"This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men.” (v.1)
The military force of Israel numbered twelve divisions of 24,000 each. Every man served one month a year. This made king David’s continual standing army 24,000 strong each month and could be increased to 288,000 when needed. Concerning David’s leaders, officers, and military advisors, they were men who had proven themselves faithful to him in the past. King Solomon would later write, “For by wise counsel you shall make war: and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 24:6) He knew that the strength of wisdom isn’t solitary; it (wisdom) understands and relies upon the wisdom of others. It knows how to use the wise counsel of others and the safety of a multitude of counselors.
In today’s day and age, military readiness and good council are absolutely necessary. They provide a feeling of security and peace to all under their umbrella. It also says to those who would try and do us harm, we are watchful, ready and prepared. Similiarly as Christians, we need to stand armed, ready to do battle against Satan’s assaults on our personal lives, having received good council from God’s Holy Word daily.
The Truth
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)
