Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 27:22

Charles Ellicott Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:22

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:22

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"of Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the captains of the tribes of Israel." — 1 Chronicles 27:22 (ASV)

Of Dan. —Dan and Zebulun, omitted in the tribal registers of 1 Chronicles 4-7, are both mentioned in the present list. On the other hand, Gad and Asher are unnoticed here; why, we cannot say. The total—“twelve”—is made by counting Manasseh as two and Joseph as three tribes. The order of the first six names is that of Genesis 35:23. Why Dan is mentioned last is not clear: some have thought it indicates the chronicler’s reprobation of the idolatry of the tribe (1 Kings 12:29–30; Amos 8:14); but he has probably kept the order of his source.

These were the princes. —The same word as “captains” in the former list (sârîm).