1 Chronicles 27:5
The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. There were 24,000 men in his division.
The third commander
This phrase introduces us to the structure of the military organization under King David. The use of "third" indicates a systematic and orderly arrangement, reflecting the importance of organization in leadership. In Hebrew, the word for "third" is "שְׁלִישִׁי" (shelishi), which signifies not only sequence but also completeness and divine order, as the number three often symbolizes in biblical numerology.

for the third month
The Hebrew calendar was lunar-based, and the third month, Sivan, typically corresponds to May-June in the Gregorian calendar. This period was significant agriculturally, marking the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest, a time of provision and sustenance. The assignment of commanders by month suggests a rotation system, ensuring that the military was always prepared and that leadership was shared among capable men.

was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest
Benaiah is a prominent figure in David's reign, known for his loyalty and valor. His father, Jehoiada, being a priest, indicates a lineage of both spiritual and military significance. The name "Benaiah" means "Yahweh has built," reflecting a divine foundation and strength. This dual heritage of priesthood and military might underscores the integration of faith and duty in Israel's leadership.

the chief
This title denotes Benaiah's high rank and authority. In Hebrew, "chief" is "הַשָּׂר" (ha'sar), meaning prince or leader. It implies not only a position of command but also one of respect and responsibility. Benaiah's role as chief highlights the importance of godly leadership, where authority is exercised with wisdom and integrity.

and there were 24,000 men in his division
The mention of "24,000 men" signifies a substantial and well-organized military force. The number 24,000 is significant, as it reflects a complete and robust unit, ready for defense and action. This structure ensured that Israel was protected and that each division was adequately staffed, demonstrating the importance of preparedness and strength in safeguarding the nation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Benaiah
A valiant warrior and leader, Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a priest. He was known for his loyalty to King David and later served as a commander in King Solomon's army. His notable deeds include killing two Moabite warriors and a lion in a pit on a snowy day.

2. Jehoiada
A priest and the father of Benaiah, Jehoiada played a significant role in the spiritual and military leadership of Israel. His lineage indicates a blend of priestly and military influence.

3. The Third Month
In the Hebrew calendar, the third month is Sivan, which typically corresponds to May-June in the Gregorian calendar. This was a time of military readiness and organization in David's kingdom.

4. 24,000 Men
This number represents the size of the division under Benaiah's command, highlighting the organized and structured military system established by King David.

5. Division
The term refers to the organized military units in David's army, each led by a commander for a specific month, ensuring a well-prepared and rotating defense system.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Loyalty
Benaiah's life exemplifies the importance of loyalty and integrity in leadership. His faithfulness to David and Solomon shows the value of steadfastness in our commitments.

Courage in Action
Benaiah's bravery in battle serves as an inspiration for facing challenges with courage and trust in God's strength.

Organizational Structure
The division of the army into monthly rotations reflects the importance of organization and preparedness in both spiritual and practical aspects of life.

Priestly Influence in Leadership
Benaiah's priestly heritage underscores the integration of spiritual values in leadership roles, reminding us to lead with a heart aligned with God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Benaiah's role as a leader reflect the qualities God values in those who serve Him?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of loyalty, as demonstrated by Benaiah, in our relationships and commitments today?

3. How does the organizational structure of David's army inform our understanding of effective leadership and management in the church or workplace?

4. What can we learn from Benaiah's courage in facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, and how can this inspire us in our personal battles?

5. How does Benaiah's priestly background influence his leadership, and what does this teach us about the integration of faith and professional life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 23:20-23
This passage provides more details about Benaiah's exploits and his role as one of David's mighty warriors, emphasizing his bravery and skill.

1 Kings 2:35
Benaiah's loyalty and service to Solomon are highlighted here, where he is appointed over the army, replacing Joab.

Exodus 12:2
The mention of months in the Hebrew calendar can be connected to the establishment of the calendar system in Exodus, which was crucial for organizing both religious and civic life.
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
Army, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Captain, Chief, Commander, Course, Division, Host, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Month, Officer, Priest, Principal, Third, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-four
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 27:1-15

     4978   year
     5266   conscription

1 Chronicles 27:1-22

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 27:5-6

     5087   David, reign of

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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