And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand.

1 CHRONICLES 27:4KJV
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1 Chronicles 27:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:4 lists Dodai the Ahohite as the commander in charge of the military division for Israel during the second month, with Mikloth as his chief officer, and notes that this division consisted of 24,000 men. The verse is part of a record detailing how King David organized his army into monthly rotating units.

This verse comes from a section where the chronicler is describing how King David set up the structure of Israel’s military leadership. Each month, a different leader commanded a group of 24,000 soldiers, ensuring that the nation always had a ready force. Dodai and Mikloth are named here to show their specific roles and responsibilities in this organized system.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:4

  • The word for "course" (מַחֲלֹקֶת, machaloqet) refers to an organized division or rotation, highlighting the orderly and systematic way David arranged the army.
  • "Second" (שֵׁנִי, sheni) and "month" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh) together specify the time frame, making it clear that this was a monthly system with a new commander each month.
  • "Ruler" (נָגִיד, nagid) describes Mikloth’s role as a leader or chief officer, indicating he had authority under Dodai within this division.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:4 matters

  • This verse helps clarify how David’s army was not a standing force under one leader, but a rotating system that spread responsibility and service throughout the nation.
  • The mention of both Dodai and Mikloth shows that leadership was shared and structured, not centered on a single figure.
  • Understanding this organization sheds light on the practical governance and military readiness of Israel during David’s reign, connecting to the broader theme of order and preparation in these chapters.

Where else these words appear

“Mikloth” Hebrew H4732 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 8:32 And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:37 And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:38 And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem, over against their brethren.

“Ahohite” Hebrew H266 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
  • 2 Samuel 23:28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,
  • 1 Chronicles 11:12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.

“course” Hebrew H4256 · used in 36 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:6 This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

“ruler” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.