1 Chronicles 27 28

1 Chronicles 27:28 kjv

And over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:

1 Chronicles 27:28 nkjv

Baal-Hanan the Gederite was over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowlands, and Joash was over the store of oil.

1 Chronicles 27:28 niv

Baal-Hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore-fig trees in the western foothills. Joash was in charge of the supplies of olive oil.

1 Chronicles 27:28 esv

Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash.

1 Chronicles 27:28 nlt

Baal-hanan from Geder was in charge of the king's olive groves and sycamore-fig trees in the foothills of Judah. Joash was responsible for the supplies of olive oil.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 28 Meaning

1 Chronicles 27:28 describes King David's precise and extensive administrative system, specifically focusing on the oversight of two vital agricultural assets: the olive and sycamore trees thriving in the low country (the Shephelah), which were overseen by Baal-Hanan the Gederite. It further details the appointment of Joash as the supervisor of the cellars where oil was stored. This verse highlights the methodical and meticulous organization of resources within David's kingdom, demonstrating a thorough approach to managing national wealth and productivity under divine blessing.

1 Chronicles 27 28 Context

1 Chronicles 27 is part of a larger section detailing King David's comprehensive organization of the kingdom of Israel, highlighting his administrative prowess and the detailed structure he established. The chapter immediately follows a lengthy genealogy of the tribes (1 Chronicles 1-9) and records David's military leaders, tribal chiefs, and various civil administrators, painting a picture of a well-ordered and flourishing kingdom. Verse 28, specifically, falls within the section enumerating the supervisors of the royal properties, agricultural products, and various other resources (1 Chron 27:25-31). It underscores the meticulous attention David paid to even seemingly mundane aspects of his realm, recognizing the economic and practical importance of managing natural resources and stored goods for the nation's well-being. This reflects David's commitment to wise and efficient governance, aligning with biblical principles of stewardship over the resources God had entrusted to him. This ordered administration implicitly contrasts with the chaotic or self-serving rule often found in contemporary pagan nations, presenting Yahweh's blessing as manifest in systematic order and provision rather than relying on chance or ritual magic for abundance.

1 Chronicles 27 28 Word analysis

• And over (וְעַל, wĕʿal): The conjunction "and" links this administrative role to the preceding ones, indicating continuity in David's comprehensive oversight. "Over" signifies authority, responsibility, and supervisory management, illustrating the hierarchical structure put in place by David.
• the olive trees (הַזֵּיתִים, hazzeitem): Refers to olive trees. Olives were a foundational agricultural product in ancient Israel, indispensable for food (oil), lighting, religious anointing (Ex 30:22-25), medicine, and trade. Their presence signifies prosperity (Ps 52:8) and covenant blessings (Deut 8:8).
• and the sycamore trees (וְהַשִּׁקְמִים, wĕhaššiqqămîm): Sycamore fig trees (Ficus sycomorus). These trees were common in the Shephelah. Their fruit was eaten (Amos 7:14), and their wood, while less prestigious than cedar (1 Kgs 10:27; Isa 9:10), was valuable for construction and timber. The inclusion of sycamores alongside olives shows that David's administration managed all levels of resources, not just the most valuable ones.
• that were in the low country (אֲשֶׁר בַּשְּׁפֵלָה, ʾăšer baššĕp̄elāh): "Low country" refers to the Shephelah, the foothills region between the Judean mountains and the coastal plain. This fertile area was particularly suited for olive and sycamore cultivation. This detail highlights geographical specificity and the specialized nature of agricultural management.
• was Baal-Hanan (בַּעַל חָנָן, baʿal ḥānan): "Baal-Hanan" means "Baal has shown favor" or "Lord has been gracious." While "Baal" was the name of a prominent Canaanite deity, it also commonly functioned as a general Semitic term meaning "lord" or "master." Its appearance in an Israelite name does not necessarily imply idolatry, as such names predate widespread Baal worship issues or simply reflected a common linguistic convention, interpreted here as "the Lord" (Yahweh) has been gracious. His name is found in Genesis 36:38 as a king of Edom, suggesting the name was known.
• the Gederite (הַגְּדֵרִי, haggĕdêrî): Indicates his origin from Geder, a town potentially in Judah (Josh 12:13) or Benjamin. This shows the diversity of regional origins for officials within David's unified administration.
• and over (וְעַל, wĕʿal): Repeats the supervisory role, emphasizing the distinct sphere of responsibility for the next individual.
• the cellars of oil (אַסְפֵי הַשֶּׁמֶן, ʾaspe hayyōmen): "Cellars" refers to storehouses or depositories. "Oil" primarily signifies olive oil, the lifeblood of the ancient Israelite economy. This detail reveals a sophisticated system of not only cultivating but also processing, storing, and managing refined products, underscoring national wealth management.
• was Joash (יוֹאָשׁ, yôʾāš): A common Hebrew name meaning "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh has sustained." This individual was responsible for the strategic resource of stored oil, demonstrating his trusted position within David's economic hierarchy.

1 Chronicles 27 28 Bonus section

The inclusion of relatively common sycamore trees alongside the economically vital olive trees illustrates a principle of holistic management. It suggests that nothing within the kingdom's resources was overlooked, regardless of perceived value, promoting a comprehensive approach to national asset management. This detailed record, characteristic of the Chronicler's work, served to validate David's legacy as a king who brought order, prosperity, and God-honoring administration, offering a model for the post-exilic community. It portrays an administration that did not leave critical elements to chance, highlighting practical foresight as an element of blessed governance. The precise regional identification "in the low country" shows the detailed geographical knowledge and specific departmentalization of David's governmental structure.

1 Chronicles 27 28 Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:28 is a snapshot of King David's pragmatic wisdom and diligent oversight in governance. It moves beyond military and religious affairs to detail his economic administration, emphasizing how deeply invested David was in the tangible well-being of his kingdom. By meticulously organizing the supervision of natural resources like olive and sycamore trees, and crucially, their processed product—oil, David laid a stable economic foundation. This thoroughness ensured continuous supply for domestic needs (food, light), religious practices (anointing), and potential trade, fostering self-sufficiency and prosperity. The appointment of specific individuals like Baal-Hanan and Joash signifies not just an administrative chart, but personal accountability and trust, indicating a kingdom blessed by God's provision and managed through diligent human effort and foresight. It subtly preaches responsible stewardship, showing how an ordered kingdom, aligned with God's principles, manages its God-given blessings.