David’s Cabinet

The majority of this chapter has dealt with David’s “foreign” policy—his wars on his enemies. But David does not neglect the home front. As David comes to reign over “all Israel,” he administers “judgment and justice to all his people.” Our commentator, Matthew Henry, writes: “He did justice with an unbiased unshaken hand: He executed judgment unto all his people, neither did wrong nor denied or delayed right to any…. He never perverted justice through favor or affection, nor had respect of persons in judgment. Herein he was a type of Christ, who was faithful and true, and who doth in righteousness both judge and make war,Rev. 19:11.”

David has been assembling the staff he needs to help him administer his growing kingdom, and these “Cabinet members” are listed here. Though small, this staff is more extensive than that of Saul, who reigned on a war footing and occupied himself with hunting for David rather than serving the Israelites. David is more focused on doing what Israel’s king should be doing—providing for the needs, both physical and spiritual, of his people. Helping him in this are:

Joab, David’s nephew, who is commander of the army.

Benaiah, who commands another military group called the Cherethites and Pelethites. These apparently are mercenaries. They may serve as David’s royal guard (2 Sam. 23:20, 23).

Jehoshaphat, who is the recorder (possibly the keeper of records).

Seraiah, who is the royal scribe.

Zadok and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, who are the high priests. It is thought that the second man named here is the Abiathar who joined David in the wilderness (1 Sam. 22:20). He was the son of Ahimelech, and it is thought the names of the father and son are reversed here. Abiathar will be removed from office by Solomon (1 Kings 1:7–8; 2:27), completing God’s judgment on Eli’s family (1 Sam. 2:31) and leaving Zadok’s line as one of the most important priestly families.

David’s sons, who are described as “chief ministers,” or advisors.

These men serve to carry out the work of the theocratic kingdom, just as the officers of the church (Eph. 4:11–16) carry out the work of the kingdom of God.