1 Chronicles 27:13

The tenth [captain] for the tenth month [was] Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

The tenth {H6224} captain for the tenth {H6224} month {H2320} was Maharai {H4121} the Netophathite {H5200}, of the Zarhites {H2227}: and in his course {H4256} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505}.

The tenth commander, for the tenth month, was Mahrai, the N'tofati, from the Zarchi; there were 24,000 in his division.

The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai the Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:13 introduces Maharai the Netophathite, the military captain assigned to the tenth month of King David's annual rotation of twenty-four thousand men. This verse is part of a detailed record demonstrating David's meticulous organization of his kingdom's military and administrative affairs.

Context

This verse is found within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that meticulously outlines King David's administrative and military reforms. Following the organization of the Levites and priests into courses, David established a highly structured system for his army. 1 Chronicles 27:1-15 specifically lists the twelve monthly divisions, each commanded by a captain and consisting of 24,000 men, designed to serve the king in rotation throughout the year. Maharai's entry for the tenth month highlights the precision and comprehensiveness of this organizational feat, ensuring year-round military readiness and orderly service.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization: The detailed roster underscores David's commitment to systematic governance. This meticulous planning ensured stability and readiness for the kingdom, reflecting wise administration.
  • Effective Leadership: David's foresight in delegating authority and establishing clear roles reflects strong leadership, vital for managing a large nation and its military.
  • Accountability and Structure: The rotational system ensured that all able-bodied men had a defined role and that military strength was consistently maintained, preventing burnout and ensuring consistent service.
  • Faithful Service: While a military roster, it also speaks to the concept of individuals fulfilling their appointed roles within a larger divine plan for Israel, echoing principles of dedicated service found throughout scripture.

Linguistic Insights

The term "course" (Hebrew: machalak) refers to a division or rotation, indicating a structured period of service. This concept of rotational duty was also applied to the priests and Levites in the temple service, emphasizing a consistent and orderly approach to responsibilities within ancient Israelite society. The detailed enumeration of names and numbers reflects a common practice in ancient Near Eastern administrative records, highlighting the historical accuracy and importance of these biblical accounts.

Practical Application

While 1 Chronicles 27:13 details an ancient military structure, its underlying principles remain highly relevant today. It teaches the value of good administration, strategic planning, and the importance of every individual's contribution within a larger body or organization. Just as King David ensured his kingdom was well-ordered, believers are called to live with order and purpose, using their gifts to serve God and others. This verse reminds us that even seemingly mundane organizational details are crucial for effective action and can contribute to a larger, divine purpose, much like the body of Christ functions with many members, each with their specific role and contribution.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 11:30 (4 votes)

    Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,

  • 2 Samuel 23:28 (3 votes)

    Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,