1 Chronicles 27:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And over the course {H4256} of the second {H8145} month {H2320} was Dodai {H1737} an Ahohite {H266}, and of his course {H4256} was Mikloth {H4732} also the ruler {H5057}: in his course {H4256} likewise were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Over the division for the second month was Dodai the Achochi; Miklot was the chief officer of his division; there were 24,000 in his division.

Berean Standard Bible

Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division for the second month, and Mikloth was the leader. There were 24,000 men in his division.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:4 meticulously details the second of King David's twelve rotating monthly military divisions, identifying Dodai an Ahohite as the primary commander, assisted by Mikloth, overseeing a contingent of twenty-four thousand men. This verse is part of a larger administrative record that highlights David's foresight, strategic planning, and commitment to establishing a well-ordered and secure kingdom through systematic organization of its resources and personnel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter dedicated to enumerating King David's meticulously organized administrative and military structure. It follows chapters detailing the organization of the Levites and priests for temple service ([1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Organization of the Levites")) and precedes David's final instructions and the transfer of the kingdom to Solomon ([1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Final Instructions")). The Chronicler's emphasis throughout these chapters is on order, preparation, and the divine blessing upon David's reign, which is manifested in such detailed and effective governance. The inclusion of these lists underscores the stability and foresight that characterized David's kingdom, presenting an idealized picture of a divinely sanctioned monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a standing army as we know it was not feasible for a largely agrarian society. David's solution, a rotating military service, was highly innovative and practical. This system allowed for a large, trained force to be available year-round for national defense, border security, or royal duties, while simultaneously permitting the vast majority of men to return to their farms and livelihoods for eleven months of the year. This minimized the economic burden on the populace and maintained a strong, ready defense. The mention of "Dodai an Ahohite" is significant, as Ahohites were from the tribe of Benjamin, King Saul's tribe. David's inclusion of leaders from various tribes, even those historically opposed to him, demonstrates his unifying leadership and the consolidation of all Israel under his rule, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to establish his kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **order and organization**, showcasing David's systematic approach to governing his kingdom. This rotating military service ensured efficiency, readiness, and national security, preventing chaos and promoting stability. Another key theme is **leadership and delegation**, as the verse highlights specific individuals like Dodai and Mikloth, underscoring the importance of capable leaders and effective delegation in large-scale operations. This system ensured that Israel always had a significant, trained force ready for any eventuality, demonstrating a strategic understanding of **preparedness**. Finally, the structure inherently implies **accountability**, as each leader was responsible for a specific number of men and a defined period, illustrating a clear chain of command within David's administration, a principle echoed in the New Testament's call for order in the church ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Course (Hebrew, _machaloqeth'_):** This term, מַחֲלֹקֶת (_machaloqeth_), refers to a division, class, or rotation. It emphasizes the structured, systematic arrangement of these military units. Crucially, this same Hebrew word is used elsewhere in the Bible to describe the divisions of priests and Levites for temple service (e.g., [1 Chronicles 24:1](/1_chronicles/24-1 "1 Chronicles 24:1 - Divisions of the Priests")), indicating a consistent organizational principle applied by David across various sectors of his kingdom, from military to religious service. This highlights David's comprehensive and divinely inspired approach to governance.
* **Ahohite (Hebrew, _'achowchiy'_):** The designation אֲחוֹחִי (_'achowchiy_) identifies Dodai as a descendant of Ahoah, a prominent family within the tribe of Benjamin. This detail is significant because Benjamin was King Saul's tribe, and there had been lingering tensions between the house of Saul and the house of David. The fact that a Benjamite leader held such a high and trusted position in David's army underscores David's success in unifying all the tribes of Israel under his reign, fostering loyalty and integration even from former adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over the course of the second month [was] Dodai an Ahohite":** This clause establishes the specific timing of this military division's service—the second month of the year. It introduces Dodai, a commander whose tribal affiliation (Ahohite, from Benjamin) signifies the broad integration of Israel's tribes into David's unified kingdom. His leadership role indicates David's trust and the effective delegation of authority.
* **"and of his course [was] Mikloth also the ruler":** This part specifies Mikloth as another leader within Dodai's division. The phrasing "of his course" suggests Mikloth might have been a subordinate officer, possibly a second-in-command, or perhaps a co-ruler responsible for a specific aspect of the division's operations. This detail points to a hierarchical and layered command structure, ensuring efficient management of such a large contingent.
* **"in his course likewise [were] twenty and four thousand":** This final clause quantifies the size of the military contingent under Dodai and Mikloth's command. Each of the twelve monthly divisions comprised 24,000 men, totaling a potential annual force of 288,000. This immense number underscores the scale of David's military strength and the meticulous organization required to manage such a vast and rotating army, ensuring Israel's security and demonstrating the kingdom's robust infrastructure.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this passage to achieve his narrative and theological aims. **Cataloging** is prominently featured, as the entire chapter is essentially a detailed list of David's officials and military divisions. This extensive enumeration serves to emphasize the completeness and thoroughness of David's administration, presenting an image of a perfectly ordered kingdom. **Repetition** of the word "course" (and its underlying concept of rotation) throughout the chapter reinforces the systematic nature of David's organization, highlighting the efficiency and preparedness it engendered. Furthermore, there is an overarching **Emphasis** on order, structure, and the delegation of authority. These devices collectively contribute to the Chronicler's primary purpose: to portray David's reign as a divinely blessed era of stability and prosperity, characterized by wise leadership and meticulous planning, serving as a model for future kings and a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, as exemplified in 1 Chronicles 27:4, reflects profound theological principles. It underscores God's character as a God of order, not of chaos, and demonstrates that divine blessing often manifests through human wisdom, diligence, and good stewardship. David's foresight in establishing such a system for national defense and governance is presented as an act of faithful leadership, recognizing that true security and prosperity come not just from military might, but from disciplined and well-managed resources. This administrative precision points to the importance of structure, accountability, and wise delegation in any endeavor, whether secular or sacred. It suggests that even in the practicalities of earthly rule, there is a reflection of God's own sovereign and orderly governance of the cosmos.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative records of David's kingdom, including the specific military division in 1 Chronicles 27:4, offer valuable lessons for contemporary life. Just as David understood the critical importance of structure, delegation, and preparedness for the stability and security of his nation, we are called to apply similar principles in our personal lives, families, churches, and workplaces. This verse reminds us that effective leadership involves not only vision but also the practical implementation of systems to achieve that vision. It challenges us to consider how we manage our time, resources, and responsibilities, encouraging intentionality and order rather than haphazard approaches. For believers, it underscores the spiritual principle that God is a God of order, and our lives, when aligned with His will, should reflect that divine characteristic, bringing about greater fruitfulness and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (personal, family, work, spiritual) do I need to implement more order and intentional planning?**
* **How can I better delegate responsibilities and empower others in my spheres of influence, learning from David's example?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of preparedness, both in practical matters and in my spiritual walk?**
* **How does understanding God as a God of order impact my approach to daily tasks and long-term goals?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of military divisions included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed lists in 1 Chronicles serves several important purposes. First, it highlights King David's exceptional wisdom and foresight as a ruler, demonstrating his commitment to establishing a stable and secure kingdom. This level of organization was unprecedented for its time and reflects a divinely inspired administrative genius. Second, it underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda, which emphasizes the order, prosperity, and divine blessing upon David's reign. These lists present an idealized picture of the kingdom, showcasing how meticulous planning and faithful leadership contribute to national strength and well-being. Finally, it provides a precise historical record of the structure of David's army, offering insight into the practicalities of ancient Israelite governance and the importance of preparedness for national defense, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative concerning God's people.

**What was the practical purpose of the "course" system for David's army?**

Answer: The "course" or rotating system was a highly practical and ingenious solution for maintaining a strong military force without overburdening the population. In an agrarian society like ancient Israel, it was not feasible to have a large, permanent standing army, as this would pull too many men away from farming and other essential livelihoods. By having twelve divisions, each serving for only one month out of the year, David ensured that a well-trained contingent of 24,000 men was always available for defense, border patrol, or other royal duties. This system allowed the vast majority of the fighting men to return to their homes and support their families for eleven months of the year, minimizing economic disruption while maximizing national security. It was a brilliant administrative strategy that balanced military readiness with the economic realities of the kingdom, reflecting David's comprehensive and wise leadership, which was clearly blessed by God, as seen in the prosperity of his reign ([1 Chronicles 29:28](/1_chronicles/29-28 "1 Chronicles 29:28 - David's Prosperous Reign")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:4 details the earthly organization of King David's military, it subtly points to the ultimate order and perfect governance found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as an earthly king, meticulously organized his kingdom for its defense and prosperity, foreshadowing the divine King who establishes an eternal, unshakable kingdom. Christ is the ultimate Commander and Ruler, who not only leads His people but also perfectly orders all things according to His sovereign will. Just as David's system ensured preparedness and accountability for an earthly army, Christ's headship over the church, His spiritual army, guarantees its ultimate victory and perfect functioning ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). The meticulous detail of David's administration finds its fulfillment in the cosmic order established and sustained by Christ, "for in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer")). David's efforts to bring order to his realm anticipate the perfect peace and divine order that Christ, the Prince of Peace, will fully establish in His eternal kingdom, where He reigns with absolute authority and justice ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious Warrior King")). The earthly organization of David's kingdom serves as a shadow of the perfect, divinely ordained order of Christ's reign, which brings ultimate security and eternal blessing to all who are part of His unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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 23:9

And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, [one] of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines [that] were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

1 Chronicles 11:12

And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who [was one] of the three mighties.