1 Chronicles 27 25

1 Chronicles 27:25

ESV: Over the king's treasuries was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah;

KJV: 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:

NIV: Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the outlying districts, in the towns, the villages and the watchtowers.

NKJV: And Azmaveth the son of Adiel was over the king's treasuries; and Jehonathan the son of Uzziah was over the storehouses in the field, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses.

NLT: Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the palace treasuries. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the regional treasuries throughout the towns, villages, and fortresses of Israel.

Meaning

1 Chronicles 27:25 details two crucial administrative officials under King David, responsible for managing the kingdom's wealth. Azmaveth oversaw the high-value royal treasuries, containing strategic reserves of precious metals and possibly tribute. Jonathan, conversely, was responsible for the agricultural storehouses spread across the land, securing the kingdom's essential food and produce supplies from fields, cities, villages, and fortresses. This verse highlights David's methodical organization of resources, crucial for national stability and prosperity.

Cross References

Context

1 Chronicles 27 is part of a broader section detailing King David's extensive administration and military organization (chapters 23-27). This chapter specifically lists the twelve monthly military divisions, tribal leaders, and various royal officials responsible for the practical governance of the kingdom. Verse 25 fits within a segment (vv. 25-31) dedicated to those managing David's economic assets, from treasuries to vineyards and flocks. It underscores David's comprehensive approach to leadership, ensuring the stability, security, and prosperity of Israel through well-defined roles and competent personnel. The Chronicler emphasizes David's wisdom in establishing a highly ordered kingdom, preparing resources not only for his reign but also for the future building of the Temple under Solomon.

Word analysis

• Over (עַל, 'al): A preposition meaning "upon," "over," or "concerning." Here, it signifies authority, responsibility, and oversight. It indicates that Azmaveth and Jonathan held positions of leadership and management.

• the king's treasuries (אוֹצְרוֹת הַמֶּלֶךְ, 'otsrot ha-melekh):

  • אוֹצְרוֹת ('otsrot): Plural of otsar, meaning "treasury," "storehouse," "arsenal," or "hoard." These were secure repositories for valuable possessions of the king and the state, including gold, silver, precious stones, perhaps weaponry, or other tribute collected from conquered nations. This suggests vast wealth amassed by David.
  • הַמֶּלֶךְ (ha-melekh): "The king." Specifically belonging to David, distinguishing these from Temple treasuries.

• was Azmaveth (עַזְמָוֶת, 'Azmavet): A common Hebrew name, possibly meaning "strong one of death" or "death is strong." His prominent placement indicates trust and the critical importance of his role.

• the son of Adiel (בֶּן־עֲדִיאֵל, ben-'Adi'el): A standard patriarchal identification. Adiel means "ornament of God" or "God is my witness." This provides the lineage of the appointed official.

• and over the storehouses (עַל־אוֹצְרוֹת, 'al-otsrot): The same word for "treasuries" is used here, emphasizing a similar function of storage but differing in context. Here, it clearly refers to agricultural provisions. This reflects a comprehensive resource management strategy, not just luxury goods.

• in the fields (בַּשָּׂדֶה, ba-sadeh): "In the field," referring to open agricultural areas. These were locations where produce like grain, wine, and oil were primarily gathered from the harvests.

• in the cities (בֶּעָרִים, be-'arim): "In the cities." Designates urban centers where collected produce could be processed, stored, and distributed for local populations or army garrisons.

• in the villages (וּבַכְּפָרִים, uva-kfarim): "And in the villages," referring to rural settlements, suggesting a highly decentralized yet integrated storage system closer to the points of production.

• and in the fortresses (וּבַמִּצָּרוֹת, uvam-mitzraot): "And in the fortresses." These were strategic, fortified locations, likely serving as secure depots for long-term storage or as logistical hubs for military campaigns, protecting vital resources.

• was Jonathan the son of Uzziah:

  • יוֹנָתָן (Yonatan): "Jonathan," meaning "Yahweh has given."
  • עֻזִּיָּהוּ ('Uziyahu): "Uzziah," meaning "My strength is Yahweh." Another established lineage.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Over the king's treasuries... and over the storehouses...": The repeated phrase "over the..." emphasizes the distinct yet equally important oversight roles. This dual management system reflects an astute understanding of resource differentiation: highly valuable, centralized wealth (king's treasuries) vs. widely dispersed, essential agricultural produce (storehouses). This organizational structure ensured both the financial solvency and food security of the kingdom.
  • "in the fields, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses": This exhaustive list details the wide geographical spread and various types of locations where Jonathan's responsibility lay. It portrays a robust, interconnected system for collecting, storing, and distributing agricultural goods throughout the entire kingdom, from the point of harvest to secured strongholds, highlighting a kingdom capable of feeding itself and its military.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:25 vividly portrays King David's sophisticated and practical approach to governance, especially in economic management. This seemingly minor detail of appointing specific individuals for treasuries and storehouses is indicative of a mature kingdom with vast resources that required careful administration. Azmaveth’s role over the king’s treasuries points to David’s understanding of centralized state finance – managing collected tributes, wealth from conquests, and national reserves vital for the monarchy’s power and stability. Jonathan’s expansive responsibility over agricultural storehouses across diverse locations underscores the fundamental importance of food security and logistical support for a populous kingdom and its standing army. David’s wisdom lay not just in conquering, but in efficiently organizing the fruit of his conquests and the productivity of the land. This detail highlights biblical principles of good stewardship, accountability, and the practical wisdom of preparing for future needs, principles applicable even today in personal or corporate management.

Bonus section

• The division of roles between Azmaveth and Jonathan reveals a nuanced understanding of state economics – separating highly valuable, strategic financial assets from the widely distributed, consumable agricultural staples necessary for daily sustenance and military provisions.
• The presence of such detailed administrative lists in Chronicles validates the Chronicler's intent to showcase David as an exemplary king who laid the foundations for a stable, ordered, and worship-focused kingdom, extending beyond military prowess to intricate civilian administration.
• The meticulous management of resources depicted here provided the crucial material foundation for David's plans concerning the Temple and for Solomon's magnificent reign. It highlights that spiritual endeavors are often supported by diligent practical management.
• This verse implies the existence of a well-developed infrastructure for collecting, transporting, and securing these vast amounts of resources across the land, suggesting a highly organized kingdom in operation.

Explore 1 chronicles 27 images, wallpapers, art, audio, video, maps, infographics and timelines