Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 27:13
What does 1 Chronicles 27:13 mean?
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1 Chronicles 27:13
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This verse highlights something often overlooked: the sheer scale of David's organized administration. Beyond the battlefield and worship, the text details a massive, structured military rotation, with tens of thousands assigned to guard duty in specific months, revealing a kingdom deeply organized and actively managed.
Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a detailed accounting of David's kingdom, specifically listing the captains and their divisions of 12,000 men each who served King David monthly. It follows the setup of the entire administrative structure of David's military and court. This verse simply names the leader and his total for the tenth month, before the text continues to list the remaining leaders for the twelfth month and other important officials.
Ever wonder how a kingdom as vast as ancient Israel kept everything running smoothly? It wasn't just a king and his advisors.
There was an intricate system, like a well-oiled machine, that ensured every part of the nation functioned with purpose.
1 Chronicles 27 reveals a remarkable organizational structure King David put in place.
A Twelve-Month Rotation
David divided the kingdom's leadership and military into twelve divisions, each responsible for one month of the year. This wasn't just for administrative convenience; it was a way to ensure:
Maharai, from Netophah, led the tenth division for the tenth month. His role, along with 24,000 men under him, was crucial for that specific period, just as every other division was vital for its month. This highlights a God-ordained order for national life, where consistent, rotating service was key.
Ask a follow-up
In the grand scheme of David's kingdom, everyone had a place and a time. But what does it mean to be specifically tasked with the tenth month?
This wasn't a minor detail; it represented a vital contribution to the nation's stability and security.
The mention of Maharai and his division for the tenth month (likely Tebeth, around December/January) underscores the principle that every part of the year matters.
Significance of Specificity
The organization described in this verse wasn't just about counting people; it was a vital administrative and military structure David implemented late in his reign, likely as a response to national crises and to ensure order before Solomon took the throne.
c. 1011 BC
David Anoints Solomon King
As his reign neared its end, David ensured a smooth transition of power by having his son Solomon anointed king.
c. 1010 BC
David Takes the Census
Near the end of his life, David ordered a census of Israel and Judah, a controversial act that incurred God's displeasure.
c. 1010 BC
The Plague of the Lord
As a consequence of the census, a devastating plague swept through the land, killing 70,000 people.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
David Establishes Administrative Divisions
In the aftermath of the plague and to manage the kingdom effectively, David organized the people into twelve administrative and military divisions.
c. 1010 BC
Maharai Appointed for Tenth Month
Maharai, from the Zerahite clan, was assigned leadership for the tenth month, overseeing 24,000 men in his division.
c. 1005 BC
David's Death
King David passed away after a long and impactful reign, leaving the kingdom to his son Solomon.
This passage introduces the monthly divisions of soldiers, setting the context for Maharai's specific role in the tenth month.
Numbers 1:1-4This chapter details the first census of Israel, listing the heads of the tribes and their fighting men, mirroring the organized military structure described in Chronicles.
2 Samuel 23:24-39This lists David's mighty men, including commanders like those who would later lead the monthly divisions, showing the continuation of skilled leadership in Israel's military.
Joshua 18:1This verse describes the setting up of the tabernacle at Shiloh, a crucial point where the people were organized, similar to how the military was organized by month and by division.
This verse highlights something often overlooked: the sheer scale of David's organized administration. Beyond the battlefield and worship, the text details a massive, structured military rotation, with tens of thousands assigned to guard duty in specific months, revealing a kingdom deeply organized and actively managed.
This passage is part of a detailed accounting of David's kingdom, specifically listing the captains and their divisions of 12,000 men each who served King David monthly. It follows the setup of the entire administrative structure of David's military and court. This verse simply names the leader and his total for the tenth month, before the text continues to list the remaining leaders for the twelfth month and other important officials.
This passage is part of a detailed accounting of David's kingdom, specifically listing the captains and their divisions of 12,000 men each who served King David monthly. It follows the setup of the entire administrative structure of David's military and court. This verse simply names the leader and his total for the tenth month, before the text continues to list the remaining leaders for the twelfth month and other important officials.
"Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000." — This verse highlights something often overlooked: the sheer scale of David's organized administration. Beyond the battlefield and worship, the text details a massive, structured military rotation, wi…
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Last reviewed October 2026