1 Chronicles 27:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The fifth {H2549} captain {H8269} for the fifth {H2549} month {H2320} was Shamhuth {H8049} the Izrahite {H3155}: and in his course {H4256} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was Shamhut from Yizrach; there were 24,000 in his division.

Berean Standard Bible

The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth the Izrahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:8 serves as a precise administrative entry within King David's meticulously organized kingdom, identifying Shamhuth the Izrahite as the appointed captain over the fifth of David's twelve monthly military divisions. This verse, part of a detailed catalog of royal officials and military structures, underscores David's strategic foresight in establishing a rotational system where 24,000 men served for one month annually, ensuring Israel's continuous military readiness and showcasing the kingdom's structured efficiency and the importance of delegated leadership under divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Officials and Divisions"), a chapter singularly devoted to outlining King David's sophisticated administrative and military organization. Following the epic accounts of David's mighty men and their valiant exploits in chapters 11-20, and the somber narrative of the census in chapter 21, the Chronicler shifts focus to the peacetime governance of David's kingdom. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 27:1](/1_chronicles/27-1 "1 Chronicles 27:1 - David's Military Divisions") introduces the innovative system of twelve monthly military divisions, each comprising 24,000 men, designed to maintain a formidable standing army without the constant burden of full conscription. Verses [1 Chronicles 27:2-15](/1_chronicles/27-2 "1 Chronicles 27:2-15 - The Twelve Captains") systematically list the captains for each month, with Shamhuth the Izrahite appearing as the fifth in this distinguished roster. This meticulous cataloging serves the Chronicler's broader purpose of demonstrating the order, stability, and divine blessing that characterized David's reign, often drawing a stark contrast to the disarray that preceded it, particularly under Saul. The chapter then proceeds to list other key officials, including tribal leaders and royal administrators, painting a comprehensive portrait of David's well-ordered and divinely favored kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (circa 1010-970 BC) marked a pivotal era of consolidation and expansion for the nascent Israelite kingdom. Having successfully unified the disparate tribes and established Jerusalem as his capital, David faced the dual imperatives of maintaining internal stability and defending against persistent external threats. The organizational system meticulously described in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Officials and Divisions") reflects a highly advanced administrative structure for its time, bearing resemblances to sophisticated military and civil organizations observed in other powerful ancient Near Eastern empires. The ingenious concept of a rotating militia allowed for a large, well-trained fighting force to be readily available, while simultaneously minimizing the economic and social burden on the populace, as individuals served only one month out of twelve. This system not only fostered a profound sense of national unity and shared responsibility for defense but also ensured that a significant portion of the male population received military training. The specific mention of "Izrahite" for Shamhuth highlights the enduring importance of tribal and family lineage in Israelite society, where identity, social standing, and assigned roles were frequently intertwined with one's ancestral heritage, a theme consistently emphasized through the detailed genealogies found throughout the book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies of Israel").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous details presented in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Officials and Divisions"), including the specific mention of Shamhuth the Izrahite, contribute significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, the theme of **Order and Administration** is paramount; the Chronicler emphasizes David's divinely inspired wisdom in establishing a highly organized and efficient kingdom, a stark contrast to the periods of chaos and disunity that often plagued Israel. This divine order is presented as a tangible testament to God's blessing upon a righteous and obedient king. Secondly, **Leadership and Delegation** is prominently highlighted, as David wisely entrusted significant authority and responsibility to capable individuals like Shamhuth, thereby demonstrating the indispensable necessity of effective governance through distributed authority. This theme resonates throughout the broader narrative of David's reign, where he strategically appointed leaders for diverse tasks, ranging from military command to the intricate oversight of temple preparations, as vividly depicted in [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Temple Plans"). Thirdly, the principle of **Preparedness and Stewardship** is powerfully evident in the rotational military system; it ensured that Israel was constantly ready to face any challenge, reflecting a responsible approach to national security and the prudent management of the nation's human and material resources. Finally, the inclusion of specific names like Shamhuth underscores the profound theme of **Individual Contribution within a Collective Body**, emphasizing that every person, even those listed in what might seem like mere administrative records, played a vital and indispensable role in the overall functioning, strength, and divine purpose of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shamhuth (Hebrew, _Shamhûwth'_):** This personal name, though its etymological meaning ("desolation" or "renown") is less central here, serves a crucial function in the text. Its inclusion precisely identifies a specific historical individual, emphasizing the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping and the historical veracity of David's administrative structures. The presence of such specific names lends credibility and realism to the account, highlighting that these were real people entrusted with significant responsibilities within the kingdom.
* **Izrahite (Hebrew, _Yizrâch'_):** This gentilic designation indicates Shamhuth's family or tribal origin. While the exact lineage is not explicitly detailed for Shamhuth in this verse, the term likely connects him to the descendants of Izrahiah, a prominent family within the tribe of Issachar, as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 7:3](/1_chronicles/7-3 "1 Chronicles 7:3 - Descendants of Issachar"). This geographical or ancestral identifier further grounds the account in historical reality, illustrating the diverse tribal representation within David's unified kingdom and underscoring the enduring importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society.
* **Course (Hebrew, _machălôqeth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to divide" or "to apportion," this term signifies a "section," "division," or "turn of duty." In the context of 1 Chronicles 27:8, it specifically refers to Shamhuth's assigned period of service or his rotational division within the military structure. This word highlights the systematic and orderly nature of David's administration, emphasizing that military service was not haphazard but carefully organized into distinct, rotating units, ensuring efficiency and equitable distribution of responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fifth captain for the fifth month [was] Shamhuth the Izrahite:"** This opening clause precisely identifies the individual responsible for the military division serving in the fifth month of the year. The numerical order ("fifth") and the specific month ("fifth month") underscore the systematic, calendrical nature of David's military rotation, indicating a well-planned and executed administrative calendar. Shamhuth's name and his familial designation ("the Izrahite") provide concrete identification, anchoring this administrative detail to a real person within the historical framework of David's reign. This specificity emphasizes the Chronicler's concern for accurate record-keeping and the importance of individual roles within the larger national structure.
* **"and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand."** This second clause specifies the formidable size of the military contingent under Shamhuth's command for his designated month of service. The phrase "in his course" refers to his assigned turn or rotation of duty, highlighting the orderly succession of military divisions. The precise number "twenty and four thousand" (24,000) men underscores the substantial scale and highly organized nature of David's military apparatus. This large, well-trained force, available on a rotating basis, ensured Israel's continuous military preparedness and demonstrated the king's strategic foresight in maintaining national security without perpetually burdening the entire male population with military service.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in [1 Chronicles 27:8](/1_chronicles/27-8 "1 Chronicles 27:8 - Shamhuth, Fifth Captain"), and indeed the entire chapter, is characterized by several key literary devices that serve to convey its deeper message. The most prominent is **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**, as the text meticulously lists each captain, their month of service, and the precise size of their division. This detailed listing functions not merely as a dry administrative record but as a powerful rhetorical tool to demonstrate the **Order** and **Efficiency** of David's kingdom, contrasting sharply with the often chaotic periods that preceded his reign, such as the era of the Judges or the tumultuous rule of Saul. The consistent repetition of the structural pattern for each captain (e.g., "the first captain for the first month... the second captain for the second month...") creates a discernible sense of **Rhythm** and reinforces the systematic and predictable nature of David's administration. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names and tribal designations, such as "Shamhuth the Izrahite," employs **Specificity** to lend historical authenticity and credibility to the narrative, emphasizing that these were real individuals contributing to a divinely blessed and exceptionally well-governed nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 27:8](/1_chronicles/27-8 "1 Chronicles 27:8 - Shamhuth, Fifth Captain"), though seemingly a mundane administrative detail, speaks volumes about the theological principles that underpin effective governance and thriving community life. It powerfully reflects a divine emphasis on order, preparation, and the responsible stewardship of both resources and people. David's meticulous organization of his kingdom, undoubtedly inspired by divine wisdom, ensured stability and security, thereby creating an environment conducive to the flourishing of the nation and the unhindered worship of God. This profound commitment to structure and delegated authority mirrors God's own character as a God of order, not of confusion, as explicitly stated in [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order"). It also profoundly highlights the importance of every individual's contribution within a larger collective body, where specific roles, even those that might appear small or administrative, are vital for collective success and the fulfillment of a shared purpose. The principle of preparedness, so vividly exemplified by the rotating army, resonates deeply with broader biblical calls for believers to be ready for service, for spiritual warfare, and for the Lord's glorious return.

* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One Body, Many Members")
* [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Plan Your Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry administrative details of [1 Chronicles 27:8](/1_chronicles/27-8 "1 Chronicles 27:8 - Shamhuth, Fifth Captain") offer profound and actionable insights for contemporary life, both on a personal level and within communal contexts. David's unwavering commitment to order, delegation, and preparedness serves as a powerful and enduring model for effective stewardship in all spheres of existence. In our personal lives, this verse encourages intentionality, discipline, and strategic planning in managing our time, talents, and material resources, fostering a recognition that God is a God of order who desires us to live purposefully and efficiently. In our communities, churches, and workplaces, it profoundly underscores the intrinsic value of clear structures, well-defined roles, and the empowerment of individuals to contribute their unique gifts and callings. Just as Shamhuth and his 24,000 men were indispensable to Israel's security and stability, every member of a collective body is vital, and their organized and coordinated contributions lead directly to collective strength, flourishing, and the successful accomplishment of shared goals. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that even in the seemingly mundane tasks of administration, organization, and daily duty, we have the opportunity to reflect God's character and contribute meaningfully to His overarching purposes, ensuring that our efforts are not haphazard but strategically aligned for maximum impact and divine effectiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's commitment to order and structure challenge my own approach to personal responsibilities or communal engagements?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or service could I benefit from more intentional planning, strategic organization, and wise delegation, drawing inspiration from David's example?**
* **How does recognizing the value of "every twenty and four thousand" men encourage me to more deeply appreciate, affirm, and empower every individual within my own community or church body?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Chronicler include such detailed administrative lists like 1 Chronicles 27:8?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of detailed administrative lists, such as the one found in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Officials and Divisions"), serves several crucial and multifaceted purposes. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the **legitimacy and divine blessing** upon King David's reign. By meticulously showcasing a highly organized, efficient, and well-governed kingdom, the Chronicler demonstrates that David was not merely a formidable warrior king but also a wise and capable administrator, reflecting God's profound favor and guidance. Secondly, these lists underscore the paramount **importance of order and structure** in the life of God's people, a pervasive theological theme woven throughout the Old Testament. This meticulous record-keeping also provided a vital **historical foundation** for the post-exilic community, reminding them of their rich heritage and the foundational principles upon which their nation was built, including the critical importance of effective leadership, dedicated service, and constant preparedness. Ultimately, it emphasizes that even seemingly mundane administrative details are integral to God's larger, providential plan for His people.

**What was the purpose of David's monthly military divisions?**

Answer: King David's innovative system of twelve monthly military divisions, each comprising 24,000 men, as meticulously detailed in [1 Chronicles 27:1-15](/1_chronicles/27-1 "1 Chronicles 27:1-15 - David's Military Divisions"), served a multifaceted and highly strategic purpose. Primarily, it ensured **continuous military readiness** for the kingdom. By having a fresh contingent of 24,000 trained and ready soldiers available each month, Israel could respond swiftly and decisively to any internal rebellion or external threat without the constant burden and economic strain of a fully mobilized standing army. This rotational system also provided an exceptionally efficient way to **train a significant portion of the male population** in military skills over time, thereby fostering a broad and deep base of defense capability across the nation. Furthermore, it ingeniously minimized the economic and social disruption that would inevitably arise from perpetual conscription, as men were required to serve only one month out of twelve. This remarkably advanced administrative structure showcased David's strategic genius and his unwavering commitment to the security and long-term well-being of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 27:8](/1_chronicles/27-8 "1 Chronicles 27:8 - Shamhuth, Fifth Captain") meticulously details the administrative brilliance and organizational prowess of King David, its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual significance are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's perfectly ordered earthly kingdom, with its meticulously organized military and civil service, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the superior order, divine perfection, and eternal stability of God's everlasting kingdom, over which Christ reigns supreme. Just as King David wisely delegated authority to faithful captains like Shamhuth to ensure the well-being, security, and readiness of his earthly realm, so too does Christ, the true and greater King, perfectly govern His spiritual kingdom. He is the ultimate wise administrator who sovereignly orders all things for the ultimate good of His people and the supreme glory of God ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Summing Up All Things in Christ")). The dedicated service of the 24,000 men, each faithfully playing their part for the security and flourishing of ancient Israel, finds its ultimate and glorious expression in the Church, the very body of Christ, where every believer is uniquely equipped, empowered, and called to serve under the gracious and perfect headship of Christ ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). Christ ensures that His people are always prepared, not for earthly warfare, but for the spiritual battle against sin and darkness, and for the courageous advancement of His glorious gospel, equipping them with the full spiritual armor of God ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "The Armor of God")) and calling them to faithful stewardship of their gifts and resources until His triumphant and glorious return ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "The Parable of the Talents")). He is the King who not only perfectly orders His kingdom but also divinely empowers His subjects for perfect, eternal, and fruitful service.

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

1 Chronicles 11:27

Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,

2 Samuel 23:25

Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,

1 Chronicles 26:29

¶ Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons [were] for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.