### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Mahăray**, represented by `{{H4121}}`, means **hasty**. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the biblical text. The name identifies a specific Israelite who served as one of King David's notable military figures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Mahăray** `{{H4121}}` is consistently identified as one of David's distinguished warriors. He is listed among the mighty men in both [[2 Samuel 23:28]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:30]]. In all his appearances, he is called "the Netophathite," indicating his place of origin `{{H5200}}`. The most detailed account of his service is found in [[1 Chronicles 27:13]], which specifies his role as the captain for the **tenth** `{{H6224}}` **month** `{{H2320}}` in David's rotational army. This verse also notes his lineage as being from "the Zarhites" `{{H2227}}` and states that his **course** `{{H4256}}` consisted of **twenty** `{{H6242}}` and **four** `{{H702}}` **thousand** `{{H505}}` men.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify Maharai's identity and role:
* `{{H5200}}` **Nᵉṭôphâthîy** (Netophathite): Meaning "a Netophathite, or inhabitant of Netophah," this term connects Maharai to a specific location and community, appearing alongside his name in every mention [[2 Samuel 23:28]].
* `{{H2227}}` **Zarchîy** (Zarhites): This patronymic, meaning "a Zarchite or descendant of Zerach," defines Maharai's clan lineage within Israel, connecting him to the family of Zerah [[1 Chronicles 27:13]].
* `{{H4256}}` **machălôqeth** (course): Defined as "a section (of Levites, people or soldiers); company, course, division, portion," this word describes the organizational structure of Maharai's military command under David [[1 Chronicles 27:13]].
* `{{H6224}}` **ʻăsîyrîy** (tenth): This ordinal number specifies the timing of Maharai's command within the kingdom's monthly rotation, highlighting the organized nature of his service [[1 Chronicles 27:13]].
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of **Mahăray** `{{H4121}}` in the scriptural record offers insight into the structure of David's kingdom.
* **Organized Administration:** Maharai's position as a captain over a monthly **course** `{{H4256}}` demonstrates the highly organized system David established for both military and civil duties, ensuring the kingdom's readiness and stability [[1 Chronicles 27:13]].
* **Importance of Lineage:** The text carefully notes that Maharai was a **Netophathite** `{{H5200}}` and one of the **Zarhites** `{{H2227}}`. This underscores the biblical value placed on identity, heritage, and one's place within the larger tribal structure of Israel.
* **Faithful Service:** By being named as a captain and one of David's mighty men, Maharai is memorialized as a loyal and significant contributor to the king's reign and the security of the nation [[2 Samuel 23:28]].
### Summary
In summary, **Mahăray** `{{H4121}}` is presented as a distinguished Israelite warrior and commander. While the name itself means "hasty," his record points to a man entrusted with significant responsibility. The verses that mention him not only list him among David's elite but also detail his specific role in the kingdom's administration, preserving his legacy as a captain from the **Zarhites** `{{H2227}}` who faithfully commanded a large military **course** `{{H4256}}`.
TRV