Question 1

Who are the princes of the tribes of Israel listed in this passage?

Accepted Answer

This passage lists the rulers over most of the tribes during David’s reign. Each tribe had a prince: Eliezer over Reuben, Shephatiah over Simeon, Hashabiah over Levi, Zadok over the Aaronite priests, Elihu (David’s brother) over Judah, Omri over Issachar, Ishmaiah over Zebulun, Jerimoth over Naphtali, Hoshea over Ephraim, Joel over half Manasseh in the west, Iddo over half Manasseh in Gilead, Jaasiel over Benjamin, and Azareel over Dan. These men were recognized as the leading figures for their tribes under David’s kingship.

Question 2

Why are Gad and Asher not mentioned among the tribal princes?

Accepted Answer

The passage lists princes for most tribes but does not name rulers for Gad and Asher. The text itself does not explain the omission. Some readers suggest that one of the nearby tribal leaders may have overseen them as well, since those tribes were close in location. Others simply see it as a partial list that focuses on certain tribes. Since Scripture does not give a reason, it is wise not to go beyond what is written, but to note that most, not all, tribal princes are named here.

Question 3

Why did David not number those under twenty years old in the census?

Accepted Answer

The passage says David did not include people under twenty because the Lord had promised to increase Israel like the stars of heaven. Normally, counts for war focused on men twenty and older, so this limit fit usual practice. David seems to have used this limit as a way to lessen how directly his action challenged God’s promise. Even so, the census was driven by pride, and God did not approve. The number was started, but wrath fell, and the count brought no blessing or comfort to David.

Question 4

Why did Joab begin the census but not finish it?

Accepted Answer

Joab began to number the people because David commanded it, even though he was against the idea. Partway through, God’s wrath fell on Israel because the census came from pride and distrust, not from obedience. The passage notes that Joab did not finish numbering everyone. The plague that struck Israel cut the work short, and the incomplete results were never set down in David’s official records. This shows how an action that seems strong and impressive can be stopped by God when it displeases him.

Question 5

Why was the census number not recorded in the chronicles of King David?

Accepted Answer

The text explains that although Joab began the numbering, he did not finish, and the total was never entered into the chronicles of King David. This was not only because the count was incomplete, but also because God’s wrath fell on Israel for this act. David later saw this as sin and shame, not something to celebrate or fix in the national record. So the census that came from pride left no lasting benefit, only a warning about trusting numbers and strength instead of God’s promise.

Question 6

What does “God would increase Israel like the stars of the heavens” mean here?

Accepted Answer

The phrase recalls God’s promise that Israel would become very many, like the stars that cannot be counted. In this passage it explains why numbering the people was so serious. By trying to count them, especially from a proud heart, David acted as if human power and statistics mattered more than God’s word. God had already promised to multiply them. The reminder about the stars points readers back to trusting God’s promise of blessing rather than trying to measure and control everything themselves.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about leadership under King David?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that even under a strong king like David, each tribe still had its own prince. Leadership was shared and ordered. Priests had their own leader, and David’s own brother led Judah. This mix of central and tribal leadership helped maintain order across the nation. At the same time, the story of the census shows that leaders are still accountable to God. Even a king, a commander like Joab, and tribal princes could not ignore God’s promises without facing consequences.

Question 8

How does David’s unfinished census warn believers today?

Accepted Answer

David’s census shows how even a godly leader can slip into pride by trusting numbers and human strength. He wanted to count the people, but the count did not come from faith. God’s wrath cut it short, and the results were not even worth recording. For believers today, this warns against boasting in resources, size, or power instead of resting in what God has said. It also reminds us that God may allow us to feel the bitter results of our choices, so that we turn back to humble trust in him.

1 Chronicles 27:16

¶ Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

The Leaders of the Twelve Tribes

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1 Chronicles 27:16

¶ Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

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The Leaders of the Twelve Tribes

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