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2 Samuel 13:3
But Amnon had a friend, whose namewas Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadabwas a very subtil man.

2 Samuel 21:21
And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.

nephew

1 Chronicles 11:11
And thisis the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slainby him at one time.

he was a man of insight and a scribe.
Being described as a "man of insight" highlights Jonathan's wisdom and discernment, qualities highly esteemed in biblical literature (Proverbs 1:5, 4:7). Insight implies a deep understanding of human nature and divine will, essential for effective counsel. As a scribe, Jonathan would have been responsible for recording important documents, decrees, and possibly contributing to the preservation of sacred texts. This dual role of counselor and scribe reflects the integration of spiritual wisdom and practical administration, akin to Ezra's role in post-exilic Israel (Ezra 7:6, 10).

Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king.
Jehiel, identified as the son of Hachmoni, was tasked with attending to the king's sons, indicating a position of responsibility and trust. This role likely involved education, mentorship, and possibly overseeing their daily activities, preparing them for future leadership. The mention of Hachmoni suggests a lineage or family known for service to the king, similar to the Levites' hereditary roles in temple service (1 Chronicles 23:24). This reflects the biblical theme of generational service and the importance of training the next generation in the ways of the Lord, as seen inDeuteronomy 6:6-7.

1 Chronicles 27:32 begins, “David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor.” The text straightforwardly states that Jonathan, one of David’s older relatives, served on the royal advisory team. Scripture presents counsel as a God-ordained safeguard; “Without guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14). Jonathan’s post highlights how the king humbly surrounded himself with godly, trusted family members who would tell him truth rather than flattery, echoing Moses’ advice structure inExodus 18:17-23.

The verse continues, “he was a man of insight.” Insight (understanding, discernment) is repeatedly portrayed as a gift from God (Proverbs 2:6;1 Kings 4:29). Jonathan’s spiritual perceptiveness would have equipped him to read situations accurately, anticipate consequences, and point David toward choices that honored the LORD. Comparable examples include Issachar’s leaders “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32) and Daniel, to whom God “gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds” (Daniel 1:17).

Jonathan was also “a scribe.” In the monarchy, a scribe kept records, drafted official documents, copied sacred texts, and safeguarded legal matters (2 Samuel 8:17;Jeremiah 36:4). His dual role—spiritual adviser and meticulous recorder—assured that David’s decisions aligned with covenant law and that accurate chronicles were preserved for future generations, fulfillingDeuteronomy 17:18-19, where the king is to keep the law before him continually.

Finally, “Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king.” Jehiel functioned as tutor, mentor, and perhaps guardian for David’s princes.Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls parents to diligently teach God’s words to their children; David delegated a trusted instructor to help fulfill that duty. Similar royal educators appear later when Jehoshaphat “sent officials to teach in the towns of Judah” (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Jehiel ensured that the next generation received sound training in God’s ways, mirroringProverbs 22:6.

1 Chronicles 27:32 paints a concise but rich portrait of David’s court. God supplied him with:

• Jonathan—family member, wise counselor, and faithful chronicler, embodying both spiritual discernment and administrative skill.

• Jehiel—dedicated mentor for the princes, nurturing the future leadership of Israel.

The verse underscores how Godly leadership flourishes when counsel, insight, accurate handling of God’s word, and intentional discipleship of the next generation all work together under the king’s authority.

(32)Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor.--A son of David's brother Shimeah was named Jonathan (1Chronicles 20:7;2Samuel 21:21). Nothing further is known of the present Jonathan than what is here related.

A wise man, and a scribe.--Rather,a sage and a scholar was he. The word rendered "scribe" (soph?r) usually answers to the?????????? of the New Testament, and so the LXX. gives it here. We may remember that in the rude epochs of society mere writing has been esteemed an art, so that a king of England who could write was dubbed Beauclerc, "fine scholar." Charles the Great never got so far as signing his own name, though he made great efforts to do so. But writing goes back to a very ancient period among Semitic races, andsoph?r probably means here, as inEzra 7:6, "a man of letters," or "skilled in the sacred law." (See1Chronicles 2:55;Isaiah 33:18;Psalm 45:2.) David's officialsoph?r, or scribe, was Shavsha (1Chronicles 18:16). . . .

1.Jonathan and Ahithophel are singled out as counsellors (יועֵצ) of the king.

2.Hushai the Archite is mentioned as thecompanion (רֵעַ) of the king.

3.Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar are mentioned as standing in a similar relation of counsellors to the king with Ahithophel, but after him. . . .

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