Captain
Summary
A title for various military and civil officers in Scripture, also applied to Christ as the leader of salvation.
☩Military Officers
As a military title, 'captain' renders the Hebrew 'sar,' denoting commanders of thousands, hundreds, or fifties in the Hebrew army. The rank or power of an Israelite captain was designated by the number of men under his command. The commander of the whole army was called 'captain of the host.' David's captains, or chief heroes, formed an elite group distinguished for valor.
☩The 'Shalish' Officers
A special class of officers called 'shalish' (literally 'third man') were higher-ranking soldiers who fought from chariots—each chariot containing three soldiers: one managing horses, two fighting. These chariot-warriors formed the royal bodyguard, and their chief was among the most noble of regal attendants, one 'on whose hand the king leaned.' Joram had such an officer, and Pekah held this office under King Pekahiah.
☩Captain of the Temple
The 'captain of the Temple' mentioned by Luke was not a military officer but superintended the guard of priests and Levites who kept watch by night in the Temple. His duty was to visit posts during the night and ensure sentries performed their duty. Under him were subordinate 'captains' who assisted in maintaining order. This office appears from an early date in Israel's history.
☩Christ as Captain
Christ is called 'Captain of salvation' in Hebrews, meaning the leader who goes before His saved ones, the beginner, source, and author of their salvation. The Greek word 'archegos' denotes one who leads the way, not merely an author but a pioneer who blazes the trail of faith that others may follow. As Joshua led Israel into Canaan, so Christ—the antitypical Joshua—leads His people into the heavenly inheritance.
Related Verses241 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Captain," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Captain," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Captain of the Temple," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Captain," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).