1 Chronicles 27:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:28 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:28 lists two officials in King David’s administration: Baalhanan the Gederite, who oversaw the olive and sycomore trees in the lowlands, and Joash, who was in charge of the storage cellars for oil. The verse highlights the organized management of agricultural resources in David’s kingdom.

This verse is part of a larger section where the chronicler records the officials responsible for various aspects of the king’s property and resources. The focus here is on the practical administration of food and oil supplies, showing how David’s government delegated responsibility to trusted individuals for the care of important crops and their storage.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:28

• זֵיתִים (zeitim, H2132): This word means "olive trees." Olives were a key crop in ancient Israel, valued for oil used in food, lamps, and religious rituals.
• שִׁקְמִים (shiqmim, H8256): This word refers to "sycomore trees," which produced a type of fig and grew in the lowland areas. Their mention shows the variety of agricultural management.
• מִּקְוֵי (miqvei, H214): This word is translated as "cellars" or "storehouses," referring to places where oil was stored, indicating the importance of preserving and managing surplus produce.
• שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081): This word means "oil," specifically olive oil, which was a staple product with many uses in daily life and worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:28 matters

• This verse shows the level of organization and specialization in King David’s administration, with specific officials assigned to agricultural management.
• The mention of both olive and sycomore trees, as well as oil storage, highlights the economic importance of these resources in ancient Israel.
• By naming the officials and their duties, the chronicler emphasizes the trust and responsibility placed on individuals, reflecting the broader structure and stability of David’s reign.