1 Chronicles 27 26

1 Chronicles 27:26 kjv

And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:

1 Chronicles 27:26 nkjv

Ezri the son of Chelub was over those who did the work of the field for tilling the ground.

1 Chronicles 27:26 niv

Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the workers who farmed the land.

1 Chronicles 27:26 esv

and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub;

1 Chronicles 27:26 nlt

Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the field workers who farmed the king's lands.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 26 Meaning

1 Chronicles 27:26 identifies Ezri, son of Chelub, as the royal official responsible for overseeing the laborers who prepared the agricultural fields for planting and cultivation. This highlights a specific aspect of King David's extensive and well-organized administration, focusing on the foundational task of managing the kingdom's productive land resources.

1 Chronicles 27 26 Context

1 Chronicles 27:26 is part of a detailed record of King David's extensive civil and economic administration (1 Chr 27:25-31). Following a list of military commanders, this section delineates various high-ranking officials responsible for managing David's vast personal and royal properties, including treasuries, agricultural lands, vineyards, olive groves, and livestock. This particular verse focuses on the overseer of field cultivation. Historically, David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) saw the consolidation and growth of the Israelite kingdom, requiring a sophisticated and organized administrative structure to manage resources and support the burgeoning nation, with agriculture being the fundamental economic backbone of ancient Israel.

1 Chronicles 27 26 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A conjunction that smoothly links this official with the preceding list of administrators, showing the breadth and continuity of David's organized management structure.
• Ezri (עֶזְרִי, 'Ezriy): A personal name meaning "my help" or "helper." Its inclusion highlights the individual accountability and specific appointment within David's system, emphasizing the importance of capable individuals in these roles.
• the son of (בֶּן, ben): Standard Hebrew construct to indicate patrilineal descent, providing genealogical identification common in ancient records.
• Chelub (כְּלוּב, Kĕlûb): A proper name identifying Ezri's father. While the name root can mean "cage" or "basket," its primary function here is genealogical. It is possible this is the Chelub from Judah's lineage (1 Chr 4:11), though not explicitly confirmed.
• was over them that did the work (עַל־הָעֹשׂוּ עֲבֹדַת, 'al-ha'osey 'avodat): Translates as "over those doing the service/labor." This phrase clearly establishes Ezri's role as an overseer or supervisor, demonstrating the hierarchical and delegated nature of David's administration. The Hebrew avodah ("work" or "service") suggests purposeful and dedicated effort.
• of the field (הַשָּׂדֶה, hassadeh): Refers specifically to open agricultural land, arable ground, distinguishing it from pastures, orchards, or vineyards. It clearly defines the sphere of responsibility.
• for tillage of the ground (לְעֲבֹדַת הָאֲדָמָה, lĕ'avodat ha'adamah): Literally "for the service/labor of the ground/earth." This phrase specifies the type of work—not merely harvesting, but the foundational preparation of the soil, such as plowing, breaking up clods, and preparing seedbeds. Adama emphasizes the earth itself, signaling deep cultivation necessary for agricultural productivity.

Word Groups Analysis:

• "Ezri the son of Chelub was over them": This identifies a key manager and establishes a clear line of authority and responsibility. It shows David's proactive approach to governance by delegating crucial tasks to trusted individuals.
• "did the work of the field for tillage of the ground": This phrase precisely defines the nature of the labor: agricultural work, specifically the demanding and essential task of preparing the land for crops. This foundational work ensures the future yield and economic stability of the royal estates.

1 Chronicles 27 26 Bonus section

• The inclusion of such administrative details in a historical account serves to demonstrate the comprehensive nature of David's kingship and the divine order established in his kingdom, showcasing practical wisdom in governance.
• These appointments reveal a sophisticated division of labor within David's royal economy, suggesting a highly organized kingdom that valued efficiency and productivity from its diverse resources.
• While focused on a historical detail, the principle of careful and dedicated stewardship of resources, talents, and responsibilities, even in seemingly mundane areas, finds parallels in broader biblical teachings on faithfulness to God.
• "Tillage of the ground" emphasizes the labor-intensive initial preparation of the land, signifying the importance of groundwork and foundational efforts for any fruitful endeavor.

1 Chronicles 27 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:26 serves as a concise yet powerful testament to the intricate and thoughtful governance of King David. By meticulously detailing the appointment of Ezri, son of Chelub, as the overseer of agricultural fieldwork—specifically "tillage of the ground"—the verse underscores the pragmatic wisdom underpinning David's rule. This was not merely about collecting revenue but about diligently managing the very source of sustenance and wealth for the kingdom: fertile land. The mention of specific managers for various resources (treasuries, fields, vineyards, olive groves, livestock) in 1 Chronicles 27 illustrates a proactive and systematic approach to stewardship. It highlights that true leadership encompasses not just military might and spiritual devotion but also responsible, diligent, and organized management of earthly resources given by God, recognizing that faithful oversight of even the mundane contributes to the stability and prosperity of a nation.