1 Chronicles 27:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:9 records that Ira, the son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, was appointed as the sixth captain in charge of the military division for the sixth month, commanding 24,000 men. This verse is part of a list detailing the leaders and organization of King David’s army, showing how the forces were divided and led throughout the year.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document Israel’s history, and here it describes how King David set up a rotating system of military leadership, with each captain and his division responsible for one month. Ira’s mention as the sixth captain highlights both his family background and his hometown, Tekoa, giving a glimpse into the structure and local representation within David’s administration.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:9

• שִׁשִּׁי (shishshi, "sixth") and חֹדֶשׁ (chodesh, "month"): These words show the careful, ordered rotation of leadership, with each captain serving for a specific month, emphasizing the organized nature of David’s military.
• אִירָא (Ira) and תְּקוֹעִי (Tekoite): Naming Ira and his hometown, Tekoa, underlines the practice of appointing leaders from various regions, reflecting the broader inclusion of different clans and towns in national service.
• מַחֲלֹקֶת (machalóqet, "course" or "division"): This word refers to the military unit or division, indicating a formal, structured group rather than an ad hoc gathering, which helps clarify the administrative sophistication of David’s reign.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:9 matters

• This verse helps clear up any idea that David’s army was loosely organized; instead, it shows a well-structured, rotating system with clear leadership and regional representation.
• By listing specific names and hometowns, the passage highlights the importance of local identity and family lineage in Israel’s leadership, which mattered both for accountability and for a sense of shared national responsibility.
• The verse connects to the wider chapter, which details the entire system of monthly military divisions, giving insight into how ancient Israel managed its defense and governance during David’s rule.