1 Chronicles 27 30

1 Chronicles 27:30 kjv

Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:

1 Chronicles 27:30 nkjv

Obil the Ishmaelite was over the camels, Jehdeiah the Meronothite was over the donkeys,

1 Chronicles 27:30 niv

Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels. Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.

1 Chronicles 27:30 esv

Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite.

1 Chronicles 27:30 nlt

Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels. Jehdeiah from Meronoth was in charge of the donkeys.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 30 Meaning

This verse details a specific administrative assignment within King David’s highly organized royal and temple service structure. It designates Obed-Edom, a Levite, along with Jehdeiah the Meronothite, as overseers responsible for the custody and management of the royal and sacred oil. This includes both the oil used for practical purposes within the palace and temple, as well as the special anointing oils crucial for religious rituals.

1 Chronicles 27 30 Context

1 Chronicles 27 is an enumeration of King David's extensive administrative and military organization for the kingdom of Israel, preparing for the future reign of Solomon and the building of the Temple. This chapter details a sophisticated bureaucracy encompassing military divisions, tribal princes, and various officials responsible for the king's and later the Temple's vast resources and affairs. Verse 30 specifically highlights the crucial role of overseeing the royal and sacred oil, underscoring the importance of meticulous management of provisions essential for daily life, royal use, and ritual Temple service in the theocratic monarchy of Israel.

1 Chronicles 27 30 Word analysis

• Obed-Edom (עֹבֵד אֱדֹם – 'Oved 'Edom): Literally "servant of Edom" or "worshiper of Edom," though contextually interpreted as a dedicated worshiper. Obed-Edom was a Gittite (likely from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city). He famously hosted the Ark of the Covenant for three months (2 Sam 6:10-12; 1 Chr 13:13-14), during which time God greatly blessed his household. This profound blessing led David to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. His faithful service with the Ark earned him a position as a gatekeeper and treasurer in the subsequent temple service (1 Chr 26:4-8, 15), demonstrating God's reward for diligent devotion even in unexpected circumstances.

• the son of Jeduthun (בֶּן־יְדוּתוּן – ben Yeduthun): Jeduthun was one of the three Levitical choir leaders appointed by David for Temple worship (alongside Asaph and Heman) (1 Chr 25:1, 6). His sons were part of this distinguished family involved in temple music and gatekeeping. This familial connection highlights the intergenerational commitment of Levites to God's service and indicates a role of trusted family lines in sacred duties.

• had charge (עַל – al): While literally "on" or "over," in this administrative context, "al" implies direct supervision, responsibility, and oversight. It signifies a position of trust and authority in managing important resources, similar to "overseer" or "steward."

• of the oil (הַשָּׁמֶן – ha'shamen): "The oil" here refers to various kinds of oil:

  • Common Oil: For light, cooking, and anointing in daily life, significant as a valuable commodity and essential provision.
  • Sacred Oil: Especially the pure olive oil for the perpetual lamps in the Tabernacle/Temple (Exod 27:20), and the holy anointing oil for consecrating priests, kings, and sacred objects (Exod 30:22-33). The careful management of this oil was vital for maintaining the liturgical practices commanded by God.

• and Jehdiah (וִֽיַחְזִיאֵל – Viachzi'el): This name means "God sees" or "God will see." Jehdiah is only mentioned in this verse, associated as a co-administrator with Obed-Edom.

• the Meronothite (הַמְּרוֹנוֹתִי – ha-Mironoti): This geographical or ancestral designation points to Meronoth, a place mentioned in Nehemiah 3:7 (Meraiah the Meronothite) in connection with the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. It signifies his origin, similar to how many officials were identified by their tribal or hometown affiliation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • Obed-Edom... had charge of the oil: This phrase emphasizes the assignment of a vital resource (oil) to a specifically blessed and trusted individual (Obed-Edom). His previous faithfulness with the Ark likely informed David's decision to entrust him with such a sensitive and indispensable responsibility. It demonstrates that faithfulness in seemingly lesser tasks can lead to greater, more vital responsibilities.
  • son of Jeduthun, and Jehdiah the Meronothite: The inclusion of Jeduthun's family line and another individual indicates a team approach to this crucial stewardship, possibly indicating an experienced senior Levite paired with a geographical appointee for broader reach or division of duties. It also suggests that integrity and proper lineage were considered important for positions of trust.

1 Chronicles 27 30 Bonus section

The management of oil points to the foundational principle of adequate provision for divine service. Just as pure olive oil was required for the perpetual lamp (Exod 27:20), indicating constant communion and illumination in the Tabernacle/Temple, the king ensured a continuous supply. This foresight anticipates Solomon's Temple building, demonstrating that successful divine enterprises require not only spiritual zeal but also meticulous practical planning and dedicated stewardship of resources. The presence of Levites in this administrative role (Obed-Edom from Jeduthun's line) reiterates that the Levites' responsibilities extended beyond musical or ceremonial duties to include crucial logistical and financial management of God's house and its provisions. Their integrity and orderliness ensured that the material needs for worship and the functioning of the kingdom were met consistently.

1 Chronicles 27 30 Commentary

This concise verse illuminates the meticulous detail with which King David organized the material infrastructure for God's worship and the efficient functioning of his kingdom. Entrusting the oversight of "the oil" to Obed-Edom, a Levite renowned for his earlier faithful custody of the Ark and the blessings that followed, along with Jehdiah, underscores the premium placed on reliability and divine favor. The oil was not just a commodity; it represented life, light, joy, and sacred consecration, pivotal for daily living and Temple rituals. The appointment highlights that effective service to God's kingdom extends beyond visible priestly or kingly roles to include diligent and trustworthy administration of physical resources. It demonstrates that faithful stewardship of material assets, even something as mundane as oil, is a consecrated act when done for God's purposes, ensuring the smooth operation of divine institutions. This serves as a model for all believers: every task, no matter how small, becomes significant when performed with diligence and devotion unto the Lord.