1 Chronicles 27:26

KJV

And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground [was] Ezri the son of Chelub:

KJV (with Strong's)

And over them that did {H6213} the work {H4399} of the field {H7704} for tillage {H5656} of the ground {H127} was Ezri {H5836} the son {H1121} of Chelub {H3620}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In charge of farmers working the land was 'Ezri the son of K'luv.

Berean Standard Bible

Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers in the fields who tilled the soil.

American Standard Version

and over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 27:26 introduces Ezri, the son of Chelub, as a key administrator within King David's meticulously organized kingdom. His specific role was to oversee those engaged in agricultural work and the cultivation of the ground, highlighting the vital importance of farming to the nation's economy and sustenance. This verse, part of a larger administrative roster, underscores David's comprehensive approach to governance, ensuring that even the foundational aspects of daily life and resource management were diligently supervised.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter dedicated to detailing King David's extensive administrative and military organization. Following the lists of military commanders for each month (verses 1-15) and tribal princes (verses 16-24), the chapter transitions to a comprehensive roster of civil officials responsible for various aspects of the kingdom's resources and operations. These include treasurers, overseers of storehouses, vineyard managers, and, as seen in this verse, those responsible for agricultural labor. The meticulous nature of these lists emphasizes David's foresight and commitment to establishing a stable, well-governed nation, reflecting a divine principle of order that permeates the Chronicler's narrative. This chapter serves to showcase the breadth and depth of David's administrative genius, ensuring every facet of the kingdom's well-being was accounted for.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the vast majority of the population was engaged in farming, animal husbandry, and related activities. The land was not merely a possession but a sacred trust, given by God, and its productivity was directly linked to the nation's prosperity and obedience to the covenant, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience"). Effective management of agricultural resources—from plowing and planting to harvesting and storage—was paramount for food security and economic stability. David's appointment of specialized overseers like Ezri reflects a sophisticated understanding of governance, acknowledging that the nation's strength rested not only on military might but also on the diligent and efficient management of its foundational economic sector. This level of administrative detail was crucial in a society where famine could be a constant threat and agricultural surplus a sign of divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Ezri's specific role in 1 Chronicles 27:26 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Order and Administration**, showcasing David's remarkable ability to organize and delegate authority, creating a well-structured government that extended to every practical domain. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Agriculture** as the backbone of the Israelite economy and daily life, emphasizing that even seemingly mundane tasks are vital for societal well-being and the provision of food. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on the land as a source of blessing and provision, as detailed in [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Promises of Rain and Abundance"). Thirdly, it speaks to **Diligent Stewardship**, signifying the importance of careful management of resources—in this case, the land and its produce—which are ultimately gifts from God. Finally, the meticulous listing of diverse roles, from military commanders to agricultural overseers, conveys the **Valuing of Every Role** within the kingdom, suggesting that each specialized function, regardless of its perceived status, was considered crucial for the efficient functioning and prosperity of the nation under God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Work of the field (Hebrew, _meleʼkheth has-sadeh'_):** This phrase literally translates to "work of the field" or "labor of the field." It is a comprehensive term encompassing all activities related to agriculture, from preparing the soil, sowing seeds, tending to crops, to harvesting. The use of "work" (מְלָאכָה, _melakah_) often denotes purposeful, organized labor, emphasizing the structured and essential nature of the tasks Ezri was overseeing. It highlights the practical, hands-on engagement with the land that was fundamental to the ancient Israelite economy.
* **Tillage of the ground (Hebrew, _la'avodat ha'adamah'_):** This phrase specifies the purpose and nature of the "work of the field." "Tillage" (עֲבֹדָה, _avodah_) implies service, labor, or cultivation. When combined with "ground" (אֲדָמָה, _adamah_), it specifically refers to the act of cultivating the earth, preparing it for planting, and managing its fertility to produce crops. This term reinforces the idea of active engagement with the soil to ensure productivity, emphasizing Ezri's responsibility for the foundational agricultural processes that sustained the kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over them that did the work of the field":** This opening clause immediately establishes Ezri's supervisory role. It indicates that his authority extended over a significant group of people—those directly involved in the physical labor of farming. This highlights the hierarchical structure of David's administration, where specific individuals were appointed to manage different sectors of the workforce, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
* **"for tillage of the ground":** This phrase precisely defines the scope of the "work of the field" and, by extension, Ezri's area of responsibility. It narrows the focus to the cultivation and management of agricultural land, emphasizing the direct engagement with the soil for food production. This specificity underscores the meticulous nature of David's organization, where every essential function was clearly delineated and assigned.
* **"[was] Ezri the son of Chelub":** This final clause identifies the specific individual entrusted with this crucial administrative position. The inclusion of his patronymic ("son of Chelub") serves to uniquely identify him within the historical record, giving personal recognition to a figure whose work, though seemingly mundane, was vital for the kingdom's well-being. It signifies that David's appointments were not arbitrary but involved specific, identifiable individuals chosen for their competence in managing these essential resources.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 27, and specifically in verse 26, is the **List** or **Register**. The entire chapter functions as a detailed administrative roster, meticulously itemizing the various officials and their responsibilities within David's kingdom. This exhaustive cataloging serves to emphasize David's extraordinary capacity for **Organization** and **Delegation**, portraying him as a king who brought order and structure to every facet of national life. The specificity of Ezri's role, alongside other specialized administrators, highlights the **Dignity of Labor** and the **Interconnectedness** of all parts of the kingdom; no role, however practical or seemingly minor, was deemed insignificant. The Chronicler's inclusion of such detailed administrative records also serves to underscore the **Divine Blessing** upon David's reign, demonstrating how God's favor enabled the king to establish a stable and prosperous kingdom through diligent and orderly governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The appointment of Ezri over the agricultural work reflects a profound theological principle: the importance of diligent stewardship over God's creation and resources. From the very beginning, humanity was tasked with cultivating and keeping the garden ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man in the Garden")), establishing a foundational mandate for responsible management of the earth. David's administrative structure, including Ezri's role, embodies this principle, recognizing that the land and its produce are divine provisions that require careful oversight for the well-being of the community. This commitment to order, diligence, and the valuing of practical labor resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that all honest work, when done with excellence, contributes to God's purposes and the flourishing of society.

* [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man's Task in Eden")
* [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Diligence in Work")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly brief mention of Ezri, the son of Chelub, in David's administrative roster offers significant lessons for contemporary life. It reminds us that true leadership, whether in a family, community, or organization, involves meticulous attention to detail and the wise delegation of responsibilities, even for tasks that might seem mundane or behind-the-scenes. Every role, from the most prominent to the most foundational, contributes to the overall health and productivity of the whole. Ezri's position underscores the dignity of practical labor and the necessity of good stewardship over resources, whether they be natural, financial, or human. We are called to manage what God has entrusted to us with diligence, foresight, and integrity, recognizing that our work, when done faithfully, is an act of worship that contributes to the flourishing of God's creation and community. This verse encourages us to value the "behind-the-scenes" workers and to apply ourselves with excellence to whatever task is set before us, understanding its vital contribution to the greater good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's meticulous organization challenge my own approach to managing responsibilities in my life or sphere of influence?**
* **In what ways can I recognize and affirm the dignity of all forms of labor, especially those often overlooked or undervalued?**
* **What resources has God entrusted to me (time, talents, finances, relationships) that require more diligent stewardship and oversight?**
* **How can I apply the principle of valuing every role to foster greater appreciation and collaboration within my family, workplace, or community?**

### FAQ

**Who was Ezri, and why is his role specifically mentioned in such detail?**

Answer: Ezri, the son of Chelub, was an administrator appointed by King David to oversee those who worked in the fields for the cultivation of the ground. His specific mention in 1 Chronicles 27:26, alongside other key officials, highlights the meticulous and comprehensive nature of David's administrative structure. It underscores the king's commitment to ensuring every vital aspect of the kingdom's function, especially agriculture, was diligently managed. This level of detail in the Chronicler's account emphasizes the importance of order, good governance, and the valuing of practical, foundational labor within the kingdom.

**What was the significance of agriculture in ancient Israel, and how does Ezri's role reflect this?**

Answer: Agriculture was the absolute backbone of ancient Israelite society and economy. The nation's survival and prosperity were directly tied to the productivity of its land, which was seen as a divine gift and blessing. Ezri's role as overseer of "the work of the field for tillage of the ground" reflects this profound significance. His position ensured that the essential tasks of farming—plowing, planting, harvesting—were managed efficiently, guaranteeing food security and economic stability for the kingdom. This demonstrates David's astute leadership in prioritizing the fundamental well-being of his people, recognizing that a thriving agricultural sector was crucial for national strength and continued divine favor, as promised in passages like [Deuteronomy 11:13-15](/deuteronomy/11-13 "Deuteronomy 11:13-15 - Blessings of Rain and Harvest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:26 details an earthly administrator in David's kingdom, it subtly points to the ultimate Administrator and Steward, Jesus Christ. Just as Ezri oversaw the physical cultivation of the ground for the sustenance of Israel, so Christ oversees the spiritual "fields" of God's kingdom, ensuring their fruitfulness. He is the divine Master who sows the good seed of the Word ([Mark 4:1-20](/mark/4-1 "Mark 4:1-20 - The Parable of the Sower")), cultivates the hearts of believers, and brings forth a harvest for God's glory. Christ's ministry on earth was characterized by diligent work and perfect stewardship, fulfilling the divine mandate to "work" God's creation in a spiritual sense. He is the Good Shepherd who perfectly manages and cares for His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), the Head of the Church who brings order and purpose to His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), and the one who will ultimately bring in the final harvest of souls at the end of the age ([Matthew 13:36-43](/matthew/13-36 "Matthew 13:36-43 - Explanation of the Parable of the Weeds")). Ezri's diligent oversight of the land foreshadows Christ's perfect and eternal administration over all creation and His people, ensuring the ultimate flourishing of God's kingdom.

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.