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
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 sixth month corresponds to the Hebrew month of Elul, which typically falls around August-September in the Gregorian calendar. This month was significant for preparation and reflection, leading up to the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

was Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite
Ira is identified as the son of Ikkesh and hails from Tekoa, a town in Judah. Tekoa is historically significant, known for its strategic location and its association with the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1). The mention of Ira's lineage and hometown highlights the importance of family and tribal affiliations in Israelite society. It also underscores the diversity within David's army, drawing leaders from various regions and backgrounds.

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 military strength and organization of Israel under David's reign. This number is consistent across all divisions, indicating a well-planned and balanced military structure. The organization into divisions of 24,000 may symbolize completeness and order, reflecting God's provision and protection over Israel. This structure also foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on order and unity within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:40).

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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