1 Chronicles 27:30
Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels. Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.
Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels.
Obil, identified as an Ishmaelite, indicates a connection to the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar. The Ishmaelites were known as nomadic traders, often associated with camels, which were essential for trade and transportation across the desert regions. This role highlights the integration of various ethnic groups within Israel's administration, reflecting the broader reach and influence of King David's reign. Camels were valuable assets in ancient economies, used for long-distance travel and trade, symbolizing wealth and resource management. The mention of Obil underscores the importance of camels in the royal economy and the need for skilled oversight.

Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.
Jehdeiah, identified as a Meronothite, suggests a connection to Meronoth, a location not explicitly detailed in biblical texts but possibly near Gibeon or within the tribal territories of Judah or Benjamin. Donkeys were crucial for local transportation and agricultural work, highlighting their role in daily life and commerce. Unlike camels, donkeys were more common and accessible, serving as work animals for carrying loads and plowing fields. Jehdeiah's position indicates the structured organization of resources under King David's administration, ensuring efficient management of essential assets. This reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship and the importance of wise management of God's provisions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Obil the Ishmaelite
Obil is identified as an Ishmaelite, indicating his descent from Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. His role was to oversee the camels, which were essential for transportation and trade in ancient Israel.

2. Jehdeiah the Meronothite
Jehdeiah is noted as being from Meronoth, a place not widely known but indicating his regional origin. He was responsible for the donkeys, another crucial asset for transportation and agricultural work.

3. Camels and Donkeys
These animals were vital for the economy and daily life in ancient Israel. Camels were used for long-distance travel and trade, while donkeys were used for local transport and agricultural tasks.
Teaching Points
Stewardship and Responsibility
Obil and Jehdeiah were entrusted with significant responsibilities. This highlights the importance of faithful stewardship in whatever role God places us.

Diversity in God's Kingdom
The inclusion of an Ishmaelite in a position of responsibility shows that God's work involves people from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing unity in diversity.

Value of Humble Tasks
Overseeing animals might seem mundane, but it was crucial for the kingdom's functioning. This teaches us that no task is too small in God's eyes.

Preparation and Provision
The organization of resources, like camels and donkeys, reflects the need for preparation and provision in our lives, trusting God to supply our needs.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Obil and Jehdeiah about the importance of fulfilling our roles, no matter how small they may seem?

2. How does the inclusion of an Ishmaelite in a leadership role challenge or affirm your understanding of God's inclusivity?

3. In what ways can we practice faithful stewardship in our daily lives, similar to how Obil and Jehdeiah managed their responsibilities?

4. How do the roles of camels and donkeys in ancient Israel relate to the resources and tools we rely on today?

5. Reflect on a time when a seemingly minor task had a significant impact. How does this relate to the biblical principle of being faithful in small things?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37:25
This verse describes a caravan of Ishmaelites with camels, highlighting the historical connection of Ishmaelites with camels and trade.

1 Samuel 25:20
This passage mentions donkeys in the context of Abigail's journey, illustrating their use in transportation and daily life.

Job 1:3
Job's wealth is partly measured by his large number of camels, showing their value in ancient times.
The Army, Tribal Princes, Royal PossessionsF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson, B. A.1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Earth's ProduceJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 27:25-31
The Trust of RichesR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 27:25-31
People
Aaron, Aaronites, Abiathar, Abiezer, Abner, Adiel, Adlai, Ahithophel, Ammizabad, Arkite, Asahel, Azareel, Azaziah, Azmaveth, Azriel, Baalhanan, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Chelub, Dan, David, Dodai, Eleazar, Eliezer, Elihu, Ezri, Hachmoni, Hanan, Hashabiah, Heldai, Helez, Hosea, Hoshea, Hushai, Iddo, Ikkesh, Ira, Ishmaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Jaasiel, Jashobeam, Jaziz, Jehdeiah, Jehiel, Jehoiada, Jehonathan, Jeremoth, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jonathan, Kemuel, Levi, Levites, Maacah, Maachah, Maharai, Manasseh, Michael, Mikloth, Naphtali, Obadiah, Obil, Omri, Othniel, Pedaiah, Perez, Reubenites, Shamhuth, Shaphat, Shephatiah, Shimei, Shitrai, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Simeonites, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zarhites, Zebadiah, Zebulun, Zechariah, Zerahites, Zeruiah, Zichri
Places
Anathoth, Gilead, Jerusalem, Netophah, Pirathon, Sharon, Shephelah
Topics
Asses, Camels, Charge, Control, Donkeys, Flocks, Hagrite, Ishmaelite, Ish'maelite, Ishmeelite, Jaziz, Jehdeiah, Jehde'iah, Jehdiah, Meronothite, Meron'othite, Obil, She-asses
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 27:29

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Library
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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