Keraia
1 Chronicles 27

1 Chronicles 27:7

Twelve Captains for Twelve Months · 1 Chronicles 27:1–15
Read 1 Chronicles 27

Translations

Modern
The fourth, for the fourth month, was Joab’s brother Asahel, and his son Zebadiah was commander after him. There were 24,000 men in his division.
Traditional
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.
Literal
The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him, and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
Latin
Quartus, mense quarto, Asahel frater Joab, et Zabadias filius ejus post eum: et in turma ejus viginti quatuor millia.

Original

Hebrew
English
The fourth, for the fourth month, was Joab’s brother Asahel, and his son Zebadiah was commander after him. There were 24,000 men in his division.

Notes

1 Chronicles 27:1–15

David organized his reserve army into twelve divisions. Each division served for one month each year. Their duties likely included protecting borders, policing, maintaining order in conquered areas, manning fortresses, and taking care of military equipment like horses and chariots. The divisions were not based on Israel’s tribal structure. Each division included people from different tribes, showing the kingdom's integration.

Theme notes and profiles

David

People

Asahel: Son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, killed by Abner Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army Zebadiah: Son of Asahel, commander of David's army

Glossary

Chronicles, Books of First and Second David Genealogy Warfare Zebadiah

Topics

Armies: Generals of Corps and Divisions Asahel: Nephew of David, and One of his Captains Month: Twelve Months Reckoned to a Year Months: The Year Composed of Twelve The Armies of Israel: Part of, Retained in Times of Peace by the Kings Zebadiah: Son of Asahel