1 Chronicles 27:34
Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king's army.
Ahithophel
Ahithophel was a renowned counselor during the reign of King David, known for his wisdom and strategic acumen. His counsel was highly esteemed, as if one inquired of the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). The Hebrew root of his name, "Ahi" meaning "brother" and "tophel" meaning "folly," is ironic given his reputation for wisdom. However, his eventual betrayal of David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:31) and subsequent suicide (2 Samuel 17:23) serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and disloyalty.

was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah
Jehoiada, the son of Benaiah, represents a transition in leadership. Benaiah, his father, was a valiant warrior and loyal supporter of David, known for his exploits and leadership of David's bodyguard (2 Samuel 23:20-23). The name Jehoiada means "Yahweh knows," reflecting a divine acknowledgment and perhaps a divine appointment. This transition signifies the importance of godly lineage and the passing of wisdom and responsibility from one generation to the next.

then by Abiathar
Abiathar was a priest who served during the reigns of David and Solomon. His inclusion here highlights the intertwining of religious and political leadership in Israel. Abiathar's life was marked by loyalty to David, but he later supported Adonijah's claim to the throne over Solomon, which led to his removal from the priesthood (1 Kings 2:26-27). His account underscores the importance of aligning with God's chosen leaders and the consequences of political missteps.

Joab was the commander of the king’s army
Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a formidable military leader and a key figure in David's reign. His role as commander of the army was crucial in establishing and maintaining David's kingdom. Joab's name, meaning "Yahweh is father," reflects a divine connection, yet his life was marked by both loyalty and ruthless ambition. His actions, including the murder of Abner and Amasa (2 Samuel 3:27, 20:10), reveal the complexities of leadership and the moral challenges faced by those in power. Joab's eventual execution by Solomon (1 Kings 2:28-34) serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human power and the ultimate authority of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahithophel
A counselor to King David, known for his wisdom. His counsel was highly regarded, but he later betrayed David by siding with Absalom during the rebellion.

2. Jehoiada son of Benaiah
A priest who played a significant role in the religious and political life of Israel. He is noted for his loyalty and service to the king.

3. Abiathar
A priest who served during the reign of King David. He remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion but later supported Adonijah against Solomon.

4. Joab
The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and complex relationship with David. He was a key figure in many of David's military campaigns.

5. King’s Army
Refers to the military forces under the command of Joab, serving the interests of King David and the kingdom of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Loyalty
The lives of Ahithophel, Abiathar, and Joab illustrate the significance of loyalty to God's anointed leaders. Betrayal and disloyalty can lead to personal downfall and disruption of God's plans.

Wisdom and Counsel
Ahithophel's account reminds us that wisdom should be coupled with righteousness. Wise counsel is valuable, but it must align with God's will.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joab's role as commander highlights the weight of leadership and the responsibility to act justly and in accordance with God's commands.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions
The transitions between these leaders and their roles demonstrate God's sovereignty in appointing and removing leaders according to His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Ahithophel challenge us to examine our own loyalties and the motivations behind our actions?

2. In what ways can we seek to provide wise and godly counsel to others, ensuring it aligns with biblical principles?

3. What lessons can we learn from Joab's leadership style, both positive and negative, that can be applied to our own roles of influence?

4. How does the transition of leadership from Ahithophel to Jehoiada and Abiathar reflect God's control over political and spiritual leadership?

5. Reflecting on Abiathar's support for Adonijah, how can we discern when to support or oppose leadership decisions in our own lives, ensuring we remain aligned with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 15-17
Provides background on Ahithophel's betrayal and his role in Absalom's rebellion, highlighting the political intrigue during David's reign.

1 Kings 1-2
Details the transition of power from David to Solomon, including Abiathar's support for Adonijah and the eventual consequences of his actions.

2 Samuel 8:16
Mentions Joab's role as the commander of the army, emphasizing his longstanding service to David.
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
Abiathar, Abi'athar, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Army, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Captain, Commander, General, Host, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Joab, Jo'ab, King's, Royal, Succeeded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 27:32-33

     5780   advisers
     8365   wisdom, human

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

Links
1 Chronicles 27:34 NIV
1 Chronicles 27:34 NLT
1 Chronicles 27:34 ESV
1 Chronicles 27:34 NASB
1 Chronicles 27:34 KJV

1 Chronicles 27:34 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 27:33
Top of Page
Top of Page