1 Chronicles 27:28

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And over the olive trees {H2132} and the sycomore trees {H8256} that were in the low plains {H8219} was Baalhanan {H1177} the Gederite {H1451}: and over the cellars {H214} of oil {H8081} was Joash {H3135}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In charge of the olive and sycamore-fig trees in the Sh'felah was Ba'al-Hanan from G'derah, while Yo'ash was put over the storehouses for olive oil.

Berean Standard Bible

Baal-hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore trees in the foothills. Joash was in charge of the stores of olive oil.

American Standard Version

and over the olive-trees and the sycomore-trees that were in the lowland was Baal-hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:28 offers a precise glimpse into the highly organized administrative framework of King David's reign, specifically detailing the oversight of agricultural resources crucial to the kingdom's economy. This verse identifies two key officials: Baalhanan the Gederite, responsible for the extensive cultivation of olive and sycamore trees in the fertile low plains, and Joash, tasked with managing the valuable stores of oil derived from these trees. It underscores David's foresight in establishing a robust system for resource management, ensuring both the productivity and preservation of essential commodities for the nation's stability and prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a comprehensive administrative roster in [1 Chronicles chapter 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Officers"), which meticulously details King David's various officials and their specialized duties. Preceding this section, the chapter outlines the commanders of the army divisions (verses 1-15), the tribal leaders (verses 16-22), and other chief royal administrators (verses 23-27). The inclusion of agricultural overseers like Baalhanan and Joash in verses 28-31 demonstrates the holistic nature of David's governance, extending beyond military and political structures to encompass the vital economic infrastructure. This detailed enumeration highlights the systematic organization of his kingdom, emphasizing David's commitment to wise stewardship and efficient management of all national resources.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel's economy was predominantly agrarian, with olive and sycamore trees holding significant value. Olive trees provided oil, a multi-purpose commodity used for food, fuel for lamps, anointing, and medicinal purposes, making it akin to liquid gold. Sycamore trees (specifically *Ficus sycomorus* or fig-mulberry) were important for their edible fruit, which was a staple for the common people, and their timber. The "low plains" (Hebrew: *Shephelah*) refer to the fertile foothills between the central highlands and the coastal plain, a region particularly conducive to the growth of these trees. The mention of "cellars of oil" (Hebrew: *'otsrot shemen*) underscores the advanced level of resource management, indicating not merely storage but careful preservation and perhaps even distribution of this precious commodity. This administrative detail reflects the practical necessities of supporting a large population and maintaining economic stability in an agricultural society.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous administrative appointments in this chapter, including the roles described in [1 Chronicles 27:28](/1_chronicles/27-28 "1 Chronicles 27:28 - Overseers of Olive and Sycamore Trees"), underscore several key themes. Firstly, **Systematic Organization and Good Governance** are paramount, showcasing David's commitment to establishing a well-structured kingdom with clear lines of authority and specialized roles, a principle echoed in the delegation advice given in [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Advice on Delegation"). Secondly, **Resource Management and Stewardship** are highlighted, emphasizing the vital role of agriculture in ancient Israel's economy and the importance of diligently managing natural wealth. The bountiful produce of the land, as described in [Deuteronomy 8:8](/deuteronomy/8-8 "Deuteronomy 8:8 - Blessings of the Land"), required careful oversight. Thirdly, the verse illustrates the principle of **Specialized Leadership and Delegation**, where individuals like Baalhanan and Joash were appointed based on their expertise to oversee specific domains, demonstrating the wisdom of entrusting responsibilities to capable hands for the collective good of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Low Plains (Hebrew, _shephelah'_):** This term refers to the Shephelah, a distinct geographical region in ancient Israel. It is a transitional zone of rolling hills and valleys situated between the Judean mountains to the east and the coastal plain to the west. Known for its fertile soil and Mediterranean climate, the Shephelah was ideal for cultivating olive groves, vineyards, and sycamore trees. Its mention here specifies the prime agricultural areas under Baalhanan's purview, highlighting the strategic importance of this region for the kingdom's produce.
* **Cellars of Oil (Hebrew, _'otsrot ha-shemen'_):** The Hebrew word *'otsrot* (plural of *'otsar*) translates to "storehouses," "treasuries," or "cellars," indicating dedicated facilities for storage. *Ha-shemen* means "the oil." Together, "cellars of oil" refers to specialized storage facilities for olive oil. This signifies a sophisticated system of collection, preservation, and management of one of Israel's most valuable commodities. The careful oversight of these "cellars" by Joash underscores the economic and strategic importance of oil, which was used not only for food but also for light, anointing, and trade.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that [were] in the low plains [was] Baalhanan the Gederite:":** This clause identifies Baalhanan, hailing from Geder (likely a town in the Shephelah or nearby), as the chief administrator responsible for the cultivation and management of two vital agricultural crops: olive trees and sycamore trees. The specification "in the low plains" (the Shephelah) pinpoints the geographical area of his jurisdiction, emphasizing the extensive nature of these groves. Baalhanan's role was not merely supervisory but involved the practical oversight of a significant portion of the kingdom's agricultural production, ensuring the health and productivity of these essential trees.
* **"and over the cellars of oil [was] Joash:":** This second clause introduces Joash, whose distinct responsibility was the management of the kingdom's stored oil. This indicates a division of labor: Baalhanan managed the production (trees), while Joash managed the processed product (oil). The "cellars of oil" were critical infrastructure for preserving the valuable olive oil, protecting it from spoilage and theft, and ensuring its availability for both domestic consumption and potential trade. Joash's appointment highlights the importance of not just producing, but also effectively storing and distributing, the kingdom's resources.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary feature in 1 Chronicles 27:28, and indeed throughout much of [1 Chronicles chapter 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Officers"), is **Enumeration** and **Administrative Detail**. The text presents a meticulous listing of various officials and their specific roles, creating a comprehensive picture of David's organized kingdom. This detailed enumeration serves to emphasize the king's foresight, wisdom, and commitment to establishing a stable and prosperous realm through systematic governance. The precise naming of individuals and their distinct responsibilities (e.g., Baalhanan over trees, Joash over oil cellars) highlights the principle of **Specialization** and **Delegation**, demonstrating that every aspect of the kingdom, from military to agriculture, was carefully managed. This administrative precision, while seemingly mundane, functions as a literary testament to the order and efficiency that characterized David's rule, contrasting with periods of disorganization found elsewhere in Israel's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 27:28, though an administrative detail, resonates with profound theological principles concerning stewardship, divine provision, and the nature of good governance. It illustrates that faithful leadership involves not only spiritual and military prowess but also diligent and organized management of earthly resources. David's meticulous system for overseeing agriculture reflects a recognition that the land and its bounty are gifts from God, requiring responsible care. This verse implicitly teaches that order and efficiency in practical matters contribute to the well-being and stability of a community, allowing God's blessings to be effectively distributed and utilized. The careful preservation of oil, a symbol of anointing and blessing, also subtly points to the importance of safeguarding spiritual resources.

* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - A Land of Abundance")
* [Proverbs 27:23-27](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23-27 - Diligence in Work")
* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The administrative details of 1 Chronicles 27:28, while ancient, offer timeless principles for contemporary life. Just as King David meticulously organized his kingdom's agricultural assets, we are called to be diligent and responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us—whether they are our time, talents, finances, or the natural environment. This verse reminds us that effective management, clear delegation, and specialized expertise are vital for flourishing, not only in large organizations but also in our personal lives, families, and communities. It encourages us to identify our unique strengths and apply them purposefully, recognizing that every role, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the greater good. The care for "cellars of oil" also speaks to the importance of preserving and cherishing what is valuable, both materially and spiritually, ensuring that essential provisions are available for future needs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to exercise better stewardship and organization, mirroring David's administrative approach?**
* **How can I better identify and utilize my unique talents or the specialized skills of those around me for the collective good, as seen in the delegation to Baalhanan and Joash?**
* **What "cellars of oil"—valuable resources, relationships, or spiritual truths—am I responsible for preserving and protecting for future use or for the benefit of others?**
* **How does the meticulous detail in Scripture about seemingly mundane tasks encourage me to find spiritual significance in my daily responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed administrative lists, like the one in 1 Chronicles 27:28?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed administrative lists, such as the one in [1 Chronicles chapter 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Officers"), serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides historical verification and demonstrates the meticulous record-keeping of the ancient Near East, affirming the reality and complexity of David's kingdom. Secondly, from a theological perspective, these lists illustrate God's valuing of order, good governance, and responsible stewardship. They show that faithful leadership involves practical wisdom and diligent management of earthly resources, not just spiritual or military matters. David's organization reflects a kingdom that is blessed and well-managed, capable of sustaining its people and fulfilling its divine mandate. It also emphasizes the importance of every individual's contribution within a larger structure, highlighting that even seemingly mundane roles are vital for the overall well-being of the community.

**What was the economic significance of olive and sycamore trees in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Olive and sycamore trees were pillars of ancient Israel's agrarian economy, as highlighted by their specific oversight in [1 Chronicles 27:28](/1_chronicles/27-28 "1 Chronicles 27:28 - Overseers of Olive and Sycamore Trees"). Olive trees were exceptionally valuable, producing olive oil which was a primary source of fat in the diet, a fuel for lamps (essential for light), a base for ointments and perfumes, and a key commodity for trade. Its economic importance was immense, often referred to as "liquid gold." Sycamore trees (specifically the fig-mulberry, *Ficus sycomorus*) provided a staple fruit for the common people, offering a readily available source of nutrition, especially in the lowlands. Their wood was also used for construction, though it was softer and less durable than cedar or cypress. Together, these trees represented critical components of the national food supply, energy source, and trade network, making their diligent management by officials like Baalhanan and Joash crucial for the kingdom's stability and prosperity, reflecting the blessings of the land described in [Deuteronomy 8:8](/deuteronomy/8-8 "Deuteronomy 8:8 - Blessings of the Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:28 details the earthly administration of King David, it subtly foreshadows the perfect and comprehensive reign of Christ, the ultimate King and Steward. Just as David meticulously organized his kingdom to ensure provision and order, so Christ perfectly governs His spiritual kingdom, providing for His people in every way. The "olive trees" and "cellars of oil" can be seen as types of the spiritual abundance found in Christ. Olive oil, often a symbol of the Holy Spirit and anointing, points to Christ as the one who pours out His Spirit without measure, enabling believers to bear spiritual fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ, Bearing Fruit")). He is the true "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), providing spiritual illumination and sustenance far beyond physical oil. Furthermore, Christ embodies the perfect administrative wisdom, holding all things together by His power ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer of All Things")) and ensuring that every member of His body is perfectly equipped and positioned to bear fruit for His glory ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). He is the ultimate Baalhanan, tending to the spiritual "groves" of His people, and the ultimate Joash, ensuring the inexhaustible "cellars" of grace and truth are always available.

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

2 Chronicles 1:15

And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem [as plenteous] as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale for abundance.

1 Kings 10:27

And the king made silver [to be] in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he [to be] as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale, for abundance.

1 Kings 4:7

And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

1 Kings 20:27

And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.