The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

1 CHRONICLES 27:11KJV
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1 Chronicles 27:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:11 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:11 records that Sibbecai the Hushathite, from the clan of the Zarhites, was appointed as the eighth captain in charge of the military division for the eighth month, commanding twenty-four thousand men. This verse is part of a list detailing the leaders and organization of King David’s army, specifically naming who led each monthly rotation.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document Israel’s history, and this chapter lists the military leaders who served King David. The verse highlights the structured and orderly way David’s army was organized, with each captain responsible for a large group of soldiers during a specific month. Sibbecai, mentioned here, is also noted elsewhere in the Bible as a warrior, showing his trusted position in David’s administration.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:11

  • שִׁבְּכַי (Sibbecai, shibbekay): This is the name of the captain, showing that individual leaders were recognized and remembered for their service.
  • חוּשָׁתִי (Hushathite, chushathi): This word identifies Sibbecai’s origin, likely linking him to a specific family or region, which mattered for tribal identity in Israel.
  • זַרְחִי (Zarhites, zarkhi): This term connects Sibbecai to the descendants of Zerah, a clan within the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the importance of lineage.
  • מַחֲלָקָה (course, machalakah): This word refers to the division or rotation, showing the organized system of military service, with each group serving for a set period.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:11 matters

  • This verse clears up that David’s army was not a standing army but was organized into rotating divisions, each serving one month a year, which helped manage resources and manpower.
  • The mention of specific names and clans underlines the importance of tribal and family identity in Israel’s leadership structure.
  • By listing these leaders, the passage connects to the broader theme of order and faithful service in David’s reign, showing how responsibilities were shared among trusted men.

Where else these words appear

“Sibbecai” Hebrew H5444 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
  • 1 Chronicles 20:4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

“Hushathite” Hebrew H2843 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.
  • 2 Samuel 23:27 Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
  • 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

“Zarhites” Hebrew H2227 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 26:13 Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.
  • Numbers 26:20 And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.
  • Joshua 7:17 And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:

“eighth” Hebrew H8066 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 22:30 Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
  • Leviticus 23:36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
  • 1 Kings 12:33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.