1 Chronicles 27:13
The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai the Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
The tenth, for the tenth month,
This phrase refers to the military organization established by King David, where the army was divided into twelve divisions, each serving one month of the year. The tenth division served during the tenth month, reflecting a structured and orderly approach to military service. This system ensured that the nation was always protected while allowing soldiers to return home for most of the year, promoting stability and continuity in both military and civilian life.

was Maharai the Netophathite,
Maharai is identified as the leader of this division. He is noted as a Netophathite, indicating his origin from Netophah, a town near Bethlehem. This connection to Bethlehem is significant, as it is the birthplace of David and later Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of this region in biblical history. Maharai's leadership role underscores the importance of local leaders in the broader national structure.

a Zerahite.
Maharai is further identified as a Zerahite, linking him to the clan of Zerah, one of the sons of Judah. This lineage is significant as it connects Maharai to the tribe of Judah, the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The mention of his ancestry emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises to Judah regarding leadership and kingship.

There were 24,000 men in his division.
The size of Maharai's division, 24,000 men, reflects the substantial military resources available to Israel under David's reign. This number indicates a well-organized and formidable force, capable of defending the nation against external threats. The organization into divisions of 24,000 also suggests a level of administrative sophistication and the ability to mobilize large numbers of troops efficiently.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Maharai
A leader of the tenth division of King David's army, Maharai is identified as a Netophathite and a Zerahite. The Netophathites were a group from the town of Netophah, near Bethlehem, and the Zerahites were descendants of Zerah, a son of Judah.

2. Netophathite
This term refers to the inhabitants of Netophah, a town in the tribal territory of Judah. It is mentioned in the context of David's mighty men and their divisions.

3. Zerahite
Descendants of Zerah, one of the sons of Judah. The Zerahites were one of the clans within the tribe of Judah.

4. Tenth Month
In the Hebrew calendar, the tenth month is Tevet, which typically falls around December-January in the Gregorian calendar.

5. 24,000
This number refers to the size of the military division led by Maharai, indicating the organized and substantial nature of David's army.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Maharai's role as a leader of 24,000 men underscores the importance of leadership and responsibility in God's kingdom. Each leader is accountable for those under their charge.

Heritage and Identity
Understanding one's heritage, as seen with Maharai being a Zerahite, can provide a sense of identity and purpose. Our spiritual heritage in Christ should guide our actions and decisions.

Faithfulness in Service
Maharai's inclusion in the list of David's military leaders highlights the value of faithfulness and dedication in service. We are called to serve faithfully in whatever capacity God places us.

Organizational Structure
The organized divisions of David's army reflect the importance of structure and order in achieving common goals. This principle can be applied to church and ministry settings today.

God's Sovereignty in Appointments
The appointment of leaders like Maharai demonstrates God's sovereignty in placing individuals in positions of influence and responsibility. Trust in God's timing and placement in your life.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities do you think Maharai possessed to be chosen as a leader of 24,000 men, and how can we cultivate similar qualities in our own lives?

2. How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ influence our identity and purpose, similar to Maharai's identity as a Zerahite?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness and dedication in our current roles, whether in church, work, or family?

4. How can the organizational structure of David's army inform the way we approach leadership and teamwork in our church or community?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt God placed you in a specific role or position. How did you see His sovereignty at work, and how can this encourage you in future opportunities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 11:26-47
This passage lists David's mighty men, including Maharai, highlighting his role and valor among David's elite warriors.

2 Samuel 23:20-23
Provides additional context on the structure and valor of David's mighty men, emphasizing the importance of leadership and loyalty in David's reign.

Genesis 38:30
Discusses the birth of Zerah, providing background on the lineage of the Zerahites and their significance within the tribe of Judah.
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, Maharai, Ma'harai, Mahrai, Month, Netoph'ah, Netophathite, Tenth, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-four, Zarhite, Zarhites, Zerahite, Zerahites, Ze'rahites
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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