1 Chronicles 27:21
over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead was Iddo son of Zechariah; over Benjamin was Jaasiel son of Abner;
over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead
This phrase refers to the division of the tribe of Manasseh, which was split into two half-tribes, one on each side of the Jordan River. The half-tribe in Gilead occupied the land east of the Jordan. Historically, this area was known for its rugged terrain and was a significant region for the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "Gilead" (גִּלְעָד) can mean "heap of testimony," reflecting the area's historical and spiritual significance as a witness to God's promises and the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel.

Iddo son of Zechariah
Iddo, whose name in Hebrew (עִדּוֹ) means "timely" or "appointed," was a leader over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead. His father's name, Zechariah, means "Yahweh remembers," which is a common theme in the Bible, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the importance of remembering His deeds. The mention of Iddo highlights the continuity of leadership and the importance of godly heritage in maintaining the spiritual and social order of the tribes.

over Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin was one of the smaller tribes of Israel, yet it held significant importance due to its location and its role in Israel's history. The Hebrew name "Benjamin" (בִּנְיָמִין) means "son of the right hand," symbolizing strength and favor. This tribe produced several notable figures, including King Saul and the Apostle Paul. The leadership over Benjamin was crucial for maintaining unity and strength within the nation of Israel.

Jaasiel son of Abner
Jaasiel, whose name in Hebrew (יַעֲשִׂיאֵל) means "God is maker" or "God has made," was appointed over the tribe of Benjamin. His father, Abner, was a prominent military leader and cousin to King Saul, indicating a lineage of leadership and valor. The mention of Jaasiel underscores the importance of divine appointment and the role of family legacy in the governance of the tribes. It reflects the biblical principle that God raises leaders according to His purpose and timing, ensuring that His people are guided by those who are faithful to His covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Iddo son of Zechariah
Iddo is mentioned as the leader over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead. His role signifies the importance of leadership and governance within the tribes of Israel.

2. 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. The division of the tribe highlights the geographical and administrative complexities within Israel.

3. Jaasiel son of Abner
Jaasiel is noted as the leader over the tribe of Benjamin. His lineage connects him to Abner, a significant military leader under King Saul, indicating a continuation of leadership roles within families.

4. Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its warriors and strategic location. The tribe of Benjamin played a crucial role in the history of Israel, including the establishment of the monarchy.

5. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was a significant area for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Legacy
The passage highlights the importance of leadership within the tribes of Israel. Leaders like Iddo and Jaasiel were responsible for guiding their people, emphasizing the need for godly leadership in our communities today.

Tribal Identity and Unity
Despite geographical divisions, the tribes of Israel maintained a sense of unity and identity. This serves as a reminder of the importance of unity within the body of Christ, even amidst diversity.

Historical Continuity
The mention of familial connections, such as Jaasiel being the son of Abner, underscores the continuity of God's work through generations. It encourages us to consider how our actions today can impact future generations.

Geographical Significance
The regions mentioned, like Gilead, have historical and spiritual significance. Understanding the geographical context of biblical events can enrich our comprehension of Scripture.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the leadership of Iddo and Jaasiel reflect the biblical principles of stewardship and responsibility?

2. In what ways can the division of the tribe of Manasseh serve as a metaphor for the challenges of maintaining unity in the church today?

3. How does the historical role of the tribe of Benjamin inform our understanding of biblical leadership and legacy?

4. What lessons can we learn from the geographical and tribal divisions in Israel about the importance of context in interpreting Scripture?

5. How can we apply the concept of generational continuity in our own lives, ensuring that our faith and values are passed down to future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
The division of the tribe of Manasseh and their settlement in Gilead can be connected to the account in Numbers 32, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh request to settle in the land east of the Jordan.

The leadership of Jaasiel over Benjamin can be related to the historical significance of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in the accounts of King Saul and the Apostle Paul, both of whom were Benjamites.
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
Abner, Azareel, Benjamin, Dan, Gilead, Half, Half-tribe, Iddo, Jaasiel, Ja-a'si-el, Jeroham, Jiddo, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Tribe, Zechariah, Zechari'ah
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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