1 Chronicles 27:7 kjv
The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
1 Chronicles 27:7 nkjv
The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him; in his division were twenty-four thousand.
1 Chronicles 27:7 niv
The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the brother of Joab; his son Zebadiah was his successor. There were 24,000 men in his division.
1 Chronicles 27:7 esv
Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth, for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him; in his division were 24,000.
1 Chronicles 27:7 nlt
Asahel, the brother of Joab, was commander of the fourth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the fourth month. Asahel was succeeded by his son Zebadiah.
1 Chronicles 27 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 27:1 | Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers... | Introduces David's military divisions. |
| 1 Chr 27:4 | The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab... | Shows the continuous monthly rotation system. |
| 1 Chr 27:15 | The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite... | Completes the full year of captains. |
| 1 Chr 11:27-28 | ...Helez the Pelonite... the mighty men of David. | Identifies Helez as one of David's heroes. |
| 2 Sam 23:26-27 | ...Helez the Pelonite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite... | Confirms Helez's standing among David's elite. |
| Num 1:3-4 | Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel... | Establishes tribal censuses for military. |
| Num 1:32-33 | Of the children of Ephraim... those that were numbered were forty thousand | Highlights Ephraim's size among tribes. |
| Gen 48:19 | His father said, "I know, my son, I know: he also shall become a people..." | Blessings on Ephraim's future prominence. |
| 1 Kgs 4:7 | And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals... | Parallel monthly provision system. |
| 1 Kgs 4:27-28 | And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that... | Further example of logistical rotation. |
| Deut 20:5-9 | When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and shalt array... | Regulations concerning military service. |
| 1 Sam 8:11-12 | He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself... | Warning about the demands of a king's army. |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches.. | Principle of divine order and organization. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | Let all things be done decently and in order. | Encourages structured and orderly conduct. |
| Col 2:5 | For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joy.. | Praises orderliness and steadfastness in faith. |
| Tit 1:5 | For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order... | Importance of church administration and structure. |
| Rom 13:1 | Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. | Authority and order in governance. |
| Ps 75:6-7 | For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from... | Divine hand in establishing leaders. |
| Prov 24:3-4 | Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: | Wisdom in establishing strong systems. |
| Exod 18:21 | Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear.. | Principles of appointing qualified leaders. |
| Neh 11:1 | And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people... | Establishing structured populations. |
| 1 Tim 3:1 | If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. | High standards for leadership roles. |
1 Chronicles 27 verses
1 Chronicles 27 7 Meaning
This verse identifies Helez the Pelonite, of the tribe of Ephraim, as the commander responsible for the seventh military division in King David's annual rotational system. This division consisted of twenty-four thousand men and was specifically assigned duty for the seventh month of the year.
1 Chronicles 27 7 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 27 details the administrative and military organization implemented by King David in Israel. It describes a highly structured system designed to ensure the nation's readiness, stability, and security. The chapter systematically lists twelve military divisions, each composed of 24,000 men, designated for service during one month of the year. This ensured a standing army of trained soldiers without burdening the population excessively at any given time, as well as providing consistent leadership and readiness. Verse 7 specifically identifies Helez the Pelonite as the commander of the seventh division, demonstrating the meticulous detail and order inherent in David's governance. This reflects a period of unified and strengthened Israel under David's leadership, where careful planning was crucial for maintaining order and defense.
1 Chronicles 27 7 Word analysis
The seventh captain: This specifies the position within the highly ordered rotational system established by King David. The Hebrew word for "captain" is sar (שַׂר), denoting a chief, prince, or commander, highlighting the leadership role and authority. Its placement underscores the structured, sequential nature of David's military divisions, emphasizing methodical organization over sporadic action.
for the seventh month: This phrase dictates the specific period of duty for this division. The twelve-month rotation ensured that 24,000 men were always ready for service, while also allowing for a cyclical return to their civilian lives, showcasing an efficient blend of military readiness and societal integration. This system prevented any single military group from accumulating too much power year-round, ensuring loyalty remained centralized to the king and to Israel's unified tribal structure.
was Helez the Pelonite:
- Helez (חֵלֶץ, Ḥelets): This proper name means "strength" or "deliverance." Helez is recognized as one of David's thirty mighty men (1 Chr 11:27; 2 Sam 23:26), indicating his renown as a warrior and his loyalty to the king. His inclusion here highlights that these military leaders were not mere administrators but proven men of valor, ensuring a high quality of command.
- the Pelonite: This ethnonym indicates his geographical origin, likely from the town of Beth-Pelet in Judah (Josh 15:27), or possibly refers to a descendant of Pelon. This designation connects Helez to a specific lineage or place, providing a concrete identity within Israel's tribal geography.
of the children of Ephraim: This identifies Helez's tribal affiliation. Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם, 'Efrayim) was a dominant and numerous tribe in the northern kingdom, tracing its lineage back to Joseph. Its prominence within David's administrative structure signifies the integration and unified nature of all Israelite tribes under his kingship, demonstrating that tribal loyalties could coalesce under strong, centralized leadership for the national good.
and in his course were twenty and four thousand:
- in his course: The Hebrew term for "course" here is maḥăloqet (מַחֲלֹקֶת), referring to a division, class, or service turn. This denotes the specific group or shift under Helez's command.
- twenty and four thousand: This uniform number across all twelve divisions signifies a precise, large-scale, and formidable military force. This consistent numerical strength highlights David's advanced administrative capabilities, enabling the maintenance of a well-equipped and regularly rotating national defense system. It suggests a thorough census and meticulous recruitment or conscription system in place, reflecting an era of stability and strategic foresight under David's reign.
Words-Group analysis:
- "The seventh captain for the seventh month": This phrase emphasizes the precise chronological and hierarchical order of David's administrative and military appointments. It demonstrates a systematic, year-long rotation ensuring that the kingdom was continuously secured and managed, reflecting principles of organization and predictability crucial for a large state. The repetition of "seventh" further highlights the specific slot Helez occupies within this methodical system.
- "Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim": This group of words provides the specific identity and background of the leader. It showcases how King David integrated renowned warriors from various tribal backgrounds (Helez's status as a mighty man, his regional designation, and his tribal identity) into his central government, valuing competence and loyalty while maintaining the traditional tribal framework. This also hints at David's success in uniting the diverse tribes under a single leadership.
1 Chronicles 27 7 Bonus section
This intricate system described in 1 Chronicles 27 reflects David's desire for not only a powerful army but also a disciplined society. The rotational service likely allowed men to fulfill their civic and military duties without abandoning their families and farms permanently, fostering a connection between the standing army and the civilian population. Helez's specific role highlights the practicality of a large kingdom relying on key individuals and well-defined roles for its day-to-day operation. The detail with which the Chronicler presents this administrative structure reinforces the theme that David established a solid foundation for the monarchy and temple, characterized by meticulous planning and adherence to order.
1 Chronicles 27 7 Commentary
1 Chronicles 27:7 encapsulates David's strategic foresight and his divinely inspired ability to establish a well-ordered kingdom. By detailing the specific commander for the seventh month's division, it underscores the comprehensive and methodical nature of David's administrative and military reforms. This system of rotating divisions of 24,000 men, each under a capable leader like Helez (a renowned "mighty man"), ensured national security, fostered a sense of shared responsibility across tribes (even one as prominent as Ephraim), and prevented the overconcentration of military power in any single hands. It stands as a testament to the wisdom that God granted David, enabling him to bring about an unprecedented era of stability and organization in Israel, reflecting the divine attribute of order in all things.