1 Chronicles 27:22
and over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
and over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham.
Azarel, whose name means "God has helped," is identified as the leader over the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah. Historically, the tribe of Dan was known for its struggles with idolatry, as seen in Judges 18, where they set up a carved image. Azarel's leadership role signifies a position of responsibility and authority within the tribal structure. The mention of his father, Jeroham, provides a genealogical link, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's providence and the continuity of His promises through generations.

These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
This phrase highlights the organizational structure of the Israelite nation during the time of King David. The leaders, or chiefs, of the tribes were responsible for governance, military organization, and maintaining order within their respective tribes. This system of tribal leadership is rooted in the patriarchal traditions established by the twelve sons of Jacob, each representing a tribe. The role of these leaders was crucial in unifying the nation and ensuring adherence to the covenant with God. This structure also foreshadows the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where different members have distinct roles but work together for the common good, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Azarel
Azarel is identified as the leader over the tribe of Dan. His name means "God has helped," which reflects a common theme in the Bible of divine assistance and favor.

2. Jeroham
The father of Azarel, Jeroham's name means "may he be compassionate," indicating a lineage that values divine compassion and mercy.

3. Dan
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe of Dan is often associated with judgment and strength.

4. Tribes of Israel
The twelve tribes represent the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob. Each tribe had its own leader, as listed in this chapter, which highlights the organization and governance of the nation of Israel.

5. Leaders of the Tribes
This passage is part of a larger section detailing the military and administrative organization of Israel under King David, emphasizing the importance of leadership and order.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Leadership
Leadership in the Bible is often tied to divine calling and purpose. Azarel's role as a leader over Dan reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership positions.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of Azarel as the son of Jeroham highlights the significance of family heritage and the spiritual legacy we leave for future generations.

Organizational Structure in God's Kingdom
The detailed listing of tribal leaders underscores the value of order and structure within the community of believers, reflecting God's nature of orderliness.

Divine Assistance in Leadership
Azarel's name, meaning "God has helped," serves as a reminder that effective leadership relies on God's help and guidance.

Unity Among Diversity
The tribes of Israel, each with its own leader, illustrate the unity that can exist amidst diversity, a principle applicable to the body of Christ today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Azarel as a leader over Dan reflect the importance of divine assistance in leadership?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our family heritage and legacy align with biblical values, as seen in the lineage of Azarel and Jeroham?

3. How does the organizational structure of the tribes of Israel inform our understanding of church leadership and governance today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Dan's history that apply to our personal spiritual journey?

5. How can we foster unity within our diverse church communities, drawing from the example of the twelve tribes of Israel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:16-17
This passage contains Jacob's blessing over Dan, which can be seen as a prophetic insight into the tribe's future role and characteristics.

Judges 18
The account of the tribe of Dan seeking territory highlights their struggles and eventual settlement, providing context for their leadership needs.

1 Samuel 8:5-20
The request for a king in Israel and the subsequent establishment of leadership structures, including tribal leaders, is relevant to understanding the context of 1 Chronicles 27.
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
Azareel, Azarel, Az'arel, Captains, Dan, Heads, Jeroham, Jero'ham, Leaders, Officers, Princes, Tribes
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

Links
1 Chronicles 27:22 NIV
1 Chronicles 27:22 NLT
1 Chronicles 27:22 ESV
1 Chronicles 27:22 NASB
1 Chronicles 27:22 KJV

1 Chronicles 27:22 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 27:21
Top of Page
Top of Page