1 Chronicles 27:25

KJV

And over the king's treasures [was] Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, [was] Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And over the king's {H4428} treasures {H214} was Azmaveth {H5820} the son {H1121} of Adiel {H5717}: and over the storehouses {H214} in the fields {H7704}, in the cities {H5892}, and in the villages {H3723}, and in the castles {H4026}, was Jehonathan {H3083} the son {H1121} of Uzziah {H5818}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In charge of the king's supplies was 'Azmavet the son of 'Adi'el. In charge of the supplies in the countryside, the cities, the villages and the fortresses was Y'honatan the son of 'Uziyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses.

American Standard Version

And over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the treasures in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:25 meticulously details two crucial administrative roles within King David's sophisticated governmental structure: Azmaveth, who oversaw the royal treasury of precious valuables, and Jehonathan, who managed the vast network of agricultural storehouses across the kingdom. This verse highlights David's foresight and commitment to the comprehensive economic and logistical stability of Israel, demonstrating a highly organized and specialized approach to national resource management.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that meticulously outlines King David's extensive administrative and military organization in the latter part of his reign. Following detailed lists of military commanders, tribal leaders, and various officials, chapter 27 shifts focus to the financial and logistical infrastructure of the kingdom. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 27:25, is part of a list of officials responsible for the king's property and resources (1 Chronicles 27:25-31), demonstrating David's meticulous planning not only for warfare and worship but also for the economic and logistical stability of the nation. This comprehensive approach underscores David's commitment to a well-ordered kingdom, a theme also evident in his detailed preparations for the temple, as seen in [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Plans for the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign marked a pivotal period in Israelite history, transitioning from a tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy. This era saw significant territorial expansion and consolidation, necessitating a robust and efficient administrative system to manage the growing kingdom's resources. The appointment of specialized officials like Azmaveth and Jehonathan reflects a mature and sophisticated governmental structure, crucial for maintaining national security, provisioning the army, supporting the populace, and funding royal initiatives. In an agrarian society, the management of agricultural produce in storehouses was vital for food security, particularly in times of famine or war, while the royal treasury was essential for funding state operations, trade, and diplomatic endeavors. This level of organization was paramount for the long-term prosperity and resilience of the nation, especially as David prepared the kingdom for his successor, Solomon.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 27:25 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Human Responsibility**, showcasing how David, as God's chosen king, diligently established order and managed the resources entrusted to him, reflecting a divine principle of stewardship. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Wise Administration and Diligent Planning**, demonstrating David's foresight in preparing the kingdom for future stability and prosperity, echoing the wisdom literature's emphasis on prudent management, as seen in [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligence and Planning"). Thirdly, it underscores the importance of **Delegation of Authority**, as David entrusted significant responsibilities to capable individuals, a practice vital for effective governance and a principle taught to Moses in [Exodus 18:21-22](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21-22 - Jethro's Advice on Delegation"). Finally, the meticulous accounting of resources points to the theme of **National Stability and Provision**, illustrating how sound economic and logistical management was foundational for the well-being and security of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Treasures (Hebrew: אֹצְרוֹת, _'otsarot'_):** This plural noun refers to stored wealth, valuables, often gold, silver, precious metals, and other valuable commodities kept in a treasury or storehouse. In the context of a king, it denotes the royal treasury, the central repository of the kingdom's liquid assets and most valuable possessions. Azmaveth's role was to manage this crucial financial hub, akin to a chief financial officer, ensuring the kingdom's economic solvency and capacity for large-scale expenditures.
* **Storehouses (Hebrew: אֲסָמִים, _'asamim'_):** This term specifically refers to granaries or storage facilities for agricultural produce, such as grain, oil, and wine. The mention of "fields, cities, villages, and castles" indicates a widespread network of such facilities across the entire kingdom. Jehonathan's responsibility was to oversee these physical provisions, which were essential for national food security, provisioning the army, and supporting the general populace, especially during times of shortage or military campaigns. The distinction between _'otsarot_ and _'asamim_ underscores the specialized and comprehensive nature of David's resource management.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over the king's treasures [was] Azmaveth the son of Adiel:"** This clause identifies Azmaveth as the chief administrator of the royal treasury. His role involved managing the kingdom's most valuable assets—gold, silver, and other precious goods. This position was critical for funding royal projects, supporting the military, engaging in trade, and maintaining the overall financial health of the kingdom. It implies a system of accounting, security, and strategic deployment of wealth.
* **"and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, [was] Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:"** This clause details Jehonathan's extensive responsibility for the kingdom's agricultural and general provisions. The comprehensive list of locations ("fields, cities, villages, and castles") emphasizes the vast geographical scope of his oversight. This role was vital for national food security, ensuring that the kingdom had sufficient reserves of grain, oil, wine, and other staples to feed its population, supply its army, and withstand periods of drought or conflict. It speaks to a highly developed logistical system for collection, storage, and distribution of resources.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message of meticulous organization. **Enumeration** is prominently used in the listing of locations for the storehouses ("fields, cities, villages, and castles"), which vividly illustrates the vast and comprehensive reach of Jehonathan's administrative oversight. This detailed listing emphasizes the thoroughness of David's system. Furthermore, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between "the king's treasures" (financial assets) and "the storehouses" (agricultural provisions). This distinction highlights the specialized nature of David's administration, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of different types of wealth and the unique management required for each. The naming of specific individuals, Azmaveth and Jehonathan, also serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the person stands for the office, underscoring the personal accountability and delegated authority within David's government.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:25, though seemingly a dry list of names and titles, offers profound theological insights into the nature of godly leadership and the importance of wise stewardship. It reveals that God cares not only for spiritual matters but also for the practical, economic, and logistical well-being of His people. David's meticulous organization reflects a divine principle of order and preparation, demonstrating that faithful governance involves diligent management of all resources entrusted by God. This verse underscores that earthly wealth and provisions, whether liquid assets or agricultural produce, are gifts from God to be managed with wisdom, integrity, and foresight for the common good and the stability of the kingdom. It sets a precedent for leaders, both secular and spiritual, to exercise responsible oversight and to delegate authority wisely, ensuring that the resources under their care are utilized effectively for the flourishing of the community.

* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligence Leads to Plenty")
* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Advice on Delegation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This historical snapshot from David's administration holds timeless principles for contemporary life. It reminds us that good stewardship is not merely about managing finances but encompasses all resources—time, talents, relationships, and material possessions. Just as David meticulously organized his kingdom's wealth for stability and future prosperity, we are called to exercise wisdom and discipline in managing the "treasures" and "storehouses" of our own lives, whether personal finances, household provisions, or community assets. The verse encourages us to be intentional planners, recognizing that diligence and foresight lead to security and fruitfulness. Furthermore, David's practice of delegating authority to capable individuals highlights the importance of trusting others, empowering them with responsibility, and fostering a spirit of teamwork and accountability in our families, workplaces, and ministries. By embracing these principles, we can cultivate order, reduce waste, and ensure that our resources are used effectively to honor God and bless those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "treasures" (valuable assets, skills, time) has God entrusted to me, and how am I currently managing them?**
* **What "storehouses" (provisions, resources, relationships) do I have access to, and am I stewarding them wisely for both present needs and future contingencies?**
* **In what areas of my life or work could I benefit from more meticulous planning and organization, similar to David's administration?**
* **Am I effectively delegating tasks and empowering others, or am I trying to manage everything myself? How can I improve in this area?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of officials included in Scripture?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed administrative lists, like 1 Chronicles 27:25, serves several important purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine inspiration of Scripture, showing that God's interest extends to the practical, governmental, and economic aspects of a nation's life, not just its spiritual or ceremonial practices. Secondly, it highlights David's wisdom and foresight as a king chosen by God. His meticulous organization and delegation demonstrate a model of good governance, essential for the stability and prosperity of the kingdom. These details provide historical accuracy and context, affirming the reality of David's reign and the sophistication of the Israelite monarchy. Finally, they provide enduring principles for leadership, stewardship, and the importance of order, demonstrating that faithfulness to God involves diligent management of all resources and responsibilities entrusted to us, whether in a household, business, or national context.

**What's the practical difference between "treasures" and "storehouses" in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In 1 Chronicles 27:25, "treasures" (אֹצְרוֹת, _'otsarot'_) refers primarily to the royal treasury, containing valuable assets like gold, silver, precious stones, and other non-perishable wealth. This represents the kingdom's liquid assets and financial reserves, crucial for large-scale expenditures, trade, and funding royal initiatives. "Storehouses" (אֲסָמִים, _'asamim'_), on the other hand, specifically denotes facilities for storing agricultural produce such as grain, oil, and wine, distributed widely across the kingdom. This distinction is highly significant because it reveals the comprehensive and specialized nature of David's administration. It shows that David understood the different types of wealth and the unique management required for each. Managing financial capital (treasures) required a different skill set and infrastructure than managing perishable provisions (storehouses). This dual focus ensured both the kingdom's economic solvency and its food security, demonstrating a sophisticated and well-rounded approach to national resource management that was vital for the long-term stability and resilience of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:25 details the meticulous earthly administration of King David, it ultimately points to the infinitely greater and perfect administration of King Jesus. David, as an earthly king, was a steward of material wealth and physical provisions for a temporal kingdom; Christ, as the divine King, is the ultimate Steward and Administrator of all creation and the spiritual riches of His eternal kingdom. Just as Azmaveth oversaw the king's treasures and Jehonathan managed the storehouses, Christ manages all things, for "in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). He is the one who perfectly provides for His people, not merely with physical sustenance but with spiritual nourishment and eternal life, assuring us that if we seek His kingdom, all our needs will be met ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First His Kingdom")). The Church, as His body, becomes His "storehouse" of spiritual gifts and resources, where believers are called to be faithful stewards of the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of Christ")) and the diverse graces of God ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Grace")). Ultimately, David's earthly kingdom, with its ordered administration, foreshadows the perfect, eternal reign of Christ, where all things will be brought into perfect order under His sovereign rule, and His kingdom will have no end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Genesis 41:48

And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which [was] round about every city, laid he up in the same.

2 Kings 18:15

And Hezekiah gave [him] all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house.

Jeremiah 41:8

But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.

Exodus 1:11

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

2 Chronicles 26:10

Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

2 Chronicles 16:2

Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,