King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 27:31 Mean?
“And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.”
Context
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
33
And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(31) **And over the flocks.**—Of sheep and goats.
**Jaziz the Hagerite.**—See 1Chronicles 5:10-19, for the conquest of East Gilead, the home of the Hagrim, or “Hagerites,” by the tribe of Reuben, in the days of Saul. David’s herds of camels and flocks of small cattle may have grazed in the pastures east of the Jordan, under the charge of his Bedawi overseers.
**All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s.**—The word rendered “rulers” is *sārîm,* “captains” or “princes.” (See 1Chronicles 27:22.) The same term is translated “stewards” in 1Chronicles 28:1.
**Substance** (*rĕkûsh*) is an old word, denoting especially the moveable wealth of a nomad chief. (Comp. Genesis 12:5; Genesis 14:21.) The wealth of David consisted partly of flocks and herds, but partly also of the produce of husbandry, and, no doubt, of commerce. (See 1Chronicles 14:1; 1Chronicles 22:4.) The period of the kings saw Israel a settled nation, that had exchanged the purely nomad life for an ordered social existence.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 27:31 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 27:31
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge