And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:

1 CHRONICLES 27:25KJV
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What does 1 Chronicles 27:25 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:25 lists two officials in King David’s administration: Azmaveth son of Adiel, who was in charge of the king’s treasures, and Jehonathan son of Uzziah, who oversaw the storehouses in the fields, cities, villages, and fortresses. This verse shows how the kingdom’s wealth and resources were carefully managed by trusted leaders.

This verse is part of a larger section where the writer details the organization of King David’s officials and administrators. The focus here is on the practical management of royal property and supplies, highlighting the importance of structure and accountability in running the kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:25

  • "Treasures" (אוֹצָר, 'otsar, H214) refers to valuable stores or treasuries, not just money but also goods and resources. The word shows that Azmaveth was responsible for the central royal wealth, not just cash.
  • "Storehouses" (אוֹצָר, 'otsar, H214) is the same Hebrew word as "treasures," but here it refers to storage places spread throughout the land, showing a distinction between the central treasury and regional supply depots.
  • "Fields" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh, H7704), "cities" (עִיר, 'ir, H5892), "villages" (כְּפָר, kephar, H3723), and "castles" (מִגְדָּל, migdal, H4026) name the different locations where supplies were kept, emphasizing the widespread and organized nature of resource management.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:25 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that ancient Israel’s government was informal or loosely organized; instead, it shows a detailed administrative system under King David.
  • The verse highlights the trust placed in specific individuals to manage significant resources, suggesting the importance of integrity and competence in leadership roles.
  • By naming both central and regional officials, the verse connects to the broader passage’s theme of order and responsibility throughout David’s kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“villages” Hebrew H3723 · used in 2 verses

  • Song of Solomon 7:11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages.

“Adiel” Hebrew H5717 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:36 And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:12 And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

“Azmaveth” Hebrew H5820 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:42 And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;
  • 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,

“Uzziah” Hebrew H5818 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
  • 2 Chronicles 27:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.