Lexical Summary Gederi: Gederite Original Word: גְּדֵרי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gederite Patrial from Geder; a Gederite, or inhabitant of Geder -- Gederite. see HEBREW Geder NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Geder Definition inhab. of Geder NASB Translation Gederite (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גְּדֵרִי adjective, of a people of גֶּ֫דֶר (q. v.) so LagBN 77; compare MV and others; others גְּדֵרָה; but ᵐ5 Γεδωρειτης, ᵐ5L Γεδδωριτης; — הַגְּדֵרִי 1 Chronicles 27:28. Topical Lexicon Name and Geographic Association Gederi designates an inhabitant or native of Geder, an ancient town in the lowland region of Judah (compare Joshua 12:13; Beth Gader in 1 Chronicles 2:51). The Shephelah setting is consistent with the only narrative reference, which concerns large-scale olive and sycamore cultivation—crops particularly suited to the warmer, well-watered foothills that separate the Judean highlands from the coastal plain. Biblical Occurrence 1 Chronicles 27:28 introduces “Baal-hanan the Gederite” among King David’s royal overseers: “Baal-hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore trees in the foothills; Joash was in charge of the stores of oil”. Nowhere else does Scripture use the gentilic form גְּדֵרי. The verse appears in a catalog that sets forth the civil organization of Israel during David’s reign, listing military divisions, tribal officers, and estate managers. Within that framework the single notice takes on outsized value, illustrating both geographical diversity within the kingdom and the specialization of its administrators. Historical Context David’s consolidation of power required a structure able to sustain military activity, court life, and worship preparations for the future Temple (2 Samuel 8:15–18; 1 Chronicles 22:2–5). His staff therefore included men from many towns—some prominent, others obscure. Baal-hanan, the lone “Gederite,” represents a Judean locale that had transitioned from Canaanite to Israelite control since the days of Joshua. His place in the record testifies that even peripheral communities were drawn into the covenant king’s economy and granted meaningful responsibility. Agricultural Stewardship in David’s Kingdom Olive groves supplied everyday food, medicinal balm, and above all the oil required for anointing, lamp fuel, and grain offerings (Exodus 27:20; Leviticus 24:2). Sycamore-fig trees produced a hardy fruit prized by common people and timber suitable for construction (1 Kings 10:27; Amos 7:14). By linking both crops under the care of a single official from Geder, the Chronicler shows that horticulture in the Shephelah was systematized and guarded. Baal-hanan answered directly to the king; Joash, named immediately afterward, supervised the oil repositories—suggesting a supply chain from grove, to press, to royal and priestly use. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Stewardship: The fleeting mention of a Gederite underscores that in God’s economy faithfulness, not fame, defines worth. An otherwise unknown man becomes part of the inspired record because he managed resources essential to worship and national wellbeing. Lessons for the Contemporary Church • Value every calling. Whether preaching, maintaining property, or handling finances, each assignment contributes to kingdom purposes, just as Baal-hanan’s groves sustained both palace and sanctuary. Forms and Transliterations הַגְּדֵרִ֑י הגדרי hag·gə·ḏê·rî haggedeRi haggəḏêrîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 27:28 HEB: בַּ֥עַל חָנָ֖ן הַגְּדֵרִ֑י ס וְעַל־ NAS: Baal-hanan the Gederite had charge KJV: [was] Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars INT: Shephelah Baal-hanan the Gederite had charge of the stores 1 Occurrence |
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