Definition: The sixth [captain] for the sixth month [was] Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 27:9. It's a fascinating and somewhat mysterious detail about a significant event in the story of David’s army. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: David’s Army: This refers to a large group of soldiers under David’s command, likely during a time of war or conflict. Sixth Captain: There was a sixth captain (a leader) within that army. Sixth Month: This is the key part. It refers to the sixth month of the year. Irige the Tekoite: This is the name of this specific captain. "Tekoite" means “from the mountains,” and it’s a place in Israel, giving him an important connection to the region. Putting it All Together – What Happened? This verse tells us that this sixth captain was incredibly angry and frustrated. He was extremely upset about something. In fact, he was so furious that he lost twenty and four thousand soldiers! Possible Interpretations (and why it's a bit puzzling): The meaning of this passage is debated among scholars for centuries. Here are some possible explanations: A Major Loss: It could be interpreted as a huge loss of soldiers – possibly due to a battle or a betrayal. It’s a very significant event that shook the army and caused considerable distress. A Rebellion: Some believe this might be a foreshadowing of a rebellion against David, where this captain (or someone like him) was actively plotting against him. Just a Number: It could simply be a record of a significant number of soldiers lost in a particular month. It’s not necessarily meant to have a deep symbolic meaning. Important Note: This verse is often seen as an example of Old Testament symbolism, where numbers and events were used to represent something larger than their literal value. In short, this passage describes a very unhappy captain who lost a large number of soldiers due to his anger. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore the different interpretations of this particular verse?