What number verse is 1 Chronicles 27:13 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 27:13 is the 11,123rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Chronicles 27:13 sits at position 11,123.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

The tenth ^H6224 captain for the tenth ^H6224 month ^H2320 was Maharai ^H4121 the Netophathite ^H5200, of the Zarhites ^H2227: and in his course ^H4256 were twenty ^H6242 and four ^H702 thousand ^H505.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The tenth commander, for the tenth month, was Mahrai, the N'tofati, from the Zarchi; there were 24,000 in his division.

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites: and in his division were Twenty-four thousand.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The tenth for the tenth moneth was Maharai, the Netophathite of the Zarhites: and in his course foure and twentie thousand.

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Young's Literal Translation

The tenth, for the tenth month, is Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhite, and on his course are twenty and four thousand.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 27:13 precisely documents Maharai the Netophathite, a distinguished leader from the clan of the Zarhites, as the military captain assigned to the tenth monthly division of King David's formidable standing army. This verse is an integral component of a broader administrative roster that meticulously outlines David's highly organized system of national governance, specifically emphasizing the systematic rotational service of twenty-four thousand elite soldiers under a designated commander, thereby ensuring perpetual military readiness and the efficient management of the kingdom's defense.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within a significant administrative section of 1 Chronicles, spanning chapters 23-27, which meticulously details King David's establishment of orderly structures for the kingdom's governance, priesthood, and military. Following the comprehensive organization of the Levites and priests into twenty-four courses for temple service, as outlined in 1 Chronicles 23-26, chapter 27 shifts its focus to the military. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 27:1-15 presents a comprehensive list of twelve monthly military divisions, each comprising 24,000 men under a specific captain. Maharai's entry for the tenth month is one such precise detail within this larger, highly structured enumeration, emphasizing the systematic nature of David's kingdom administration and its commitment to year-round military preparedness. The preceding verses introduce the overall system, and the subsequent verses continue the pattern for the remaining months, creating a complete and detailed picture of David's administrative genius.
Historical & Cultural Context: King David's reign marked a pivotal period of significant consolidation and expansion for Israel, transforming it from a loose tribal confederation into a more centralized and powerful kingdom. To effectively manage this growing nation and its military, David implemented sophisticated administrative reforms. The concept of rotational service, as meticulously detailed here for the military and earlier for the priests, was a highly practical and efficient method for managing large populations and ensuring continuous service without over-burdening any single group. Such detailed administrative records were common in the ancient Near East, reflecting a high degree of governmental organization and the paramount importance placed on order, accountability, and effective resource management in both civil and military spheres. The mention of "Netophathite" and "Zarhites" grounds Maharai within specific geographical and tribal identities, underscoring the historical authenticity and the successful integration of various Israelite clans into David's unified system. Netophah was a town in Judah, known for its skilled warriors, further highlighting the quality of David's appointed leaders.
Key Themes: The meticulous record in 1 Chronicles 27, including the specific mention of Maharai, powerfully underscores several key themes central to the Chronicler's narrative. First, it highlights Order and Organization, showcasing David's profound commitment to systematic governance and strategic planning, which was absolutely crucial for the stability and strength of the nascent kingdom. This administrative precision reflects a wise and exceptionally effective approach to leadership. Second, it emphasizes Effective Leadership and Delegation, as David wisely distributed authority and established clear roles, not only for the military but also for the Levites and other officials, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26. Third, the rotational system speaks profoundly to Accountability and Consistent Service, ensuring that military strength was consistently maintained and that all able-bodied men had a defined and equitable role in the kingdom's defense, preventing burnout and promoting broad participation. Finally, while primarily a military roster, it implicitly points to the broader theme of Faithful Service within a Divine Plan, where individuals fulfill their appointed roles, contributing to the well-being of the nation that God had chosen and blessed, echoing the principles of dedicated service found throughout the biblical narrative, such as the call to serve God with all one's heart, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 10:12.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Maharai (Hebrew, Mahăray, H4121): The name, derived from a root meaning "hasty" or "swift," might subtly allude to the efficiency or readiness expected of a military commander. However, its primary significance here is its function as a specific identifier. Maharai is not merely a generic title but a named individual, highlighting King David's meticulous attention to detail in his administrative appointments. His inclusion underscores the personal accountability and trusted leadership inherent in David's system, where specific individuals were chosen for vital roles within the kingdom's defense structure.
Course (Hebrew, machălôqeth, H4256): This term, meaning "a section," "division," or "portion," precisely describes the rotational unit of service. It signifies the specific period (a month) during which Maharai's contingent of 24,000 soldiers was actively on duty. The concept of a "course" was fundamental to Israelite administration, applied not only to military divisions but also to priestly and Levitical service, illustrating a systematic and orderly approach to distributing responsibilities, ensuring continuous operation and preventing undue burden on any single group.
Thousand (Hebrew, ʼeleph, H505): As the numerical unit for "twenty and four thousand," this word signifies the immense scale and formidable nature of David's military organization. The consistent mention of "thousand" (specifically, twenty-four thousand) across all twelve monthly divisions in this chapter emphasizes the uniformity and robustness of David's standing army. It speaks to the king's capacity for large-scale mobilization and maintenance of a powerful defense force, reflecting the kingdom's strength and the sophisticated logistical planning required to sustain such a significant military presence.

Verse Breakdown

"The tenth [captain] for the tenth month [was] Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites:" This initial clause meticulously identifies the specific individual appointed to lead the military contingent serving in the tenth month of King David's annual cycle. "Tenth [captain]" positions him within the established chronological roster of commanders, while "tenth month" explicitly defines his period of active duty. "Maharai" is his personal name, signifying a recognized and trusted leader. "The Netophathite" specifies his geographical origin from Netophah, a town in Judah, often associated with skilled warriors and implying a regional loyalty. "Of the Zarhites" further traces his lineage to Zerah, a son of Judah (Genesis 38:30), underscoring the importance of tribal and clan identity in Israelite society and administration, ensuring proper identification and accountability within the kingdom's structure.
"and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand." This second clause quantifies the substantial size of the military division under Maharai's command. "In his course" reinforces the rotational nature of the service, indicating that this specific number of soldiers was under his direct command for his designated month of duty. The precise figure of "twenty and four thousand" highlights the standardized and massive scale of King David's military organization. This consistent number across all twelve divisions (as detailed throughout 1 Chronicles 27:1-15) demonstrates the formidable and continuously active military force maintained for the kingdom's security, a testament to David's logistical genius and strategic foresight.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 27:13, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is Enumeration or Listing. The text meticulously lists each captain, their designated month of service, their geographical or clan origin, and the precise number of men under their command. This systematic and detailed presentation serves to underscore the comprehensive and highly organized nature of King David's administration, illustrating his commitment to order and efficiency in governance. The Repetition of the phrase "twenty and four thousand" for each monthly division powerfully reinforces the uniformity, scale, and consistent readiness of the military structure. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names and detailed geographical and clan affiliations (e.g., "Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites") lends an undeniable air of Historical Record and authenticity to the narrative. This transforms what could otherwise be a dry administrative list into a vibrant testament to the intentional and detailed governance of David's kingdom, presenting a compelling model of effective leadership and national organization for the Chronicler's audience.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 27:13, though seemingly a mere administrative detail, contributes significantly to the overarching biblical themes of divine order, responsible leadership, and the value of every individual's contribution within God's larger plan. David's meticulous organization of his kingdom, from military to temple service, reflects a wisdom that ultimately flows from God, who is Himself a God of order and not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). This administrative foresight ensured the stability and security of Israel, allowing for the flourishing of the kingdom and the preparation for the temple's construction. It illustrates that even secular-seeming organizational principles can be imbued with spiritual significance when applied for the good of God's people and the advancement of His purposes. The verse underscores that effective governance and diligent service are vital components of a thriving society, whether ancient Israel or the modern church.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The seemingly mundane details of 1 Chronicles 27:13 offer profound insights for contemporary life and faith. King David's commitment to meticulous organization, evident even in the military structure, speaks powerfully to the enduring value of intentionality, strategic planning, and wise delegation of responsibility. For believers today, this passage translates into a compelling call for order and diligence in our personal lives, our families, our churches, and our professional endeavors. Just as David ensured every facet of his kingdom was prepared and accounted for, we are encouraged to be faithful stewards of the gifts, resources, and time God has entrusted to us, utilizing them purposefully and efficiently for His glory. The verse also serves as a poignant reminder that every individual, much like Maharai and the twenty-four thousand men under his command, possesses a vital and indispensable role within the larger body—be it a family, a community, or the global Church. Our faithful service, even in tasks that may appear small or purely organizational, contributes significantly to the overall strength, effectiveness, and flourishing of the whole, ultimately enabling God's divine purposes to be realized through His people.

Questions for Reflection

How does the emphasis on order and organization in David's kingdom challenge my own approach to personal responsibilities and community involvement?
In what ways can I, like Maharai, faithfully fulfill my specific "course" or role within my family, church, or workplace, recognizing its crucial contribution to a larger, God-given purpose?
What areas of my life, ministry, or work might benefit from more intentional planning, strategic organization, and wise delegation, inspired by David's administrative wisdom?

FAQ

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

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists, specific names, and precise numbers in biblical texts such as 1 Chronicles 27 serves several profound and practical purposes. Firstly, these details provide historical authenticity and verifiable information, grounding the narrative in the real administrative, social, and military structures of the ancient Near East. Such records were crucial for ancient societies for purposes like taxation, military conscription, land allocation, and establishing legitimate lineage. Secondly, from a theological perspective, these meticulous details demonstrate God's sovereign and meticulous involvement in the affairs of His people, highlighting the importance of order, accountability, and wise governance within His divine plan. For the Chronicler, these extensive lists underscored King David's administrative genius and the remarkable stability he brought to the kingdom, systematically preparing the way for the construction of the Temple and the unification of the nation. Ultimately, they reveal that God cares about the details, and that effective human organization, when pursued with wisdom and diligence, can be a powerful means through which divine purposes are achieved, leading to a well-ordered society that reflects God's own character as a God of order and not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 27:13 meticulously details the earthly military organization of King David, it subtly points forward to the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. David's comprehensive and meticulous administration, with its appointed captains and structured divisions, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate headship over His spiritual kingdom, the Church. Just as David ensured a prepared and orderly army for the defense of Israel, Christ, as the Head of the Church, perfectly organizes, empowers, and equips His people for spiritual warfare and the advancement of His glorious gospel. Maharai, the Netophathite captain, represents a delegated authority within a temporal, earthly kingdom; however, in Christ, we behold the supreme and absolute authority, for He "has been given all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). The "twenty and four thousand" men serving in their designated course prefigure the countless believers across all ages, each uniquely gifted and called by the Holy Spirit, serving in their respective "courses" within the unified body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Ultimately, David's ordered kingdom, though a testament to human wisdom and divine blessing, was imperfect and temporary. Christ's kingdom, by contrast, is eternal, perfectly ordered, and sustained by His divine power, ensuring that His people are always ready for His purposes, culminating in the glorious future reign where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 27 verses 1–15

1 ¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.

2 Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

3 Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

4 And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand.

5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

6 This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.

7 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.

8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

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

10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

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

12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

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

14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

We have here an account of the regulation of the militia of the kingdom. David was himself a man of war, and had done great things with the sword; he had brought into the field great armies. Now here we are told how he marshalled them when God had given him rest from all his enemies. He did not keep them all together, for that would have been a hardship on them and the country; yet he did not disband and disperse them all, for then he would have left his kingdom naked, and his people would have forgotten the arts of war, wherein they had been instructed. He therefore contrived to keep up a constant force, and yet not a standing army. The model is very prudent. 1. He kept up 24,000 constantly in arms, I suppose in a body, and disciplined, in one part or other of the kingdom, the freeholders carrying their own arms and bearing their own charges while they were up. This was a sufficient strength for the securing of the public peace and safety. Those that are Israelites indeed must learn war; for we have enemies to grapple with, whom we are concerned constantly to stand upon our guard against. 2. He changed them every month; so that the whole number of the militia amounted to 288,000, perhaps about a fifth part of the able men of the kingdom. By being thus distributed into twelve courses, they were all instructed in, and accustomed to, military exercises; and yet none were compelled to be in service, and at expenses, above one month in the year (which they might very well afford), unless upon extraordinary occasions, and then they might all be got together quickly. It is the wisdom of governors, and much their praise, while they provide for the public safety, to contrive how to make it effectual and yet easy, and as little as possible burdensome to the people. 3. Every course had a commander in chief over it. Besides the subaltern officers that were rulers over thousands, and hundreds, and fifties, there was one general officer to each course or legion. All these twelve great commanders are mentioned among David's worthies and champions, 2 Sa. 23 and 1 Chr. 11. They had first signalized themselves by their great actions and then they were advanced to those great preferments. It is well with a kingdom when honour thus attends merit. Benaiah is here called a chief priest, Ch1 27:5. But, cohen signifying both a priest and a prince, it might better be translated here a chief ruler, or (as in the margin) a principal officer. Dodai had Mikloth (Ch1 27:4) either for his substitute when he was absent or infirm, or for his successor when he was dead. Benaiah had his son under him, Ch1 27:6. Asahel had his son after him (Ch1 27:7), and by this it seems that this plan of the militia was laid in the beginning of David's reign; for Asahel was killed by Abner while David reigned in Hebron. When his wars were over he revived this method, and left the military affairs in this posture, for the peaceable reign of his son Solomon. When we think ourselves most safe, yet, while we are here in the body, we must keep in a readiness for spiritual conflicts. Let not him that girdeth on the harness boast as he that puts it off.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–15. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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