1 Chronicles 27:11
The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.
The eighth, for the eighth month
In the context of 1 Chronicles 27, King David organized the military into divisions, each serving for one month of the year. This system ensured that the kingdom was always protected without overburdening any single group. The number eight in biblical numerology often signifies new beginnings or a new order, which may symbolize the renewal of military strength each month.

was Sibbecai the Hushathite
Sibbecai is noted as one of David's mighty warriors, also mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:18, where he defeated a Philistine giant. His designation as a Hushathite indicates his origin from Hushah, a location not precisely identified but likely within the tribal territories of Judah. This highlights the diverse backgrounds of David's warriors, unified under his leadership.

a Zerahite
The term Zerahite refers to Sibbecai's descent from Zerah, one of the sons of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:30). This lineage places him within the tribe of Judah, the same tribe as King David, emphasizing the strong tribal connections and loyalties that were significant in Israel's social and military structures.

There were 24,000 men in his division
Each division of David's army consisted of 24,000 men, a substantial force that reflects the organized and formidable nature of Israel's military under David's reign. This number also suggests a well-structured system capable of rapid mobilization, ensuring the kingdom's security. The organization into divisions parallels the order seen in other parts of David's administration, such as the priestly courses (1 Chronicles 24), indicating a comprehensive approach to governance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sibbecai the Hushathite
Sibbecai was one of David's mighty warriors, known for his bravery and leadership. He is mentioned as the leader of the division for the eighth month, commanding 24,000 men. His designation as a "Hushathite" indicates his origin from Hushah, a place or clan within the tribe of Judah.

2. Zerahite
This term refers to Sibbecai's lineage, tracing back to Zerah, one of the sons of Judah. The Zerahites were a prominent family within the tribe of Judah.

3. The Eighth Month
In the Hebrew calendar, the eighth month is known as Cheshvan. It is a time when the agricultural cycle in Israel transitions from the harvest to the rainy season.

4. David's Military Divisions
This event is part of the larger organizational structure established by King David, where the army was divided into 12 divisions, each serving one month of the year.

5. 24,000 Men
This number signifies the size of the military division under Sibbecai's command, reflecting the organized and substantial nature of David's army.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Sibbecai's role as a leader of 24,000 men demonstrates the importance of responsible and courageous leadership. In our lives, we are called to lead with integrity and strength, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities.

Faithfulness in Service
Just as Sibbecai faithfully served in his appointed month, we are encouraged to be faithful in the tasks and roles God has given us, trusting that our contributions are valuable to His kingdom.

Heritage and Identity
Understanding Sibbecai's identity as a Zerahite reminds us of the significance of our spiritual heritage. As Christians, our identity is rooted in Christ, and we are called to live in a way that honors our spiritual lineage.

God's Sovereign Organization
The structured nature of David's army reflects God's order and sovereignty. We can trust that God has a plan and purpose for our lives, even when we may not see the full picture.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities do you think made Sibbecai a suitable leader for one of David's military divisions, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles?

2. How does Sibbecai's victory over the Philistine giant in 2 Samuel 21:18 inspire you to face the "giants" in your own life?

3. In what ways can we be faithful in the "month" or season God has placed us, similar to how Sibbecai served in his appointed time?

4. How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ influence the way we live and make decisions?

5. Reflect on a time when you saw God's sovereign organization in your life. How did it strengthen your faith and trust in His plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 21:18
This passage recounts Sibbecai's victory over a Philistine giant, highlighting his valor and strength, which made him a suitable leader for one of David's military divisions.

1 Chronicles 11:29
Sibbecai is listed among David's mighty men, emphasizing his importance and role in David's reign.

Genesis 38:30
The mention of Zerah, the ancestor of Sibbecai, connects to the broader account of Judah's lineage and God's faithfulness to His promises to 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, Eighth, Hushathite, Hu'shathite, Month, Sibbecai, Sib'becai, Sibbechai, 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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