And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:

1 CHRONICLES 27:26KJV
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1 Chronicles 27:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:26 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:26 states that Ezri, the son of Chelub, was put in charge of those who worked the fields and managed the tilling of the land. This verse is part of a list describing the officials responsible for different areas of King David’s administration.

This verse comes from a section where the chronicler records the organization of King David’s kingdom, specifically naming those who oversaw various practical affairs. Here, the focus is on agricultural management, showing that there was a designated official, Ezri, responsible for supervising the workers who cultivated the land, which was essential for the nation’s food supply and economy.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:26

  • "did" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word often means "to do" or "to make," and here it refers to those who performed the work in the fields, emphasizing active labor.
  • "work" (מְלָאכָה, melakhah): This term points to the actual tasks or labor being done, highlighting that the workers had specific duties related to farming.
  • "field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This word means "field," indicating open land used for agriculture, not just any land but specifically cultivated ground.
  • "tillage" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word is often used for "service" or "work," but in this context, it refers to the agricultural work of tilling or preparing the ground.
  • "ground" (אֲדָמָה, adamah): This word means "ground" or "soil," focusing on the earth itself that was being worked.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:26 matters

  • This verse highlights the detailed organization of King David’s administration, showing that even agricultural work was carefully managed and overseen by appointed officials.
  • It clears up any idea that ancient Israel’s leadership was only concerned with military or religious matters, revealing the importance of everyday economic activities like farming.
  • By naming Ezri and his role, the verse connects to the wider passage that lists other officials, helping readers see the scope and structure of leadership during David’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“Chelub” Hebrew H3620 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:11 And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton.

“tillage” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.