1 Chronicles 27:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

This is that Benaiah {H1141}, who was mighty {H1368} among the thirty {H7970}, and above the thirty {H7970}: and in his course {H4256} was Ammizabad {H5990} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the same B'nayah who was one of the thirty heroes and was over the thirty; his son 'Ammizavad was in his division.

Berean Standard Bible

This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.

American Standard Version

This is that Benaiah, who was the mighty man of the thirty, and over the thirty: and of his course was Ammizabad his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:6 meticulously identifies Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, as a warrior of unparalleled distinction within King David's elite military structure, specifically noting his preeminence among and above the renowned "thirty" mighty men. The verse further details the systematic nature of David's kingdom by mentioning Ammizabad, Benaiah's son, serving within his father's designated military division, thereby underscoring themes of organized service, generational continuity, and the recognition of extraordinary merit in the service of the king and the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant administrative section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27), which meticulously details King David's extensive preparations for the future of the kingdom of Israel. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes David's divinely inspired foresight and meticulous leadership in establishing a robust and orderly national structure before his death, laying the groundwork for Solomon's peaceful and prosperous reign. Chapter 27 specifically outlines the commanders of the twelve monthly military divisions, each comprising 24,000 men, designed to ensure the kingdom's defense and stability year-round. Benaiah's mention here is not merely a historical note but a testament to the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's administration, which served as a model for the restored community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a pivotal period of consolidation and expansion for Israel, transforming it from a loose tribal confederacy into a centralized monarchy with Jerusalem as its capital. The "thirty" (or "mighty men") were an elite corps of warriors, renowned for their exceptional valor and loyalty, crucial for both maintaining internal order and prosecuting successful military campaigns. The concept of a "course" (מַחֲלֹקֶת, _machălôqeth'_) reflects a highly organized administrative system, likely influenced by similar structures in the ancient Near East, where military and civil services were often arranged in rotating divisions to ensure continuous readiness and efficiency. The involvement of family members like Ammizabad in these roles was common, reflecting the patriarchal and familial nature of ancient Israelite society, where lineage and inherited responsibilities played a significant part in public service and the continuity of national institutions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to the Chronicler's overarching emphasis on **order and organization** within God's kingdom, particularly under righteous leadership like David's. It highlights the importance of **excellence and merit** in service, as Benaiah is singled out for his exceptional abilities and distinguished above his peers, demonstrating that divine blessing often accompanies human diligence and skill. Furthermore, the mention of Ammizabad points to the theme of **succession and continuity**, ensuring stability and preparedness for future generations, a theme echoed in David's extensive preparations for Solomon's reign in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple"). The Chronicler consistently portrays David as a wise and divinely guided king, whose administrative foresight laid the groundwork for Israel's prosperity, as further evidenced by his final instructions and blessings in [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benaiah (Hebrew, בְּנָיָה, _Bᵉnâyâh'_):** From the root meaning "Jah has built," this name signifies divine construction or establishment. The Chronicler's emphasis on Benaiah's role underscores the idea that God builds up His kingdom through capable and faithful individuals. Benaiah's name resonates with the Chronicler's broader theme of God's active involvement in establishing and sustaining David's dynasty and the nation of Israel.
* **Mighty (Hebrew, גִּבּוֹר, _gibbôwr'_):** This term denotes someone powerful, a warrior, or a valiant man. It describes an individual with exceptional strength, prowess, or influence, particularly in a military context. Benaiah is not merely strong but "mighty" in a way that sets him apart, even among other strong men, indicating a profound and recognized level of skill, courage, and leadership that made him a champion among his peers.
* **Thirty (Hebrew, שְׁלֹשִׁים, _shᵉlôwshîym'_):** This refers to David's elite corps of "mighty men," a highly distinguished group of warriors known for their extraordinary feats of valor and unwavering loyalty. This group, detailed in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Mighty Men") and [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men"), represented the pinnacle of military skill and dedication in David's army. Benaiah's distinction of being "above" them signifies a unique, superior status within this already exceptional group.
* **Course (Hebrew, מַחֲלֹקֶת, _machălôqeth'_):** This word signifies a section, a division, a class, or a turn of service. It emphasizes the highly structured and organized system David implemented for his military, where different groups served in specific months or periods. This term is also notably used for the divisions of priests and Levites in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests"), highlighting the parallel meticulous organization in both military and religious spheres, ensuring continuous and orderly service to the kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is that] Benaiah, [who was] mighty [among] the thirty, and above the thirty":** This clause emphatically identifies Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, as a warrior of exceptional prowess and unique standing. The phrase "mighty among the thirty" places him firmly within David's elite fighting force, acknowledged for their valor. The subsequent "and above the thirty" elevates him further, indicating a distinct preeminence or superior authority even within this already distinguished group. This likely refers to his significant role as commander of the Cherethites and Pelethites, David's personal bodyguard, a position of immense trust and responsibility, as noted in [2 Samuel 8:18](/2_samuel/8-18 "2 Samuel 8:18 - Benaiah, Commander of the Cherethites and Pelethites"). His exceptional status is further highlighted by his later appointment as commander of the entire army under King Solomon in [1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Benaiah Appointed Commander of the Army").
* **"and in his course [was] Ammizabad his son":** This part of the verse reveals the systematic organization of David's military and hints at a form of succession or familial involvement in service. The "course" refers to the monthly division of 24,000 men that Benaiah commanded for a specific month of the year. The inclusion of his son, Ammizabad, within this "course" suggests that sons might serve under their fathers, or that the family line was actively involved in maintaining the military division's readiness and continuity. This detail underscores the Chronicler's interest in the orderly administration and long-term stability of the kingdom's essential institutions, ensuring that leadership and service were perpetuated across generations.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs **Emphasis** and **Intensification** to highlight Benaiah's extraordinary status. The phrase "mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty" utilizes a form of **hyperbole** or **climax** to underscore his unparalleled skill and leadership, setting him apart even from the most elite warriors. This serves to magnify the importance of David's administrative choices and the quality of his chosen leaders, reinforcing the idea of a divinely blessed and well-ordered kingdom. The specific mention of Benaiah's son, Ammizabad, within his "course" is an example of **Synecdoche**, where the son represents the continuation of the family's service and, by extension, the broader principle of organized succession and generational involvement within David's military divisions. This detail reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theme of order, continuity, and the meticulous planning that characterized David's reign, ensuring the stability and preparedness of the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous record of Benaiah's service, particularly his exceptional status "above the thirty," speaks to a profound theological principle of divine recognition for faithful and excellent service. In God's kingdom, merit and diligence are acknowledged, not merely for human glory, but as reflections of a divinely ordered structure that values competence and commitment. David's organization of the military, much like his organization of the Levitical and priestly courses, reflects a desire for order and readiness, mirroring God's own character as a God of order, not confusion. This verse implicitly teaches that every role, no matter how seemingly mundane or specialized, contributes to the larger divine purpose when executed with excellence and faithfulness. It underscores that God blesses and uses those who serve Him with their utmost ability, contributing to the stability and flourishing of His people and demonstrating the wisdom of His providential arrangements.

* [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8-39 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - List of David's Mighty Men")
* [1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Benaiah as Commander of the Army under Solomon")
* [Nehemiah 7:61](/nehemiah/7-61 "Nehemiah 7:61 - Listing of Those Who Returned from Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 27:6, while detailing an ancient military structure, offers profound insights for contemporary life and spiritual application. Benaiah's example challenges us to pursue excellence not merely for personal gain or human applause, but as an act of faithful stewardship and worship in whatever sphere God has placed us. Whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches, we are called to perform our duties with diligence and integrity, striving to be "above" the ordinary in our commitment and skill, recognizing that our work can be an offering to God. David's foresight in establishing organized "courses" and ensuring continuity through figures like Ammizabad also underscores the importance of intentional planning, wise leadership, and preparing the next generation for service. We are invited to consider how we can contribute to the stability and flourishing of our communities and the church by embracing order, developing our gifts, and investing in those who will follow us, ensuring that valuable legacies of faith and service are passed on and God's work continues effectively for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to strive for excellence, and what practical steps can you take to achieve it, recognizing your work as an offering to God?**
* **How can you contribute to order and effective organization within your sphere of influence, whether at home, work, or church, for the glory of God and the benefit of others?**
* **Who are you mentoring or investing in to prepare the next generation for leadership and faithful service within your community or the church, ensuring continuity of purpose?**

### FAQ
**Was Benaiah truly "above" the thirty, or was he just one of them?**

Answer: The phrasing "mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty" strongly suggests Benaiah held a unique and superior position even within David's elite corps of "mighty men." While he was certainly "among" them in terms of being an exceptional warrior, his additional distinction of being "above" them indicates a preeminent role, signifying a higher level of authority, skill, or trust. This is consistently supported by other biblical texts. Benaiah was the commander of David's personal bodyguard, the Cherethites and Pelethites, a highly trusted and crucial position ([2 Samuel 8:18](/2_samuel/8-18 "2 Samuel 8:18 - Benaiah, Commander of the Cherethites and Pelethites")). Furthermore, after David's reign, Benaiah was appointed commander of the entire army by King Solomon ([1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Benaiah Appointed Commander of the Army")), solidifying his status as one of the most capable and trusted military leaders of his time, surpassing even the other "thirty" in authority and influence.

**What does the mention of Ammizabad, Benaiah's son, imply about David's military organization?**

Answer: The inclusion of Ammizabad, Benaiah's son, serving "in his course" indicates a sophisticated and familial aspect to David's military organization. It suggests that the monthly divisions (courses) were not merely abstract units but involved family lines or established households. This could imply several things: a system of inherited service, where sons were trained and served under their fathers; a means of ensuring continuity and stability within the military divisions by passing down expertise and loyalty; or simply a recognition of the family's ongoing contribution to the kingdom's defense. This practice of generational involvement in service is consistent with the broader Old Testament societal structure, where family units often played a significant role in national affairs, including military and religious duties, as seen with the Levitical families in [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Divisions of the Levites"). It highlights David's meticulous planning for the long-term strength and stability of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:6 details the military excellence and administrative foresight of King David's reign, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and His perfect kingdom. Benaiah, "mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty," foreshadows Christ's unparalleled preeminence not merely among human leaders, but over all creation. Just as Benaiah was chosen for his exceptional skill and trustworthiness, Christ is the chosen One, uniquely qualified to lead God's people, being "the head over every rule and authority" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Christ, Head of All Rule and Authority")). The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, with its "courses" and succession planning, points to the divine order of Christ's eternal kingdom, which is not built on human systems but on His eternal reign and the perfect administration of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and organizes His body, the church ([1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit")). Furthermore, Ammizabad serving in his father's "course" can be seen as a shadow of believers being called to participate in Christ's work, not by human inheritance, but by spiritual adoption into His family, serving under the ultimate Son in His eternal "course" or plan of redemption ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Ultimately, the recognition of Benaiah's merit finds its true and perfect expression in Christ, whose perfect obedience and sacrifice earned Him "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")), establishing a kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")) and in which all believers are called to serve with excellence under His perfect leadership.

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 23:20

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

2 Samuel 23:23

He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the [first] three. And David set him over his guard.

1 Chronicles 11:22

Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.

1 Chronicles 11:25

Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the [first] three: and David set him over his guard.

2 Samuel 22:20

He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

2 Samuel 22:23

For all his judgments [were] before me: and [as for] his statutes, I did not depart from them.