King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 27:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 27:8 in the King James Version says “The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.”

1 Chronicles 27:8 · KJV

Context

6

This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.

7

The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

8

The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

9

The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

10

The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

Read 1 Chronicles 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Military and civil administration - kingdom organization. The Hebrew term שָׂרִים (sarim) - princes/officers is theologically significant here, pointing to Godly governance and administration. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Godly governance and administration. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ's kingdom administration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Military and civil administration - kingdom organization occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Godly governance and administration challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's kingdom administration teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הַֽחֲמִישִׁ֔י1 of 11

“The fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ2 of 11

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַֽחֲמִישִׁ֔י3 of 11

“The fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

הַשַּׂ֖ר4 of 11

“captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

שַׁמְה֣וּת5 of 11

“was Shamhuth”

H8049

shamhuth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרָ֑ח6 of 11

“the Izrahite”

H3155

a jizrach (i.e., ezrachite or zarchite) or descendant of zerach

וְעַל֙7 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַֽחֲלֻקְתּ֔וֹ8 of 11

“and in his course”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים9 of 11

“were twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַרְבָּעָ֖ה10 of 11

“and four”

H702

four

אָֽלֶף׃11 of 11

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 27:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 27:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 11:272 Samuel 23:251 Chronicles 26:29

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