Lexical Summary Obil: Obil Original Word: אוֹבִיל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Obil Probably from 'abal; mournful; Obil, an Ishmaelite -- Obil. see HEBREW 'abal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom 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: 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). Related Themes and Cross-References • Camels in Scripture: Genesis 24:10 – 67; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 60:6. 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 oVilLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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 |
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