayim," suggests fruitfulness, reflecting the tribe's growth and influence. This phrase indicates leadership and governance, emphasizing the importance of strong, godly leadership in maintaining the spiritual and social order within the community.

was Hoshea son of Azaziah
"Hoshea" means "salvation" in Hebrew, a name that signifies deliverance and hope. The mention of Hoshea as a leader over the Ephraimites highlights the role of leaders as instruments of God's salvation and guidance for His people. "Azaziah" means "Yahweh is strong," suggesting a lineage of strength and divine support. This lineage underscores the belief that God empowers leaders to fulfill their roles effectively, reminding us of the divine strength available to those who trust in Him.

over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead
The "half-tribe of Manasseh" refers to the division of the tribe of Manasseh, with one half settling east of the Jordan River in Gilead. Gilead, a region known for its balm and fertile land, symbolizes healing and prosperity. The division of the tribe reflects the broader theme of unity and diversity within the people of God, where different groups have distinct roles yet remain part of the whole. This phrase encourages believers to embrace their unique callings while maintaining unity in the body of Christ.

was Joel son of Pedaiah
"Joel" means "Yahweh is God," a declaration of faith and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The name serves as a reminder of the centrality of God in the life of His people. "Pedaiah" means "Yahweh has ransomed," pointing to the redemptive work of God throughout history. This lineage emphasizes the theme of redemption and the assurance that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding and redeeming them for His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hoshea son of Azaziah
He was appointed as the leader over the tribe of Ephraim. The name "Hoshea" means "salvation" in Hebrew, which is significant in understanding his role and the hope he might have represented for his people.

2. Ephraimites
This refers to the descendants of Ephraim, one of Joseph's sons. Ephraim was a significant tribe in Israel, often representing the northern kingdom in later biblical accounts.

3. Joel son of Pedaiah
He was appointed as the leader over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead. The name "Joel" means "Yahweh is God," indicating a strong spiritual heritage.

4. Half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead
This refers to the portion of the tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead. This area was known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance.

5. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and fertile land. It was a place of refuge and strategic military importance in Israel's history.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Leadership
The appointment of leaders over the tribes demonstrates God's sovereignty in establishing order and governance among His people. We can trust that God places leaders in our lives for His purposes.

Significance of Names
The meanings of the names Hoshea and Joel remind us of the importance of identity in God's plan. Our names and identities in Christ carry significance and purpose.

Unity and Division
The division of the tribe of Manasseh highlights the balance between unity and division within the body of Christ. We are called to maintain unity while recognizing our unique roles and callings.

Strategic Placement
Just as the tribes were strategically placed in the land, God places us in specific locations and situations for His purposes. We should seek to understand and fulfill our roles where He has placed us.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of fathers' names (Azaziah and Pedaiah) underscores the importance of spiritual heritage and legacy. We are encouraged to honor our spiritual forebears and pass on a godly legacy to future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the appointment of leaders in 1 Chronicles 27:20 reflect God's sovereignty in your own life and community?

2. What significance do you find in the meanings of the names Hoshea and Joel, and how do they relate to your identity in Christ?

3. In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church or community while recognizing individual roles and callings?

4. How can you discern and fulfill the purpose God has for you in the specific place He has positioned you?

5. What steps can you take to honor your spiritual heritage and ensure you are leaving a godly legacy for future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
The appointment of leaders over the tribes of Israel connects to the broader biblical theme of God-ordained leadership, as seen in the appointment of judges and kings throughout Israel's history.

The division of the tribe of Manasseh into two parts, one on each side of the Jordan, is reminiscent of the division of the land among the tribes in the book of Joshua.

The significance of names in the Bible, such as Hoshea and Joel, often reflects the character or destiny of the individuals, similar to how names are used in the accounts of other biblical figures like Moses and Joshua.
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
Azaziah, Azazi'ah, Ephraim, E'phraimites, Half, Half-tribe, Hosea, Hoshea, Hoshe'a, Joel, Jo'el, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Pedaiah, Pedai'ah, Sons, Tribe
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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