Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The Israelites were organized by their number. The chief fathers, captains of thousands, and hundreds, along with their officers who served the king in various matters, were assigned to specific courses that came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year. Each course consisted of 24,000 men.

Jashobeam, son of Zabdiel, was over the first division for the first month. He had 24,000 men in his division. Among them were the sons of Perez, and Jashobeam was their chief captain for the first month. In the second month, Dodai an Ahohite was in charge with Mikloth as one of his rulers; there were 24,000 men in his division. Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a chief priest, led 24,000 men in the third month.

Benaiah's son, Ammizabad, was part of his division. Asahel, Joab's brother, was over the fourth month with Zebadiah succeeding him; there were 24,000 men in his division. The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite, who had 24,000 men under him. Ira, son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, led the sixth month's division, consisting of 24,000 men.

Helez from Ephraim's clan in Pelon was over the seventh month with 24,000 men in his division. Sibbecai the Hushathite, a member of Zerahites, commanded 24,000 men in the eighth month. Abiezer, an Anathothite from Benjamin, led 24,000 men in the ninth month. Maharai, a Netophathite and Zerahite, was over the tenth month with 24,000 men.

Benaiah, the Pirathonite, of Ephraim's tribe led the eleventh month's division, which included 24,000 men. Heldai, a Netophathite from Othniel, commanded 24,000 men in the twelfth month. Additionally, Eliezer son of Zichri was in charge of the Reubenites, while Shephatiah son of Maacah led the Simeonites.

Hashabiah son of Kemuel served over the Levites, and Zadok was responsible for the Aaronites. Elihu, one of David's brothers, oversaw Judah; Omri son of Michael managed Issachar. Ishmaiah son of Obadiah led Zebulun, while Jerimoth son of Azriel directed Naphtali.

Hoshea son of Azaziah was in charge of Ephraim, and Joel son of Pedaiah oversaw the half tribe of Manasseh. Iddo son of Zechariah managed Gilead's half tribe of Manasseh, while Jaasiel son of Abner directed Benjamin. Azareel son of Jeroham led Dan; these were the leaders over Israel.

David did not count those under twenty years old because the Lord had promised to increase Israel like the stars in heaven. However, Joab began taking a census but did not finish it due to God's wrath on account of it. The number was never recorded in David's chronicles.

Azmaveth son of Adiel oversaw the king's treasures, and Jehonathan son of Uzziah managed the storehouses in fields, cities, villages, and castles. Ezri son of Chelub supervised those working the land. Shimei the Ramathite was responsible for vineyards, while Zabdi the Shiphmite handled their wine production.

Baalhanan the Gederite oversaw olive trees and sycomore trees in low-lying areas; Joash managed cellars where oil was stored. Shitrai the Sharonite led herds grazing in Sharon, with Shaphat son of Adlai overseeing those in valleys. Obil the Ishmaelite managed camels, while Jehdeiah the Meronothite directed donkeys.

Jaziz the Hagerite oversaw flocks; all these leaders managed the king's substance. Jonathan, David's uncle, served as a counselor and wise man; he was also one of the scribes. Jehiel son of Hachmoni accompanied the king's sons. Ahithophel advised the king, while Hushai the Archite assisted him.

After Ahithophel left, Jehoiada son of Benaiah took his place alongside Abiathar; Joab commanded the king's army.