1 Chronicles 26:24

KJV

And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, [was] ruler of the treasures.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shebuel {H7619} the son {H1121} of Gershom {H1647}, the son {H1121} of Moses {H4872}, was ruler {H5057} of the treasures {H214}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'vu'el the descendant of Gershom, the son of Moshe, was in charge of the stores.

Berean Standard Bible

Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries.

American Standard Version

and Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler over the treasures.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:24 details the appointment of Shebuel, a direct descendant of Moses, to the crucial administrative role of overseeing the sacred treasures of the Tabernacle during King David's reign. This verse is part of David's meticulous organization of the Levites, highlighting the importance of faithful stewardship and the divine order established for the worship and administration of God's house, underscoring that even seemingly mundane administrative tasks are vital to God's work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's organization of the Levites for service in the Tabernacle, and in anticipation of the future Temple. After securing the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem and preparing for the Temple's construction, David devoted significant effort to establishing an orderly and efficient structure for worship and administration. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the divisions of the gatekeepers and treasurers. Shebuel's appointment as "ruler of the treasures" is part of this comprehensive administrative blueprint, demonstrating David's commitment to ensuring all aspects of sacred service, from the most visible to the most behind-the-scenes, were handled with integrity and precision. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on continuity, order, and the fulfillment of God's purposes through His chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was a time of significant national consolidation and preparation for the establishment of a centralized worship system. While the Temple itself was built by Solomon, David laid much of the groundwork, including the organization of its personnel and resources. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the management of temple treasuries was a highly sensitive and critical role, requiring immense trust and integrity, as these treasuries often contained vast wealth, precious metals, dedicated vessels, and provisions for the priests and the sanctuary. The Levites, though not all priests, were uniquely set apart for service to God, and their administrative roles were considered sacred. The detailed lists in Chronicles reflect a cultural value placed on lineage, order, and accountability, particularly concerning anything dedicated to the divine.
* **Key Themes:** The appointment of Shebuel underscores several key themes woven throughout 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Stewardship**, emphasizing the meticulous planning and accountability required in managing resources dedicated to God. David's arrangements reflect a profound belief that God's house and its provisions should be handled with utmost care and integrity, foreshadowing the ongoing biblical call for [faithfulness in handling resources](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things"). Secondly, the theme of **Legacy and Service** is prominent through Shebuel's lineage: "the son of Gershom, the son of Moses." While Moses was the great lawgiver and leader, his descendants were not priests (that role belonged to Aaron's line, as seen in [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Priestly Authority")) nor kings (David's line). Yet, here we see a direct descendant of Moses holding a crucial administrative position, illustrating that God uses individuals from various backgrounds and lineages for diverse, yet vital, roles in His service, emphasizing that every contribution is valuable. The mention of [Moses's son Gershom](/exodus/2-22 "Exodus 2:22 - Birth of Gershom") provides a direct link to the foundational history of Israel. Lastly, the **Administrative Importance** of this role is clear. The "ruler of the treasures" was not merely clerical; it involved managing offerings, tithes, building materials, and other valuable items dedicated to the Lord, requiring immense trust, integrity, and organizational skill. This highlights that administrative and logistical roles are just as essential to God's work as more overtly spiritual ones.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shebuel (שְׁבוּאֵל, _Shĕbû'ēl_):** This Hebrew name means "returned to God" or "captive of God." The name itself carries theological weight, potentially suggesting a spiritual devotion or a return to prominence for Moses's line in the service of God, albeit in an administrative capacity rather than a priestly one. The Chronicler's inclusion of this specific name, rather than just "a descendant of Moses," might subtly emphasize a renewed dedication to divine service within this particular branch of Moses's family.
* **Gershom (גֵּרְשׁוֹם, _Gershôm_):** Meaning "a sojourner there," this name was given by Moses to his firstborn son (Exodus 2:22) to commemorate his being an alien in the land of Midian. Its inclusion here serves as a direct and undeniable link to Moses, underscoring the deep historical and foundational connection of Shebuel to Israel's greatest prophet and lawgiver. This lineage highlights the continuity of divine service across generations, even if the specific roles evolved.
* **Treasures (אוֹצָרוֹת, _'ôtsārôt_):** This plural noun refers to stores of valuable items, including precious metals (gold, silver), dedicated vessels for sanctuary service, offerings, tithes, and other provisions necessary for the maintenance and operation of the Tabernacle and the future Temple. The term implies not merely material wealth but items consecrated and set apart for sacred use, making their management a deeply spiritual responsibility requiring the highest degree of integrity and accountability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses":** This clause establishes Shebuel's precise lineage, tracing him back to Moses, the foundational figure of the Exodus and the Law. The Chronicler's emphasis on this specific genealogy is significant. While Moses's descendants were not chosen for the priesthood (which belonged to Aaron's line) or the kingship (David's line), their inclusion in vital administrative roles demonstrates God's sovereign design to use individuals from all parts of the covenant community. It also highlights the enduring legacy of Moses, even in spheres of service distinct from his own. This lineage would have lent considerable authority and respect to Shebuel's position.
* **"[was] ruler of the treasures":** This phrase defines Shebuel's specific and highly responsible role. As the "ruler of the treasures," he was entrusted with the oversight, management, and security of all the valuable and sacred assets dedicated to the Lord's sanctuary. This position required not only meticulous organizational skills but also unwavering integrity and trustworthiness, as it involved handling vast wealth and sacred objects. It underscores that administrative and logistical functions within God's work are not secondary but are crucial for the proper functioning and maintenance of divine worship and service. The role was one of significant trust and accountability within the Levitical structure established by David.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation of 1 Chronicles 26:24 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Genealogy** is a primary device, specifically highlighting Shebuel's lineage back to Moses. This is not merely for identification but serves to connect the current administrative structure to the foundational history of Israel, emphasizing continuity and divine purpose across generations. The inclusion of such specific detail for an administrative role also functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the importance and sacredness of even the "behind-the-scenes" work in God's kingdom. Furthermore, the concept of "treasures" carries **Symbolism**, representing not just material wealth but the collective devotion and resources of the people dedicated to God. Shebuel's stewardship of these treasures thus symbolizes the broader call for the entire nation, and by extension, believers, to faithfully manage all that God has entrusted to them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:24 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of service in God's kingdom. It teaches that all roles, regardless of their perceived prominence, are vital when performed with integrity and dedication to God. The meticulous organization of the Levites, including the treasurers, reflects God's character of order and His expectation of faithful stewardship from His people. This verse reminds us that the administration of resources, often seen as secular, is in fact a sacred trust when consecrated to divine purposes. It also beautifully illustrates God's sovereignty in raising up individuals from diverse backgrounds and lineages for specific tasks within His grand redemptive plan, demonstrating that faithfulness, not just lineage or outward gifting, is paramount for service.

* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things"): "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit"): "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship"): "Let all things be done decently and in order."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shebuel's appointment as ruler of the treasures serves as a powerful reminder that every act of service, no matter how seemingly administrative or behind-the-scenes, holds immense value in God's eyes when performed with faithfulness and integrity. In an era that often prioritizes visible leadership or charismatic gifts, this verse elevates the quiet, diligent work of stewardship and organization. It challenges us to consider how we manage the "treasures" God has entrusted to us—not just financial resources, but also our time, talents, relationships, and the spiritual gifts we have received. Just as Shebuel was accountable for the physical assets of the sanctuary, believers today are called to be faithful stewards of all aspects of their lives, recognizing that our lives and possessions are ultimately God's. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique roles within the body of Christ, understanding that God uses diverse individuals for His purposes, and that true significance lies not in the prominence of the role, but in the faithfulness with which it is discharged for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Shebuel's role challenge our perceptions of "important" service in God's kingdom?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to exercise faithful stewardship, beyond just finances?**
* **How can we recognize and affirm the value of administrative or behind-the-scenes roles within our communities of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why is Shebuel's lineage from Moses significant here?**

Answer: Shebuel's lineage from Moses is highly significant because it highlights God's sovereign choice in using individuals from various backgrounds and lineages for diverse roles in His service. While the priesthood was reserved for Aaron's descendants ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Priestly Authority")) and the kingship for David's line, Shebuel, a descendant of Moses, is given a crucial administrative role. This demonstrates that God's work requires a variety of gifts and functions, and that faithfulness and capability, rather than just a specific lineage (outside of the priestly or royal), are key criteria for divine appointment. It also underscores the enduring legacy of Moses and the continuity of service from Israel's foundational figures.

**What kind of "treasures" would Shebuel have managed?**

Answer: The "treasures" Shebuel was appointed to rule over were the sacred and valuable assets dedicated to the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. These would have included a wide array of items: precious metals like gold and silver, dedicated vessels used in worship, offerings and tithes brought by the people, building materials for the sanctuary's construction and maintenance, and provisions for the priests and Levites. These were not merely secular assets but items consecrated to God, making their management a deeply spiritual and highly responsible task, requiring immense integrity and meticulous organization. The detailed record of such roles in 1 Chronicles emphasizes the importance of careful stewardship in all aspects of divine service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:24 details the faithful stewardship of a Levite over physical treasures, it ultimately points to the perfect and ultimate Steward of all things: Jesus Christ. Shebuel's role as "ruler of the treasures" foreshadows Christ's sovereign authority and perfect administration over the true, eternal treasures of God's kingdom. Unlike Shebuel, who managed earthly goods, Christ is the One in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). He is the one who perfectly managed the divine economy of salvation, fulfilling every prophetic word and every covenant promise. As the [Head of the Church](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ, Head of the Church"), Christ perfectly administers the spiritual gifts and resources of His people, ensuring that all things are done "decently and in order" for the building up of His body. He is the ultimate "treasurer" who has secured for us an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). Thus, Shebuel's diligent service reminds us of the meticulous care and perfect stewardship of our Lord, who not only manages but embodies the very treasures of God's grace and truth, inviting us to lay up our true treasures in Him ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 24:20

¶ And the rest of the sons of Levi [were these]: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah.

1 Chronicles 23:15

The sons of Moses [were], Gershom, and Eliezer.

1 Chronicles 23:16

Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel [was] the chief.