THEOSISVissarion (Nechaev)
David summoned all the leaders of Israel, specifically the prominent figures representing the judicial, military, and civil spheres. This included the chiefs of the judges and tribal leaders. Under Mosaic Law, the community selected judges from their own ranks (Deuteronomy 16:18), who, in cases of complexity, would consult the experts of the Law, such as priests and Levites stationed at the Tabernacle (Deuteronomy 17:8-10). David increased the number of Levitical judges to six thousand, assigning them to various regions throughout the kingdom (1 Chronicles 23:4, 1 Chronicles 26:29-32). Between the elected judges and the Levitical judges were the chiefs, or rulers, whom David called to Jerusalem.
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Each tribe had its own leader or prince, as enumerated in the 27th chapter of 1 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 27:16, et al.). Though all these leaders were subordinate to a supreme central authority, they retained local governance over the personal matters of their tribes that did not necessitate intervention from the highest authority.
Furthermore, the heads of the regiments were accountable to the king. This included the twelve commanders of the national militia, which comprised two hundred eighty thousand soldiers, organized into twelve divisions. Each division consisted of twenty-four thousand men, required to present themselves in Jerusalem each month for active duty as the king's guards, after which they would return home to their peaceful endeavors. The king personally selected the commanders of these units based on their military reputation (1 Chronicles 27:2-15). Each leader of a division had subordinate officers, including those overseeing groups of thousands and hundreds, all of whom were expected to convene in Jerusalem at David's directive.
Additionally, those responsible for the treasury and management of the king’s possessions were included. The king’s holdings encompassed metals, precious stones, livestock, agricultural fields, gardens, and vineyards. Given the extensive nature of his resources and the requirements of court and state life, a considerable number of managers were appointed across cities and villages, all called upon by David. The king’s sons and eunuchs were likewise invited. Eunuchs, typically entrusted with overseeing matters of the royal household, often served as custodians of the marriage bed, though not all were required to be baptized. Generally, the eunuchs serving the king's sons held roles within the court and were responsible for various domestic duties.
Lastly, elite and valiant soldiers were also included, possibly referring to a select group favored by the king for their physical prowess and military skill. David had thirty-seven distinguished warriors (2 Samuel 23:39), among whom six, such as Benaiah, Asahel, and Abshai (2 Samuel 2:18, 2 Samuel 8:18), were notably celebrated for their bravery and strength. In this way, summons were sent to all prominent representatives of the people, individuals of esteemed rank and integrity, responding to David's call.