The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

1 CHRONICLES 27:5KJV
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1 Chronicles 27:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:5 states that Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, who was a chief priest, was the third commander in charge of the army for the third month, and under his leadership there were twenty-four thousand men. This verse is part of a list describing the organization of King David’s military leaders and their monthly rotations.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to record the history and organization of Israel, especially during King David’s reign. In this section, the writer details how the army was divided into groups, each led by a commander for one month at a time. Benaiah is highlighted here not only as a military leader but also as the son of a prominent priest, showing the close connection between religious and military leadership in Israel at that time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:5

  • The word for "captain" is שַׂר (sar, H8269), which means a chief, leader, or commander. This term emphasizes Benaiah’s high rank and authority over his division.
  • The word for "host" is צָבָא (tsava, H6635), meaning an organized group or army. This highlights the structured and disciplined nature of David’s forces.
  • The word for "course" is מַחְלָקָה (machlaka, H4256), which refers to a division or section, indicating that the army was systematically divided for orderly service.
  • The phrase "chief priest" uses רֹאשׁ (rosh, H7218) for "chief" and כֹּהֵן (kohen, H3548) for "priest," pointing out that Benaiah’s father, Jehoiada, was a leading priest, which adds to Benaiah’s significance.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:5 matters

  • This verse shows that military leadership in Israel could be closely tied to priestly families, reflecting the intertwining of religious and civic responsibilities.
  • The detailed organization of the army, with each division serving for a month, reveals the careful planning and structure under King David’s rule.
  • By naming Benaiah and his lineage, the verse connects the military record to the broader story of Israel’s key leaders, helping readers see the continuity between different roles in the nation’s life.