1 Chronicles 27:28

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:

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}:

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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 27:28 provides a glimpse into the meticulous administrative structure of King David's kingdom, specifically focusing on agricultural management. This verse details the overseers responsible for two crucial aspects of Israel's economy: the cultivation of olive and sycamore trees, and the storage of their valuable produce.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed roster in 1 Chronicles chapter 27, which outlines King David's various officials and their specific duties. Following lists of military commanders, tribal leaders, and other royal administrators, this section highlights the importance of economic infrastructure. It demonstrates David’s foresight in establishing a well-organized system to manage the kingdom’s resources, ensuring stability and prosperity. To understand the broader context of David's administrative appointments, one might review the beginning of this chapter.

Key Themes

  • Systematic Organization: David's kingdom was not run haphazardly but with clear lines of authority and specialized roles, demonstrating the value of good governance and efficient administration.
  • Resource Management: The verse underscores the vital role of agriculture in ancient Israel's economy. Olive trees provided oil for food, light, and anointing, while sycamore trees (specifically the fig-mulberry, Ficus sycomorus, common in the Middle East) offered edible fruit and timber. These were essential commodities for daily life and trade.
  • Specialized Leadership: Individuals like Baalhanan the Gederite and Joash were appointed based on their ability to oversee specific domains, highlighting the importance of delegating responsibilities to capable hands. This reflects a principle of wise administration seen throughout scripture, such as in Jethro's advice to Moses.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The "low plains" mentioned here refer to the Shephelah, a significant geographical region in ancient Israel comprising the foothills between the central highlands and the coastal plain. This area was particularly fertile and known for its extensive olive groves and sycamore trees. The mention of "cellars of oil" (Hebrew: 'otsarot shemen) indicates not just storage but also the careful management and preservation of this precious commodity, which was akin to liquid gold in its economic and cultural significance for the Israelites. For a broader view of Israel's agricultural bounty, consider Deuteronomy 8:8, which describes the land flowing with essential produce.

Practical Application

Though set in ancient times, 1 Chronicles 27:28 offers timeless principles. It reminds us of the importance of good stewardship over resources, whether personal, communal, or organizational. Just as King David ensured the proper management of his kingdom's agricultural wealth, we are called to be diligent and organized in our own responsibilities and endeavors. The verse also highlights the value of recognizing and utilizing individual strengths within a collective effort, demonstrating that every specialized role, no matter how seemingly mundane, contributes to the overall well-being and success of a community or enterprise.

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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.
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