1 Chronicles 27:5

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.

The third {H7992} captain {H8269} of the host {H6635} for the third {H7992} month {H2320} was Benaiah {H1141} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077}, a chief {H7218} priest {H3548}: and in his course {H4256} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

The third army commander, for the third month, was B'nayah the son of Y'hoyada the chief cohen; there were 24,000 in his division.

The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. There were 24,000 men in his division.

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

The verse 1 Chronicles 27:5 introduces us to Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, designating him as the third captain in King David's highly organized military structure. This specific detail highlights David's administrative genius and the meticulous planning involved in governing his kingdom, showcasing a system of rotating commanders and their substantial forces.

Context

This verse is part of 1 Chronicles chapter 27, which meticulously lists the officers and divisions of King David's army and administration. Unlike the books of Samuel and Kings, which focus more on narrative and prophetic aspects, 1 Chronicles provides a detailed account of David's preparations for the Temple and the organized structure of his kingdom. Each of the twelve captains served for one month, commanding 24,000 men, ensuring a standing army of 288,000 ready for service while minimizing the burden on the populace. This system reveals David's foresight in establishing a stable and prepared nation.

Key Themes

  • Order and Administration: David's reign was characterized by incredible organization, from his military to the Levites and priests. This verse exemplifies his commitment to systematic governance, ensuring efficiency and readiness.
  • Competent Leadership: Benaiah was no ordinary soldier. He is frequently mentioned among David's mighty men, known for his extraordinary feats of strength and courage (e.g., killing two lion-like men of Moab, and a lion in a pit on a snowy day). His appointment as a monthly commander over 24,000 men underscores his proven capability and David's trust in his leadership.
  • Preparedness: The rotating military divisions ensured that a significant portion of Israel's fighting force was always trained and ready, reflecting a proactive approach to national defense and security.

Linguistic Insights

The name Benaiah (Hebrew: Benaiah - בְּנָיָהוּ) means "Yahweh has built" or "God has built." This name often carried a sense of divine favor or destiny. His father, Jehoiada (Hebrew: Yehoiada - יְהוֹיָדָע), is identified as "a chief priest." While Benaiah himself was a military figure, his lineage connected him to a prominent priestly family, which might have lent him additional respect and influence within the kingdom's hierarchy. This connection highlights the intertwining of religious and military leadership in ancient Israel.

Significance and Application

Though a seemingly administrative detail, 1 Chronicles 27:5 offers valuable lessons. It emphasizes the importance of good stewardship, organization, and competent leadership in any endeavor, whether in government, business, or the church. David's methodical approach to managing his kingdom serves as a model for effective planning and delegation. For us today, it encourages us to bring order and excellence to our responsibilities, recognizing that God often blesses well-ordered efforts. It also reminds us that God uses individuals of proven character and skill, like Benaiah, to accomplish His purposes, valuing both their natural abilities and their faithfulness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Chronicles 18:17

    And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David [were] chief about the king.

  • 1 Kings 4:4

    And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar [were] the priests:

  • 1 Kings 4:5

    And Azariah the son of Nathan [was] over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan [was] principal officer, [and] the king's friend:

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