1 Chronicles 27:31

Translation
King James Version
And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And over the flocks H6629 was Jaziz H3151 the Hagerite H1905. All these were the rulers H8269 of the substance H7399 which was king H4428 David's H1732.
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Complete Jewish Bible
and Yaziz the Hagri over the flocks [of sheep and goats]. All of these were responsible for King David's property.
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Berean Standard Bible
Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks. All these officials were in charge of King David’s property.
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American Standard Version
All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s.
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World English Bible Messianic
All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And ouer the sheepe was Iaziz the Hagerite: all these were the rulers of the substance that was King Dauids.
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Young's Literal Translation
and over the flock is Jaziz the Hagerite; all these are heads of the substance that king David hath.
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See also
1 Chronicles 5:10
In the KJVVerse 11,141 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 27:31 concludes a meticulous enumeration of King David's top administrative officials, specifically highlighting Jaziz the Hagerite's crucial role in overseeing the king's vast flocks. This verse serves as a summary statement for the preceding list, emphasizing that all these individuals were diligently appointed as "rulers of the substance," or managers of the immense material wealth and resources that belonged to King David, thereby underscoring the sophisticated and organized nature of his royal administration and the breadth of his economic holdings.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse serves as the culmination of 1 Chronicles 27, a chapter uniquely dedicated to detailing King David's extensive administrative and military organization. Following the monthly military divisions (vv. 1-15) and tribal leaders (vv. 16-22), the chapter shifts focus to the civilian officials responsible for managing David's personal and royal estates (vv. 25-31). Verse 31 specifically concludes the list of those overseeing the king's "substance," which includes treasuries, storehouses, agricultural produce, vineyards, olive groves, and various types of livestock. This detailed cataloging in Chronicles underscores the Chronicler's interest in the stability, order, and wealth of David's kingdom, often presented as a model for future generations and a foundation for the temple building.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, a king's wealth was directly tied to the prosperity and stability of his kingdom. Livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle, constituted a significant portion of this wealth, serving as a primary source of food, clothing (wool), trade goods, and sacrificial animals. Managing these vast flocks required considerable skill, diligence, and trust. David's administrative structure, as detailed in this chapter, reveals a highly organized and centralized government, capable of overseeing an extensive national economy. The inclusion of "Jaziz the Hagerite," potentially a non-Israelite (from the Hagrites, an Arab tribe), in such a sensitive and vital position, speaks to David's pragmatic leadership and his willingness to appoint competent individuals regardless of their ethnic origin, a practice not uncommon in ancient empires seeking skilled administrators.
  • Key Themes: This concluding verse of 1 Chronicles 27 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the Chronicler's work. It highlights meticulous stewardship and administration, demonstrating David's commitment to ordering his kingdom's resources, a principle echoed in Proverbs 27:23. The sheer detail of the listed officials underscores the vastness of royal wealth accumulated under David, which laid the economic groundwork for Solomon's glorious reign and the construction of the Temple, as indicated by accounts like 1 Kings 10:23. Furthermore, the delegation of such significant responsibilities to various individuals showcases David's effective delegation and trust in his subordinates, allowing him to focus on broader matters of governance and justice, a characteristic of his reign described in 2 Samuel 8:15.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Flocks (Hebrew, tsôʼn', H6629): This term (H6629, צֹאן) refers to a collective name for a flock of sheep or goats, and by extension, small cattle. In the context of ancient Israel, flocks were a primary indicator of wealth and a vital source of sustenance, clothing, and trade. Jaziz's oversight of these "flocks" signifies his responsibility for a substantial and economically critical portion of David's royal assets, far beyond just a few animals, representing a significant aspect of the kingdom's agricultural economy.
  • Hagerite (Hebrew, Hagrîy', H1905): This ethnonym (H1905, הַגְרִי) indicates Jaziz's origin from the Hagrites (or Hagarites), an Arabian clan or tribe, possibly associated with the descendants of Hagar, Abraham's concubine. Their territory was generally east of Gilead. Jaziz's appointment as a non-Israelite over such a significant royal asset speaks volumes about David's administrative pragmatism and his ability to integrate skilled individuals into his service, demonstrating a merit-based approach to governance that transcended ethnic boundaries.
  • Substance (Hebrew, rᵉkûwsh', H7399): The Hebrew word (H7399, רְכֻשׁ) denotes property or goods that have been gathered or acquired. It is a comprehensive term for all tangible assets and wealth. In this verse, it summarizes the entirety of King David's material resources—from agricultural produce and treasuries to various forms of livestock—that were managed by the officials listed in the preceding verses. Its use here emphasizes the sheer scope and diversity of David's royal holdings, signifying the vast economic foundation of his kingdom.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And over the flocks [was] Jaziz the Hagerite": This clause specifically names Jaziz and his unique responsibility within David's elaborate administrative structure. It highlights the importance of livestock within the royal economy and the specific individual entrusted with its management. The mention of his origin, "the Hagerite," is notable, suggesting David's inclusive approach to administration, valuing competence even from outside the Israelite tribal structure, a testament to his practical leadership.
  • "All these [were] the rulers of the substance which [was] king David's": This concluding statement serves as a comprehensive summary for the entire list of officials from 1 Chronicles 27:25-31. It clarifies the collective role of these individuals: they were not merely servants but "rulers" or managers, entrusted with significant authority over the king's vast "substance" or wealth. The repeated emphasis on "king David's" underscores the personal nature of these assets and David's ultimate authority and ownership over them, while also highlighting the immense resources at his disposal.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler's use of Cataloging or Listing is the predominant literary device throughout 1 Chronicles 27, culminating in verse 31. This meticulous enumeration of officials and their specific roles serves to emphasize the highly organized and sophisticated nature of King David's administration. The sheer detail conveys a sense of thoroughness and order, portraying David not just as a warrior king but as a master strategist and administrator. This detailed listing also functions as a form of Emphasis, highlighting the vastness of David's wealth and the importance of proper stewardship. By meticulously documenting each category of royal possessions and the official responsible for it, the text implicitly underscores the value placed on these resources and the careful oversight required to manage a thriving kingdom. The final summary statement in verse 31 provides Closure to this administrative section, drawing together all the preceding specific roles under a single, overarching description of their function as managers of the king's "substance."

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 27:31, in its depiction of David's meticulous administration of his earthly wealth, offers profound theological insights into the principle of stewardship. It reminds us that all resources, whether vast royal flocks or personal possessions, are ultimately gifts from God, entrusted to human care. David, as king, understood his responsibility to manage his kingdom's "substance" with diligence and wisdom, recognizing that true prosperity comes from divine blessing and faithful oversight. This careful organization reflects a godly approach to resources, acknowledging that we are merely managers of what belongs to the Lord. The appointment of diverse individuals, even foreigners, for crucial roles also subtly points to God's universal sovereignty and His ability to use anyone for His purposes, highlighting competence and faithfulness over narrow tribalism.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed account of David's administration in 1 Chronicles 27, culminating in verse 31, serves as a powerful ancient blueprint for modern stewardship. Just as David meticulously organized the management of his kingdom's tangible assets, believers today are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us: our time, talents, spiritual gifts, financial resources, relationships, and even our physical bodies. This verse challenges us to consider the level of intentionality and organization we apply to what God has placed in our care. Are we managing our "substance" with diligence, wisdom, and integrity, recognizing that it ultimately belongs to God and is to be used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom? Our faithfulness in managing earthly resources is a tangible expression of our worship and our readiness for greater responsibilities in God's eternal economy.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of your life (time, talents, finances, relationships) do you need to exercise greater intentionality and "ruling" (stewardship) like David's administrators?
  • How does recognizing that "all these were the rulers of the substance which was King David's" impact your view of personal ownership versus divine entrustment?
  • What practical steps can you take this week to better organize or manage a specific resource God has given you?
  • How might the principle of delegating responsibility, as seen in David's administration, apply to your involvement in church or community service?

FAQ

Who was Jaziz the Hagerite, and why is his inclusion significant?

Answer: Jaziz the Hagerite was one of King David's chief administrators, specifically appointed over the king's extensive flocks. The "Hagerite" designation indicates his origin from the Hagrites, an Arabian tribe, suggesting he was likely a non-Israelite. His inclusion is significant because it demonstrates King David's pragmatic and merit-based approach to leadership. Instead of limiting high-level administrative roles to Israelites, David chose competent individuals regardless of their background, entrusting a vital economic sector (livestock management) to someone from outside the traditional tribal structure. This highlights David's focus on effective governance and his willingness to utilize the best available talent for the prosperity of his kingdom, a practice also seen in other ancient Near Eastern empires.

What does "substance" mean in the context of 1 Chronicles 27:31?

Answer: In 1 Chronicles 27:31, "substance" translates the Hebrew word rᵉkûwsh (H7399), which broadly refers to "property (as gathered)," "goods," or "possessions." It is a comprehensive term encompassing all the material wealth and assets that belonged to King David. This includes not only the flocks mentioned in the verse but also the various other royal holdings detailed in the preceding verses of the chapter, such as treasuries, storehouses, agricultural fields, vineyards, and olive groves. The term emphasizes the tangible and extensive nature of the royal resources that these officials were responsible for managing, showcasing the economic foundation of David's kingdom.

Why does 1 Chronicles 27 provide such a detailed list of David's officials?

Answer: The Chronicler's purpose in providing such a detailed list in 1 Chronicles 27, culminating in verse 31, is multifaceted. Firstly, it underscores the organizational genius of King David and the sophisticated administrative structure he established. This level of detail demonstrates the stability and order of his kingdom, a model for future generations. Secondly, it highlights the immense wealth and resources accumulated under David's reign, which served as the foundation for the future glory of Solomon's kingdom and the construction of the Temple, aligning with the Chronicler's emphasis on God's blessing on a righteous king. Finally, it serves as a model of good stewardship and effective leadership for the post-exilic community, reminding them of the importance of diligent management of resources, both material and human, in service to God's purposes.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 27:31 details the administration of an earthly king's material wealth, it foreshadows the infinitely greater and more comprehensive stewardship of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David's meticulous oversight of his kingdom's "substance" points to Christ, who is the sovereign Lord over all creation, for "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, not only oversees His spiritual "flock" with perfect care and wisdom, laying down His life for them (John 10:11), but also perfectly manages the "substance" of God's eternal kingdom—its spiritual riches, grace, and truth. Unlike David, whose wealth was earthly and temporal, Christ's dominion is eternal and spiritual, encompassing the very souls of humanity. He is the faithful steward of God's redemptive plan, delegating responsibilities to His disciples through the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), calling them to be faithful managers of the spiritual gifts and opportunities He entrusts to them (1 Peter 4:10). Thus, David's earthly administration serves as a type, pointing to the perfect and eternal reign of Christ, who truly rules over all "substance" for the glory of God and the redemption of humanity.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 27 verses 16–34

We have here an account,

I. Of the princes of the tribes. Something of the ancient order instituted by Moses in the wilderness was still kept up, that every tribe should have its prince or chief. It is probable that it was kept up all along, either by election or by succession, in the same family; and those are here named who were found in that office when this account was taken. Elihu, or Eliab, who was prince of Judah, was the eldest son of Jesse, and descended in a right line from Nahshon and Salmon, the princes of this tribe in Moses's time. Whether these princes were of the nature of lord-lieutenants that guided them in their military affairs, or chief-justices that presided in their courts of judgment, does not appear. Their power, we may suppose, was much less now that all the tribes were united under one king than it had been when, for the most part, they acted separately. Our religion obliges us to be subject, not only to the king as supreme, but unto governors under him (Pe1 2:13, Pe1 2:14), the princes that decree justice. Of Benjamin was Jaaziel the son of Abner, Ch1 27:21. Though Abner was David's enemy, and opposed his coming to the throne, yet David would not oppose the preferment of his son, but perhaps nominated him to this post of honour, which teaches us to render good for evil.

II. Of the numbering of the people, Ch1 27:23, Ch1 27:24. It is here said, 1. That when David ordered the people to be numbered he forbade the numbering of those under twenty years old, thinking thereby to save the reflection which what he did might otherwise cast upon the promise that they should be innumerable; yet it was but a poor salvo, for it had never been customary to number those under twenty, and the promise of their numbers chiefly respected the effective men. 2. That the account which David took of the people, in the pride of his heart, turned to no good account; for it was never perfected, nor done with exactness, nor was it ever recorded as an authentic account. Joab was disgusted with it, and did it by halves; David was ashamed of it, and willing it should be forgotten, because there fell wrath for it against Israel. A good man cannot, in the reflection, please himself with that which he knows God is displeased with, cannot make use of that, nor take comfort in that, which is obtained by sin.

III. Of the officers of the court. 1. The rulers of the king's substance (as they are called, Ch1 27:31), such as had the oversight and charge of the king's tillage, his vineyards, his olive-yards, his herds, his camels, his asses, his flocks. Here are no officers for state, none for sport, no master of the wardrobe, no master of the ceremonies, no master of the horse, no master of the hounds, but all for service, agreeable to the simplicity and plainness of those times. David was a great soldier, a great scholar, and a great prince, and yet a great husband of his estate, kept a great deal of ground in his own hand, and stocked it, not for pleasure, but for profit; for the king himself is served of the field, Ecc 5:9. Those magistrates that would have their subjects industrious must themselves be examples of industry and application to business. We find, however, that afterwards the poor of the land were thought good enough to be vine-dressers and husbandmen, Kg2 25:12. Now David put his great men to preside in these employments. 2. The attendants on the king's person. They were such as were eminent for wisdom, being designed for conversation. His uncle, who was a wise man and a scribe, not only well skilled in politics, but well read in the scriptures, was his counsellor, Ch1 27:32. Another, who no doubt excelled in learning and prudence, was tutor to his children. Ahithophel, a very cunning man, was his counsellor: but Hushai, an honest man, was his companion and confidant. It does not appear that he had many counsellors; but those he had were men of great abilities. Much of the wisdom of princes is seen in the choice of their ministry. But David, though he had all these trusty and well-beloved cousins and counsellors about him, preferred his Bible before them all. Psa 119:24, Thy testimonies are my delight and my counsellors.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–34. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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