1 Chronicles 27 13

1 Chronicles 27:13 kjv

The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:13 nkjv

The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites; in his division were twenty-four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:13 niv

The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai the Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

1 Chronicles 27:13 esv

Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000.

1 Chronicles 27:13 nlt

Maharai, a descendant of Zerah from Netophah, was commander of the tenth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the tenth month.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 13 Meaning

1 Chronicles 27:13 identifies Hezrai the Carmelite, from Netophah, as the commander of the tenth division in King David's military rotation, a unit comprising twenty-four thousand men. This verse is part of a detailed account of David's highly organized administrative and military structure, emphasizing the systematic approach to governance and national security in the united kingdom of Israel. It highlights the vast scale and precise ordering of David's professional standing army.

1 Chronicles 27 13 Context

1 Chronicles 27 is a critical chapter for understanding the intricate organization of King David's reign, particularly in his later years. It systematically lists the military and civil officials who managed the kingdom. Chapter 27 specifically outlines the commanders of the twelve monthly divisions of the standing army, each consisting of 24,000 men, totalizing a quarter of a million full-time soldiers in annual rotation. This verse, 1 Chronicles 27:13, introduces the commander for the tenth month. This detailed administration, following chapters on the Levites, priests, and treasurers, underscores David's dedication to establishing a robust and enduring framework for the kingdom of Israel, preparing the way for Solomon and a stable succession. The historical context reflects a period of established monarchy, transitioning from tribal confederacy to a more centralized and professionally governed nation. This order was vital for both internal stability and external defense, showcasing God's blessing on David's efforts to govern His people wisely.

1 Chronicles 27 13 Word analysis

• the tenth: (הָעֲשִׂרִי, ha-`asiri)

  • Word Level: An ordinal number, clearly indicating position within a series. Its significance lies in underscoring the precise, sequential, and rotatory nature of David's military administration. It wasn't a random collection of troops, but a deliberately ordered, calendar-based system.
  • Original Context: This indicates a fixed monthly cycle, similar to how priests and Levites were organized into courses (1 Chr 24-26). Such a system ensured continuous military readiness and equitable distribution of service among different tribal regions or families capable of providing military personnel.

• was Hezrai: (חֶצְרַי, Hetshrai)

  • Word Level: The proper name of an individual. In parallel passages (2 Sam 23:35; 1 Chr 11:37), he is referred to as "Hezro," a slight variation, likely the same person. He is also listed among David's "mighty men," denoting him as a highly accomplished and trustworthy warrior.
  • Original Context: Listing the commander by name adds a personal dimension to the otherwise systematic roster, suggesting recognition for their skill and loyalty. His inclusion here as a division commander further elevates his already known status as one of David's elite.

• the Carmelite: (הַכַּרְמְלִי, ha-Karmeli)

  • Word Level: An appellation indicating his geographical origin from Carmel. Carmel was a prominent and fertile region in Judah, and historically associated with figures like Nabal and Abigail (1 Sam 25).
  • Original Context: Identifying individuals by their region or tribal affiliation was common. It highlighted the diverse geographic composition of David's army and also connected these important leaders back to their local communities, suggesting widespread integration into David's administration across Israel.

• of the Netophathites: (מִן־הַנְּטֹפָתִי, min-han-Netofati)

  • Word Level: Further specific geographical and ancestral identification, indicating descent from Netophah. Netophah was a city in Judah near Bethlehem (Ezra 2:22; Neh 7:26), notable for its association with skilled scribes and returned exiles.
  • Original Context: This double identification (Carmelite and Netophathite) reinforces precision and the deep historical roots of these leaders. It confirms a specific lineage or communal belonging within the broader tribe, possibly signifying local loyalty and recognition in his home district.

• and in his division: (וּבְמַחֲלֻקְתּוֹ, u-v'machaluqto)

  • Word Level: "Division" (מַחֲלֻקְתּוֹ, machaluqto) implies a military unit, contingent, or course. The suffix "-to" denotes possession ("his").
  • Original Context: This term emphasizes the organized military structure. These "divisions" were distinct and designated units, indicating a chain of command and delegation of authority from the king to his chosen officers. The Hebrew term can also apply to priestly courses, reinforcing the systematic nature of all aspects of David's kingdom.

• were twenty-four thousand: (אַרְבָּעָה וְעֶשְׂרִים אָלֶף, arba`ah v'esrim elef)

  • Word Level: A numerical designation indicating the precise size of the military unit. This uniform number (repeated for each month's division in this chapter) signifies standardization and a fixed military establishment.
  • Original Context: This figure represents a very substantial professional standing army. It signifies King David's considerable wealth, power, and administrative capacity to maintain such a large, rotating force, ensuring national defense and internal order throughout the year without overburdening any single region with perpetual military duty. The regularity of this number for each commander highlights David's masterful logistical planning.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "the tenth was Hezrai the Carmelite, of the Netophathites": This phrase precisely identifies the commander, integrating his unique personal name with geographical/lineage identifiers. It speaks to a society that values identity through origin and association, while simultaneously acknowledging individual military merit and trusted leadership. It grounds the abstract system in specific, identifiable individuals.
  • "and in his division were twenty-four thousand": This group of words immediately provides the scale and organized nature of David's military. The consistent number of 24,000 across all divisions speaks volumes about the meticulous planning, standardized forces, and significant military might of David's kingdom, demonstrating a mature, well-ordered monarchy. It's not a tribal levy but a structured, standing army.

1 Chronicles 27 13 Bonus section

The consistent number of 24,000 for each monthly division in 1 Chronicles 27 is not just an impressive figure; it represents a key aspect of David's innovative administrative genius. This structured military establishment allowed David to maintain continuous national security and projected power, moving beyond ad-hoc tribal militias to a standing professional army. The detail provides a stark contrast to periods of chaotic tribalism seen in Judges. It showcases a centralized and powerful monarchy, preparing the groundwork for the construction of the Temple, as a strong and secure nation was required to undertake such a massive project. The military organization described parallels the structured organization of the priests and Levites into courses for temple service, highlighting a unified vision of orderly worship and service for the nation.

1 Chronicles 27 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:13 offers a concise but profound insight into the meticulous administrative order of King David's kingdom. Far from being a mere list, it reveals a system of sophisticated governance. The annual rotation of 12 military divisions, each led by a respected commander and comprising 24,000 seasoned warriors, meant David maintained a formidable professional army year-round while spreading the burden of military service across the populace. Hezrai, though possibly mentioned elsewhere as one of David's "mighty men," here embodies the institutionalized nature of David's leadership—a reliance not just on exceptional individuals, but on a well-oiled machine of trained personnel and delegated authority. This level of organization was unprecedented for Israel and reflected David's wisdom in establishing a stable foundation for the nation's future, undergirded by his faithfulness to the God who granted him success and foresight. It highlights the divine favor that enabled such human organizational prowess for the prosperity and security of His chosen people.