1 Chronicles 27:9
The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
The sixth, for the sixth month
This phrase indicates the structured and organized nature of King David's military system. The use of "sixth" reflects the Hebrew word "shishi," which denotes order and completion. In the biblical context, the number six often symbolizes human effort and labor, as man was created on the sixth day. This monthly rotation system ensured that the kingdom was always protected, demonstrating the wisdom and foresight of David's administration.

was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite
"Ira" is a name that means "watchful" or "vigilant," which is fitting for a military leader. The mention of "Ikkesh" as his father provides a genealogical link, emphasizing the importance of family lineage in Israelite society. "The Tekoite" indicates that Ira hailed from Tekoa, a town in Judah known for its wise inhabitants, as seen in the account of the wise woman of Tekoa in 2 Samuel 14. This highlights the strategic selection of leaders from regions known for their wisdom and capability.

There were 24,000 men in his division
The number "24,000" signifies a substantial military force, reflecting the strength and readiness of David's army. In Hebrew, numbers often carry symbolic meaning, and the number 24 can be seen as a multiple of 12, which represents divine government and authority. This large division underscores the importance of maintaining a robust defense and the trust placed in Ira's leadership. The organized structure of these divisions illustrates the biblical principle of preparedness and stewardship, ensuring the security and stability of the nation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ira
A leader of the sixth division of King David's army, serving during the sixth month. His role signifies trust and responsibility in the military structure of Israel.

2. Ikkesh
The father of Ira, indicating a lineage that is recognized and respected within the community of Israel.

3. The Tekoite
Refers to Ira's origin from Tekoa, a town in Judah known for its strategic location and later as the home of the prophet Amos.

4. 24,000 Men
The size of the division under Ira's command, highlighting the organized and substantial military force of Israel during King David's reign.

5. The Sixth Month
Part of the rotational system established by King David for military service, ensuring that the army was always prepared and well-managed.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Ira's role as a leader of 24,000 men demonstrates the importance of leadership and responsibility. In our lives, we are called to lead with integrity and diligence, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities.

Heritage and Identity
Being identified as "the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite" shows the importance of heritage and identity. As Christians, our identity in Christ should be the foundation of our actions and decisions.

Preparedness and Organization
The structured military divisions reflect the need for preparedness and organization. In our spiritual lives, we should be disciplined and ready to face challenges with faith and order.

Faithfulness in Service
Ira's service in the sixth month is a reminder of the faithfulness required in our service to God. We are called to be consistent and committed in our walk with Christ.

Community and Contribution
The mention of Ira and his division highlights the value of community and contribution. Each person has a role to play in the body of Christ, contributing to the greater mission of the Church.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ira's leadership role in 1 Chronicles 27:9 inspire you to take on leadership responsibilities in your own life?

2. In what ways can understanding your spiritual heritage and identity in Christ influence your daily decisions and actions?

3. How can you apply the principles of preparedness and organization from Ira's military division to your spiritual life?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate faithfulness in your service to God and others?

5. How can you contribute to your community or church in a way that reflects the organized and purposeful structure seen in King David's army?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 22:2
This passage describes David's early followers, many of whom were distressed or in debt. It connects to the idea of God using unlikely individuals, like Ira, to fulfill His purposes.

2 Samuel 23:26
Lists Ira among David's mighty warriors, emphasizing his valor and importance in David's military campaigns.

Amos 1:1
Amos, a prophet from Tekoa, shares the same hometown as Ira, suggesting a place of significance in biblical history.
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
24000, Course, Division, Ikkesh, Ira, Month, Sixth, Tekoite, Teko'ite, 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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