179. Obil
Lexical Summary
Obil: Obil

Original Word: אוֹבִיל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: owbiyl
Pronunciation: oh-BEEL
Phonetic Spelling: (o-beel')
KJV: Obil
NASB: Obil
Word Origin: [probably from H56 (אָבַל - mourn)]

1. mournful
2. Obil, an Ishmaelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Obil

Probably from 'abal; mournful; Obil, an Ishmaelite -- Obil.

see HEBREW 'abal

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
overseer of David's camels
NASB Translation
Obil (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
אוֺבִיל proper name, masculine (? camel-driver), overseer of David's camels 1 Chronicles 27:30.

אֻבָל, אוּבָל see יבל.

Topical Lexicon
Name and Meaning

Obil is a personal name that carries the idea of a “camel-herdsman” or “camel driver,” an apt description of his function in the court of King David.

Biblical Reference

1 Chronicles 27:30 – “Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite, and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite.”

Historical Context

The single reference to Obil appears in the administrative roster that details those who oversaw King David’s royal estates and military divisions. The list reflects the mature phase of David’s reign, when the kingdom was organized for both civil governance and defense. The inclusion of an Ishmaelite in this official record demonstrates the extensive reach of David’s administration and the integration of skilled non-Israelites into positions of trusted service.

Role in Davidic Administration

Camels were indispensable for long-distance transport and trade, linking Israel with Arabian and desert trade routes. Placing an Ishmaelite over the royal camel herds was strategic, for the Ishmaelites were renowned for their expertise with desert caravans (Genesis 37:25 – 28). Obil’s oversight would have involved:
• Breeding and maintenance of camel herds for military and commercial use.
• Organization of supply trains for military campaigns (compare 2 Samuel 8:6).
• Facilitation of international trade, contributing to the economic strength of the united monarchy.

Spiritual and Ministry Lessons

1. Faithful Stewardship: Obil’s specialized assignment underscores that faithfulness in any sphere—however humble or technical—advances God’s larger purposes (Luke 16:10).
2. Inclusion of the Nations: An Ishmaelite’s trusted role prefigures the later prophetic vision of Gentile participation among the people of God (Isaiah 60:6; Ephesians 2:19).
3. Varied Giftings in Service: Obil’s skill set, though secular in appearance, was indispensable to the covenant community, illustrating Paul’s teaching that every member supplies a unique function to the body (1 Corinthians 12:4 – 6).

Related Themes and Cross-References

• Camels in Scripture: Genesis 24:10 – 67; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 60:6.
• Ishmaelites and trade: Genesis 37:25 – 28; Judges 8:24.
• Foreigners in Israel’s service: 2 Samuel 23:13 – 39 (the mighty men); 1 Chronicles 22:2.

Conclusion

Though mentioned only once, Obil exemplifies God’s sovereign weaving of diverse peoples and practical skills into His redemptive story, highlighting the value of diligent stewardship and the widening circle of those who serve the purposes of the Lord’s anointed king.

Forms and Transliterations
אוֹבִ֖יל אוביל ’ō·w·ḇîl ’ōwḇîl oVil
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 27:30
HEB: וְעַל־ הַ֨גְּמַלִּ֔ים אוֹבִ֖יל הַיִּשְׁמְעֵלִ֑י וְעַל־
NAS: Obil the Ishmaelite had charge
KJV: Over the camels also [was] Obil the Ishmaelite:
INT: had charge of the camels Obil the Ishmaelite had charge

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 179
1 Occurrence


’ō·w·ḇîl — 1 Occ.

178
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