Topical Bible: Captain of Hundreds

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In the context of the Bible, the term "Captain of Hundreds" refers to a military or leadership position within the ancient Israelite army. This title indicates a person who had command over a unit of one hundred soldiers. The role of a captain was crucial in maintaining order, discipline, and effectiveness within the military ranks, especially during times of war or conflict.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 11:4 · "Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards. He had them come to him in the house of the LORD, where he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son."

In this passage, Jehoiada the priest takes a significant step in securing the throne for the young Joash by involving the captains of hundreds. These military leaders were instrumental in the successful overthrow of Queen Athaliah, demonstrating their influence and importance in the political and military landscape of Israel.

2. 2 Chronicles 23:1 · "In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds: Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri."

This verse parallels the account in 2 Kings, highlighting the strategic alliance between Jehoiada and the captains of hundreds. The naming of specific captains underscores their prominence and the trust placed in them to execute a critical plan for the nation's future.

3. 2 Chronicles 25:5 · "Moreover, Amaziah assembled the men of Judah and set them according to their families under commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds for all Judah and Benjamin. He numbered those twenty years of age and older and found there to be three hundred thousand choice men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield."

Here, King Amaziah organizes his military forces by appointing commanders over thousands and hundreds. This structured hierarchy was essential for effective military operations, ensuring that each unit was led by capable leaders who could manage and direct their troops efficiently.

Role and Significance:

The role of a Captain of Hundreds was not merely a military appointment but also a position of trust and responsibility. These captains were often involved in significant national events, as seen in the accounts of Jehoiada and Amaziah. Their leadership was vital in both the defense of the nation and the execution of strategic plans that shaped the course of Israel's history.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of military organization, including the role of captains, reflects the importance of order and leadership within the community of God's people. The captains of hundreds were part of a divinely ordained structure that enabled Israel to function as a cohesive and effective force, both in times of peace and conflict.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 11:15
But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said to them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that follows her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

One Way to Help Boys
... The large cities of the old world are infested by hundreds and thousands of these ...
Everything is done as if you were a real captain and he a real private. ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/iii one way to help.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... perceived this noise, they were in disorder; and Joab the captain of the ... army into
twelve parts, with their leaders [and captains of hundreds] and commanders. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

That Worthy Name.
... He is Captain of the Lord's Host, Captain of their salvation, Chiefest among Ten
Thousand ... And hundreds more could be added, and many, many more, which are still ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Arrival
... in the harbor of Brooklyn and New York, for they come by hundreds from all parts ...
in the reserved first cabins, and at meal time with the first Captain at the ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter ii arrival.htm

Early Battles
... over to me and said softly 'I'm afraid I'm slipping back, Captain.' Poor lad ... Band
turned up; nice meeting at house, then marched to the cemetery; hundreds there ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/iv early battles.htm

The Delights of North Wales
... quarter-deck and soon drew all our fellow passengers, as well as the captain, with
the ... but no trace of the good old monks of Bangor so many hundreds of whom ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the delights of north wales.htm

The New Crusade --Serampore and the Brotherhood
... T. Haweis, rector of All Saints, Aldwinkle, referring to the hundreds of ministers ...
shipped in an American vessel, the Criterion, commanded by Captain Wickes, a ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter v the new crusadeserampore.htm

1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a ...
... At this season we are surrounded by hundreds of men out of employment ... "Captain Grills,
of the Liverpool Mercantile Marine Service Association, going to Derry ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vii 1877-1879 they helped.htm

The End
... and, as usual at such seasons, Jerusalem was crowded with hundreds of thousands ... down
and took him under their protection; and, when their captain learned that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

The Tangled Web
... Hundreds of the wounded were allowed to die, simply as a defense of the wells ... He
should be the sole captain, the sole authority, the single commander of them ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvii the tangled web.htm