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.