1 Chronicles 27:31

KJV

And over the flocks [was] Jaziz the Hagerite. All these [were] the rulers of the substance which [was] king David's.

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Yaziz the Hagri over the flocks [of sheep and goats]. All of these were responsible for King David's property.

Berean Standard Bible

Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks. All these officials were in charge of King David’s property.

American Standard Version

All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s.

Commentary

### 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](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization"), 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](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization") 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](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Diligence in Managing Flocks"). 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](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth"). 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](/2_samuel/8-15 "2 Samuel 8:15 - David's Just and Righteous Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flocks (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/1_chronicles/27-25-31 "1 Chronicles 27:25-31 - David's Royal Officials"). 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](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization"), 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.

* [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Know Well the Condition of Your Flocks")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithful in Little, Faithful in Much")
* [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's and Everything in It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of David's administration in [1 Chronicles 27](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization"), 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](/1_chronicles/27-31 "1 Chronicles 27:31 - Rulers of King David's Substance"), "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](/1_chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Administrative Organization"), 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](/1_chronicles/27-31 "1 Chronicles 27:31 - David's Administrators of Substance") 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](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, not only oversees His spiritual "flock" with perfect care and wisdom, laying down His life for them ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), 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](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents")), calling them to be faithful managers of the spiritual gifts and opportunities He entrusts to them ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewardship of God's Grace")). 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.

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

1 Chronicles 5:10

And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites, who fell by their hand: and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east [land] of Gilead.