1 Chronicles 27 9

1 Chronicles 27:9 kjv

The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:9 nkjv

The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were twenty-four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:9 niv

The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

1 Chronicles 27:9 esv

Sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were 24,000.

1 Chronicles 27:9 nlt

Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa was commander of the sixth division of 24,000 troops, which was on duty during the sixth month.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 9 Meaning

This verse identifies Abiezer, an Anathothite of the Zerathites, as the captain appointed over the ninth military division of King David’s army. This division served for the ninth month of the year and comprised precisely twenty-four thousand men, showcasing King David's highly organized and efficient administration of his kingdom and military forces.

1 Chronicles 27 9 Context

(h2)The book of 1 Chronicles details the history of Israel from Adam through David, heavily emphasizing the lineage of the Davidic monarchy and the establishment of Temple worship. Chapter 27 specifically outlines King David's sophisticated military administration. He instituted a system of twelve divisions, each comprising 24,000 men, designed to serve for one month annually. This structured rotation ensured a standing, trained army ready for service while allowing most soldiers to attend to their livelihoods the rest of the year. This verse, therefore, places Abiezer within David's meticulous framework, underscoring the king's foresight and his capacity to govern a strong, well-organized nation, reflecting divine blessing on his reign and his preparations for the kingdom. Historically, this demonstrates the significant population and military strength of Israel under David's golden age, contrasting sharply with earlier, less organized periods.

1 Chronicles 27 9 Word analysis

(h2)

• (ul)

  • "The ninth captain":
    • captain (Hebrew: sar - שׂר): Implies a high-ranking military chief or prince, denoting authority and significant leadership over a large contingent. The numbering (ninth) highlights precision and a rotational system.
  • "for the ninth month": Specifies the precise period of service in David's year-long military roster, emphasizing the orderly, cyclic nature of his military setup.
  • "was Abiezer" (Hebrew: ʾAvíʿezer - אֲבִיעֶזֶר): Meaning "my father is help" or "father of help." This name identifies an individual already recognized among David's thirty mighty men (1 Chr 11:28; 2 Sam 23:27), signifying his proven loyalty, valor, and trusted status in the king's inner circle.
  • "the Anathothite": Denotes his hometown, Anathoth, a Levitical city within the territory of Benjamin. While Anathoth was a Levitical city, 1 Chr 12:28 clarifies that Abiezer was from the tribe of Benjamin, specifically joining David at Ziklag as a mighty warrior, distinguishing his tribal affiliation from the typical residents of a Levitical city.
  • "of the Zerathites": This phrase clarifies his lineage further. "Zerathites" likely refers to a family or clan. While Zerah was a son of Judah (Gen 38:30), in this context, given Abiezer's Benjamite identity (1 Chr 12:28), it's understood to be a specific Benjamite clan or a less common variant referring to his ancestral connection. The specific tribal affiliation underscores the diverse tribal participation in David's unified army.
  • "and in his course" (Hebrew: maḥlaqet - מַחֲלָקָה): Signifies an established "division" or "turn of duty." This term is also used for the organizational divisions of priests and Levites (e.g., 1 Chr 24), highlighting a consistent administrative principle throughout David's kingdom, applied to both military and spiritual functions.
  • "were twenty and four thousand" (Hebrew: esrim ve'arba'ah elef - עֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבַּעַ אֶלֶף): This exact number signifies the considerable military strength and logistical capacity of David's kingdom. It emphasizes the scale of the professional army, where each monthly division consisted of this substantial, highly trained contingent, reflecting Israel's power and divine blessing under David's reign.

• (ul)

  • "The ninth captain... for the ninth month": This repetitive numerical detail underscores the meticulous order and systematic planning involved in David's military administration. It reflects a sophisticated bureaucratic system for managing the national army, ensuring preparedness year-round through a rotational basis.
  • "Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Zerathites": The full designation of the captain by name, hometown, and lineage grounds the verse in historical particularity and reinforces the personal identity and tribal affiliation crucial for military service in ancient Israel. It demonstrates the leadership being drawn from respected figures with established loyalties.
  • "in his course were twenty and four thousand": This phrase succinctly conveys the magnitude of responsibility entrusted to each captain and the impressive size of David's well-organized army. It signifies both effective leadership and national strength, necessary for maintaining peace and prosperity in the kingdom.

1 Chronicles 27 9 Bonus section

(h2)

• The meticulous detailing of the military divisions in 1 Chronicles, similar to the Levitical and priestly courses, demonstrates a theological emphasis on order, structure, and proper administration in God's kingdom.
• The system of monthly rotations (each with 24,000 men) allowed for the effective deployment of a large force without overburdening the nation with a continuously standing army, thereby balancing national security with the economic life of the people.
• The inclusion of specific geographical and genealogical identifiers for each captain emphasizes the diverse tribal involvement in David's unified army, reflecting the cohesion achieved under his leadership.

1 Chronicles 27 9 Commentary

(h2)1 Chronicles 27:9 is a microcosm of King David's genius for governance and the prosperity of Israel under his reign. Far from a mere list of names, this verse illustrates a highly advanced and systematic military administration. Abiezer, a tested warrior from David’s elite thirty, was entrusted with a rotating command over twenty-four thousand soldiers, serving for a full month. This efficient system meant that while a significant portion of the military was active and ready, the majority could attend to civilian life and agriculture, returning only for their specific month of duty. This sophisticated arrangement highlights not only David's strategic foresight and administrative capabilities but also the divine order present within the Davidic kingdom. It foreshadows the ordered Temple worship, also established in courses, reflecting a principle of service, readiness, and methodical administration that honors God and blesses the nation. The specific naming and numbering attest to the historicity and meticulous records maintained, reflecting God’s providential hand in raising a unified and powerful Israel.