1 Chronicles 27:11

KJV

The eighth [captain] for the eighth month [was] Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

The eighth {H8066} captain for the eighth {H8066} month {H2320} was Sibbecai {H5444} the Hushathite {H2843}, of the Zarhites {H2227}: and in his course {H4256} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The eighth commander, for the eighth month, was Sibkhai the Hushati, from the Zarchi; there were 24,000 in his division.

Berean Standard Bible

The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

American Standard Version

The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:11 meticulously details the appointment of Sibbecai the Hushathite as the captain for the eighth monthly division of King David's standing army, overseeing twenty-four thousand men. This verse is part of a comprehensive record outlining David's advanced administrative and military organization, underscoring the kingdom's stability, the importance of order and faithful service, and the recognition of individual contributions within God's divinely structured people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter dedicated to enumerating King David's extensive administrative and military organization. Preceding this chapter, the Chronicler has detailed David's mighty men (chapters 11-12), the ark's journey (chapter 13), David's victories (chapters 14-20), the census (chapter 21), and the elaborate preparations for the temple (chapters 22-26). Chapter 27 then shifts focus to the practical governance of the kingdom, specifically listing the twelve monthly divisions of the army, each comprising 24,000 men and commanded by a specific captain. This is followed by a roster of tribal princes and other key royal officials. The Chronicler's meticulous emphasis on these detailed rosters underscores David's foresight and the systematic structure of his kingdom, presenting an ideal model of ordered governance and faithful service. For the post-exilic audience, this detailed account would have served to reinforce their connection to their heritage and the importance of re-establishing order and faithful service in their own time.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, establishing and maintaining a standing army of this size, organized into monthly rotations, was a monumental undertaking, showcasing David's administrative genius and the kingdom's burgeoning power. This innovative system allowed for continuous military readiness while minimizing the burden on the general populace, as only a portion of the army was active at any given time. The inclusion of tribal and geographical affiliations, such as "Hushathite" and "Zarhites," was crucial for establishing identity, lineage, and loyalty within a tribal society where such connections were paramount. Detailed administrative records of this nature were common in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, serving not only as practical tools for governance but also as declarations of royal authority, stability, and the king's capacity for effective rule. The Chronicler, writing centuries later, likely utilized these historical records to reinforce the importance of national unity, diligent service, and the divinely ordained structure of the Davidic monarchy as a model for the re-established community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record in 1 Chronicles 27, including the specific mention of Sibbecai, highlights several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **order and administration**, showcasing David's divinely inspired wisdom in establishing a structured and efficient government. This systematic approach ensured the stability and readiness of the kingdom, reflecting a divine principle that God is a God of order, a theme echoed in the New Testament's call for order within the church as seen in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in the Church"). Secondly, the inclusion of individual captains like Sibbecai emphasizes **faithful service and personal responsibility**. Each leader was entrusted with a significant command, demonstrating the value placed on competence and reliability in God's kingdom. Sibbecai himself was a renowned warrior, known for his victory over a Philistine giant, as recorded in [2 Samuel 21:18](/2_samuel/21-18 "2 Samuel 21:18 - Sibbecai Kills a Giant"), making him an exemplary figure of courageous and faithful service. Finally, the detailed naming of each captain and their lineage highlights the **recognition and value of individuals** within a larger collective, affirming that every person's contribution, no matter how seemingly administrative, is seen and valued by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sibbecai (Hebrew, _Çibbᵉkay_):** This name identifies a specific individual, also known as Sibbechai in other biblical texts (e.g., [2 Samuel 21:18](/2_samuel/21-18 "2 Samuel 21:18 - Sibbecai Kills a Giant")). The name's root is debated, but its significance here lies in the person it designates: one of David's elite "mighty men." Sibbecai is specifically credited with killing the Philistine giant Saph (or Sippai), a feat that would have cemented his reputation as a formidable warrior and made him a highly respected and qualified choice for such a crucial military leadership position. His inclusion here is not merely administrative but speaks to his proven valor and loyalty, making him a fitting example of the caliber of leadership David appointed.
* **Hushathite (Hebrew, _Chushâthî_):** This patronymic (from חוּשָׁה, Chushah) indicates Sibbecai's origin from Hushah, a town located in the territory of Judah. This geographical identifier was important for establishing a person's identity and tribal affiliation in ancient Israel. It firmly places Sibbecai within the tribal network of Judah, David's own tribe, which would have been a significant credential for a high-ranking official in the king's administration, fostering trust and loyalty.
* **Zarhites (Hebrew, _Zarchîy_):** This term refers to the descendants of Zerah, one of the twin sons of Judah (as seen in [Genesis 38:30](/genesis/38-30 "Genesis 38:30 - Birth of Zerah")). This lineage further specifies Sibbecai's tribal and clan affiliation, reinforcing his connection to the royal tribe of Judah. For the Chronicler's audience, such detailed genealogical information would have been vital for understanding the social and political fabric of David's kingdom and the continuity of Israel's tribal structure, emphasizing the importance of heritage and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The eighth [captain] for the eighth month [was] Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites:"** This clause precisely identifies the specific individual appointed to lead the military division for the eighth month of the year. The structure highlights the systematic rotation of military service, ensuring that different leaders and their contingents served throughout the year, maintaining constant readiness. Sibbecai's full identification—name, geographical origin (Hushathite), and ancestral clan (Zarhites)—underscores the importance of lineage and established identity within David's administrative framework, reflecting meticulous record-keeping.
* **"and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand."** This second clause specifies the exact size of the contingent under Sibbecai's command for his month of service. The consistent number of "twenty and four thousand" men for each monthly division (as seen throughout [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Officers")) emphasizes the uniform structure and immense scale of David's standing army. This detail highlights the king's organizational prowess and the substantial military might of the united kingdom of Israel, ensuring comprehensive defense and national stability.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation of 1 Chronicles 27:11, along with the entire chapter, prominently employs **Enumeration** and **Record-Keeping** as primary literary devices. The systematic listing of captains, their monthly rotations, and the precise number of men under their command creates a sense of order, comprehensiveness, and administrative precision. This detailed **Cataloguing** serves not merely as a historical account but as a theological statement, emphasizing David's divinely blessed wisdom in establishing a well-ordered kingdom. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names and lineages, like Sibbecai the Hushathite of the Zarhites, uses **Specificity** to ground the abstract administrative structure in tangible, identifiable individuals, lending authenticity and historical weight to the record. This meticulous detail also serves to highlight the Chronicler's overarching theme of the importance of order, faithful service, and the recognition of individual contributions within God's covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry administrative detail of 1 Chronicles 27:11 carries profound theological implications. It speaks to God's valuing of order, structure, and diligent administration, not just in the secular realm but within the sacred community. David's meticulous organization of his kingdom, including his military, reflects a divine principle that chaos is antithetical to God's nature. This systematic approach ensured the stability and readiness of Israel, allowing for the flourishing of justice and worship. The recognition of individuals like Sibbecai, a proven warrior and faithful servant, underscores that God sees and values every contribution made in His service, regardless of how "administrative" it might seem. This passage reminds us that effective governance and faithful service are integral to God's purposes for His people, enabling them to fulfill their collective mission and reflect His character.

* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 27:11, though a historical record of ancient military organization, offers timeless lessons for contemporary life and faith. It challenges us to consider the importance of order and diligence in our own spheres of influence—whether in our personal lives, families, workplaces, or church communities. Just as David meticulously organized his kingdom for stability and readiness, we are called to bring intentionality and structure to our responsibilities, recognizing that good administration can facilitate greater effectiveness and flourishing. Furthermore, Sibbecai's inclusion reminds us that every role, even those seemingly "behind-the-scenes" or administrative, is vital and valued in God's eyes. Our faithfulness in seemingly small or ordinary tasks contributes to the larger purposes of God's kingdom. This verse encourages us to serve with excellence, knowing that our diligence, like Sibbecai's, is seen and honored by God, and that such service contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life could more intentional order and organization lead to greater effectiveness or peace?**
* **How does the recognition of individuals like Sibbecai encourage you in your own service, especially in roles that might feel less visible?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of faithful stewardship of resources and responsibilities, whether personal or communal?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names and numbers, like in 1 Chronicles 27?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists, genealogies, and administrative records in the Bible, such as those found in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Officers"), serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide historical authenticity and validate the narratives, grounding them in specific people, places, and times. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, these lists re-established their identity and connection to their heritage, offering a sense of continuity and belonging. Secondly, they highlight the importance of order, structure, and faithful administration within God's kingdom. David's meticulous organization of his army and government demonstrates a divinely inspired wisdom that ensured stability and readiness, reflecting God's own orderly character. Thirdly, these lists emphasize the value of every individual's contribution. Even within a large system, each captain is named, underscoring that God sees and uses every person in His grand plan, from the prominent leader to the faithful servant in a less visible role, echoing the New Testament's teaching on the body of Christ where every member is vital and contributes to the whole ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:11 describes an Old Testament military administrator, its underlying themes of order, faithful service, and the meticulous administration of a kingdom find their ultimate fulfillment and perfection in Jesus Christ. David's earthly kingdom, with its structured governance, foreshadows the eternal, perfectly ordered kingdom of God over which Christ reigns. Just as Sibbecai was a faithful captain overseeing a division, Christ is the ultimate and perfect "Captain of our salvation" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Captain of Salvation")), leading His people with divine wisdom and authority. His life exemplified perfect service and obedience to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")), culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, which established His spiritual kingdom. Furthermore, the recognition of individual contributions in David's army points to Christ's intimate knowledge and valuing of every member of His body, the church, where each believer is given gifts and called to faithful service for the common good ([Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts of Grace")). In Christ, the administrative order of David's kingdom is transformed into the spiritual reality of a perfectly governed and eternally secure people, united under the headship of the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 21:18

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which [was] of the sons of the giant.

1 Chronicles 11:29

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.