1 Chronicles 27:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The sixth {H8345} captain for the sixth {H8345} month {H2320} was Ira {H5896} the son {H1121} of Ikkesh {H6142} the Tekoite {H8621}: and in his course {H4256} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sixth commander, for the sixth month, was 'Ira the son of 'Ikesh from T'koa; there were 24,000 in his division.

Berean Standard Bible

The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:9 introduces Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, as the appointed captain over the sixth of King David's twelve monthly military divisions. This specific unit was responsible for service during the sixth month of the year and comprised an impressive twenty-four thousand men. This detail highlights the meticulous and comprehensive administrative and military organization that characterized David's reign, ensuring both the robust defense and the efficient governance of the Israelite kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly detailed administrative record found in [1 Chronicles 27](/1-chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military and Civil Organization"). Following the extensive genealogies and lists of David's mighty men in earlier chapters, this chapter transitions to the practical organization of his kingdom. It systematically enumerates the twelve monthly military divisions (vv. 1-15), followed by a list of tribal leaders (vv. 16-22), various royal officials (vv. 25-31), and David's personal advisors (vv. 32-34). The inclusion of Ira and his division in this precise roster underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the order, stability, and divine blessing that characterized David's rule, presenting him as a model king who diligently stewarded the nation entrusted to him by God. This meticulous cataloging serves to demonstrate the comprehensive nature of David's administration, reflecting a kingdom established on principles of structure and accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a golden age for Israel, transforming it from a loose tribal confederacy into a unified kingdom with a centralized government and a standing army. Prior to David, military service was often ad hoc, based on tribal levies in times of immediate threat. David's innovation, as detailed in this chapter, was to establish a professional, rotating army of 288,000 men (24,000 men x 12 months), ensuring continuous readiness without permanently conscripting the entire male population. This system was vital for maintaining internal security, defending against external enemies, and projecting Israel's power in the ancient Near East. The mention of "Tekoite" (a resident of Tekoa) grounds Ira in a specific geographical and tribal identity, common in ancient Israelite records, which often highlighted a person's origin to establish their lineage and standing. Tekoa, a town in Judah, was also known for its wise woman (as seen in [2 Samuel 14](/2-samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - The Wise Woman of Tekoa")) and later as the hometown of the prophet Amos ([Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos from Tekoa")).
* **Key Themes:** The detailed organization presented in [1 Chronicles 27](/1-chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Structure") highlights several prominent themes. First, **Order and Administration** are paramount, showcasing David's commitment to systematic governance and military readiness, which was crucial for national stability. Second, **Preparedness and Security** are emphasized, as the rotating military divisions ensured Israel was continuously ready for defense or offensive action, reflecting prudent leadership. Third, the passage underscores **Loyalty and Service**, as the named captains and their thousands of men faithfully fulfilled their duties to the king and the nation. Finally, the system of appointing specific captains for each division illustrates **Delegated Leadership**, demonstrating David's trust in his proven commanders to manage their respective forces, a principle vital for effective management in any large-scale endeavor, whether a kingdom or a community. This intricate structure reflects a divinely blessed kingdom operating with human wisdom and diligence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tekoite (Hebrew, _Teqo'i'_):** This ethnonym indicates that Ira hailed from Tekoa, a town located in the Judean hills, approximately 10 miles south of Jerusalem. Tekoa was a strategic location, known for its rugged terrain and proximity to the wilderness of Judah. Identifying individuals by their hometown was a common practice in ancient Israel, serving to establish their identity, tribal affiliation, and often, their reputation. For Ira, being a Tekoite may have implied a certain hardiness or familiarity with the region's challenges. His inclusion in David's elite forces, as also noted in [2 Samuel 23:26](/2-samuel/23-26 "2 Samuel 23:26 - Ira the Tekoite among David's Mighty Men"), underscores that his origin was recognized alongside his valor.
* **Course (Hebrew, _maḥăloqet'_):** While not explicitly present in the KJV text of 1 Chronicles 27:9, the underlying concept of "course" or "division" is central to the chapter's structure. The Hebrew word _maḥăloqet_ (מַחֲלֹקֶת) refers to a division, class, or course, particularly in the context of priestly or military rotations. Here, it signifies the specific period of duty or the assigned group of men. This term highlights the systematic, rotational nature of David's army, where each division served for a designated period before being relieved by the next. It speaks to a highly organized and efficient system designed to maintain readiness without exhausting the entire populace.
* **Twenty and four thousand (Hebrew, _'esrim wə'arba'ah 'elef'_):** This precise numerical designation, repeated for each monthly division throughout [1 Chronicles 27](/1-chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military Rosters"), emphasizes the immense scale and meticulous planning of David's military organization. The number 24,000 is a substantial force for any ancient kingdom, indicating Israel's significant military power under David. The consistency of this number across all divisions underscores the uniformity and disciplined structure of the army, reflecting a high degree of administrative control and logistical capability. It also serves to impress upon the reader the sheer magnitude of resources and manpower David commanded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sixth [captain] for the sixth month [was] Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite:"** This clause precisely identifies the individual responsible for the sixth military division. The repetition of "sixth" emphasizes the sequential and orderly nature of the system. Ira is named by his father, Ikkesh, and his hometown, Tekoa, providing a full identification typical of ancient records. His inclusion here signifies his importance and trustworthiness in David's eyes, as he was entrusted with a major command.
* **"and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand."** This second clause specifies the size of the contingent under Ira's command. The phrase "in his course" refers to the period of service assigned to his division. The consistent number of 24,000 men for each monthly rotation highlights the standardized and formidable nature of David's standing army, ensuring a powerful and ready force at all times.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 27:9, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The Chronicler meticulously lists each captain, their month of service, and the precise number of men under their command. This detailed enumeration serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of David's administrative and military reforms. It conveys a sense of thoroughness, order, and control within the kingdom. Beyond mere listing, the repetition of the structure for each month creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, effect, emphasizing the systematic and divinely blessed order of David's reign. The inclusion of specific names and hometowns also employs **Specificity**, lending historical veracity and a personal touch to what might otherwise be a dry administrative record, grounding the grand scale of the kingdom in the individual contributions of its leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of David's kingdom, exemplified by the military divisions in 1 Chronicles 27:9, reflects a profound theological principle: God is a God of order, not chaos. Just as God established order in creation ([Genesis 1:1-2:3](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1-2:3 - The Order of Creation")), so too does He bless and enable human leaders to bring order to their spheres of influence. David's administrative genius, therefore, is not merely a testament to his human capabilities but also an outworking of divine wisdom granted to him for the stewardship of God's people. This passage implicitly teaches the value of diligent planning, faithful service, and effective delegation in fulfilling God-given responsibilities, whether in the realm of governance, community, or personal life. It suggests that a well-ordered life and society can be a reflection of God's character and a channel for His blessing.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Moses' Delegation of Authority")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Plan Your Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 27:9, while detailing an ancient military structure, offers profound insights for contemporary life. It reminds us that effective leadership, whether in a family, a business, or a church, requires thoughtful planning, clear delegation, and a commitment to order. David's system wasn't about micromanagement but about empowering competent individuals like Ira to lead significant portions of the kingdom's defense. This encourages us to identify and equip others for service, trusting them with responsibility and fostering an environment of mutual accountability. Furthermore, the dedication of Ira and his 24,000 men to their rotational duty speaks to the importance of faithful, consistent service in our own callings. Every task, no matter how seemingly mundane, contributes to the larger whole. Our commitment to order in our personal lives – managing our time, resources, and spiritual disciplines – can create stability and effectiveness, allowing us to be better stewards of the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of David's kingdom challenge my own approach to personal or communal responsibilities?**
* **In what areas of my life or service could I benefit from more intentional planning, delegation, or systematic execution?**
* **What does Ira's role as a "Tekoite" among David's trusted leaders teach me about the value of faithful service regardless of one's origin?**
* **How can I better embody the principle of "order" in my spiritual disciplines and daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why did David organize his army into monthly divisions, and what was the significance of 24,000 men per division?**

Answer: David's organization of his army into twelve monthly divisions, each comprising 24,000 men, was a brilliant administrative and military innovation for its time. The primary purpose was to maintain a large, well-trained, and continuously ready standing army without overburdening the populace with permanent conscription. By having each division serve only one month per year, the majority of the men could return to their civilian lives (farming, trade, etc.) for eleven months, minimizing economic disruption. This rotational system ensured that Israel always had a fresh, disciplined force available for defense or offensive campaigns. The consistent number of 24,000 men per division (totaling 288,000 active soldiers annually) signifies the immense scale of David's military power and his commitment to national security. It reflects a highly centralized and efficient system of governance, crucial for the stability and expansion of his kingdom, as seen throughout [1 Chronicles 27](/1-chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military Organization").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:9 details the earthly organization of King David's kingdom, it subtly points to the perfect and eternal order of God's ultimate kingdom, established and administered by Christ. David, as an earthly king, sought to bring order and security to Israel through human wisdom and delegated authority. This foreshadows Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings, who does not merely organize a temporary army but builds an eternal kingdom ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")) and commands a spiritual host. The meticulous record of David's captains and their divisions reflects a divinely inspired blueprint for effective stewardship, a principle fully realized in Christ's perfect leadership over His church, which is His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Just as Ira the Tekoite served faithfully in his assigned course, believers are called to faithful service within the ordered body of Christ, each contributing their gifts under the ultimate command of the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1-peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - Christ, the Chief Shepherd")). David's kingdom, with its structured preparedness, ultimately points to the peace and security found in Christ's reign, where the Lamb of God has already secured the ultimate victory, ensuring the eternal safety and order of His people ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Shepherd Them")).

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 11:28

Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,

2 Samuel 23:26

Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,