1 Chronicles 27:4
Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division for the second month, and Mikloth was the leader. There were 24,000 men in his division.
Dodai the Ahohite
The name "Dodai" is derived from the Hebrew root "דּוֹד" (dod), meaning "beloved" or "friend." This name reflects a sense of endearment and loyalty, which is fitting for a leader in King David's army. The term "Ahohite" indicates Dodai's lineage, tracing back to Ahoah, a descendant of Benjamin. This connection to the tribe of Benjamin is significant, as it highlights the diverse tribal representation in David's administration, emphasizing unity among the tribes of Israel.

was in charge of the division
The phrase "was in charge" comes from the Hebrew "עַל" (al), meaning "over" or "upon," indicating authority and responsibility. This reflects the structured and organized nature of David's military, where leadership was clearly defined. The "division" refers to one of the twelve military divisions established by David, each serving for one month of the year. This system ensured that the nation was always prepared for defense while allowing soldiers to return to civilian life, demonstrating wisdom in governance and care for the people.

for the second month
The "second month" corresponds to the Hebrew month of Iyyar, which falls in the springtime. This period was significant for agricultural activities, and having a dedicated military division during this time ensured protection during a crucial season. The cyclical nature of the divisions reflects the rhythm of life in ancient Israel, where spiritual, agricultural, and military aspects were interwoven.

with Mikloth as the officer in his division
"Mikloth" means "staves" or "rods" in Hebrew, symbolizing support and strength. As the "officer," or "נָגִיד" (nagid), Mikloth held a position of leadership and authority under Dodai. This hierarchical structure ensured order and efficiency within the division. The mention of Mikloth highlights the importance of teamwork and delegation in leadership, as even the most capable leaders rely on trusted officers to execute their plans effectively.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Dodai the Ahohite
Dodai is identified as the leader of the division for the second month. The term "Ahohite" likely refers to his lineage or clan, possibly connected to Ahoah, a descendant of Benjamin.

2. Mikloth
Mikloth is mentioned as the leader under Dodai, indicating a position of authority within the military structure.

3. The Division for the Second Month
This refers to the organized military structure established by King David, where each division served for one month out of the year, ensuring a ready and rotating defense force.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Legacy
Dodai's role as a leader highlights the importance of leadership within God's ordained structures. His family's legacy, including his son Eleazar, underscores the impact of godly leadership across generations.

Organized Service
The division of military service into monthly rotations reflects the value of organization and preparedness in serving God's purposes. This principle can be applied to how we organize our own lives and ministries.

Faithfulness in Assigned Roles
Mikloth's position under Dodai illustrates the importance of faithfulness in the roles we are given, whether in leadership or support positions. Each role is vital to the overall mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Dodai's leadership about the qualities God values in those who lead His people?

2. How does the concept of organized service in David's military divisions apply to the way we structure our time and resources for God's work today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our legacy, like Dodai's, reflects faithfulness and commitment to God's purposes?

4. How does the relationship between Dodai and Mikloth illustrate the importance of teamwork and collaboration in fulfilling God's plans?

5. What other biblical examples of organized service can we find, and how do they inform our understanding of serving God effectively?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 27:1-15
This passage provides context for the military divisions established by King David, detailing the leaders and their respective months of service.

2 Samuel 23:9
This verse mentions Eleazar, son of Dodai, as one of David's mighty warriors, suggesting a family legacy of military leadership.

1 Chronicles 11:12
This verse also references Eleazar, providing further insight into the valor and significance of Dodai's family.
The Army, Tribal Princes, Royal PossessionsF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson, B. A.1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
People
Aaron, Aaronites, Abiathar, Abiezer, Abner, Adiel, Adlai, Ahithophel, Ammizabad, Arkite, Asahel, Azareel, Azaziah, Azmaveth, Azriel, Baalhanan, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Chelub, Dan, David, Dodai, Eleazar, Eliezer, Elihu, Ezri, Hachmoni, Hanan, Hashabiah, Heldai, Helez, Hosea, Hoshea, Hushai, Iddo, Ikkesh, Ira, Ishmaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Jaasiel, Jashobeam, Jaziz, Jehdeiah, Jehiel, Jehoiada, Jehonathan, Jeremoth, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jonathan, Kemuel, Levi, Levites, Maacah, Maachah, Maharai, Manasseh, Michael, Mikloth, Naphtali, Obadiah, Obil, Omri, Othniel, Pedaiah, Perez, Reubenites, Shamhuth, Shaphat, Shephatiah, Shimei, Shitrai, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Simeonites, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zarhites, Zebadiah, Zebulun, Zechariah, Zerahites, Zeruiah, Zichri
Places
Anathoth, Gilead, Jerusalem, Netophah, Pirathon, Sharon, Shephelah
Topics
Ahohite, Aho'hite, Charge, Chief, Course, Division, Dodai, Eleazar, Leader, Likewise, Mikloth, Month, Officer, President, Ruler, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-four
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 27:1-15

     4978   year
     5266   conscription

1 Chronicles 27:1-22

     5544   soldiers

Library
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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