King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 27:30 Mean?

1 Chronicles 27:30 in the King James Version says “Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 27:30 · KJV

Context

28

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

29

And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:

30

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

31

And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.

32

Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons: scribe: or, secretary son: or, Hachmonite

Read 1 Chronicles 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Military and civil administration - kingdom organization. The Hebrew term שָׂרִים (sarim) - princes/officers is theologically significant here, pointing to Godly governance and administration. 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 Godly governance and administration. 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's kingdom administration.

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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 Military and civil administration - kingdom organization 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 Godly governance and administration challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's kingdom administration 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 · 8 words
וְעַל1 of 8
H5921

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

הַ֨גְּמַלִּ֔ים2 of 8

“Over the camels”

H1581

a camel

אוֹבִ֖יל3 of 8

“also was Obil”

H179

obil, an ishmaelite

הַיִּשְׁמְעֵלִ֑י4 of 8

“the Ishmaelite”

H3459

a jishmaelite or descendant of jishmael

וְעַל5 of 8
H5921

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

הָ֣אֲתֹנ֔וֹת6 of 8

“and over the asses”

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

יֶחְדְּיָ֖הוּ7 of 8

“was Jehdeiah”

H3165

jechdijah, the name of two israelites

הַמֵּרֹֽנֹתִֽי׃8 of 8

“the Meronothite”

H4824

a meronothite, or inhabitant of some (otherwise unknown) meronoth

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 27:30 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 27:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 1:3Genesis 47:6

Places in This Verse

MeronothSettlement · Modern: Tell en Nasbeh · 31.89°N, 35.22°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 27 →

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