King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 26:28 Mean?

1 Chronicles 26:28 in the King James Version says “And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedic...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.”

1 Chronicles 26:28 · KJV

Context

26

Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.

27

Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. spoils: Heb. battles and spoils

28

And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.

29

Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

30

And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king. officers: Heb. over the charge

Read 1 Chronicles 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration. The Hebrew term אוֹצָר (otsar) - treasury/storehouse is theologically significant here, pointing to Stewardship of sacred resources. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Stewardship of sacred resources. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as source of all spiritual riches.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Gatekeepers and treasurers - temple administration occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Stewardship of sacred resources challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as source of all spiritual riches teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְכֹ֨ל1 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמַּקְדִּ֔ישׁ2 of 19

“and whosoever had dedicated”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

שְׁמוּאֵ֤ל3 of 19

“And all that Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

הָֽרֹאֶה֙4 of 19

“the seer”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְשָׁא֣וּל5 of 19

“and Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בֶּן6 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קִ֔ישׁ7 of 19

“of Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

וְאַבְנֵ֣ר8 of 19

“and Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵ֔ר10 of 19

“of Ner”

H5369

ner, an israelite

וְיוֹאָ֖ב11 of 19

“and Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

בֶּן12 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרוּיָ֑ה13 of 19

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

כֹּ֚ל14 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמַּקְדִּ֔ישׁ15 of 19

“and whosoever had dedicated”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

עַ֥ל16 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יַד17 of 19

“any thing it was under the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שְׁלֹמִ֖ית18 of 19

“of Shelomith”

H8019

shelomith, the name of three israelitesses

וְאֶחָֽיו׃19 of 19

“and of his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 26:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 26:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:91 Samuel 17:551 Samuel 14:47-512 Samuel 10:9-14

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