Obil is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Chronicles. He is noted for his role as a caretaker of camels during the reign of King David, a position of considerable responsibility given the importance of camels in ancient Near Eastern societies for transportation and trade.

Biblical Reference:
Obil is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27:30, which states: "Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels." . This brief mention places Obil among the officials responsible for the various aspects of King David's extensive royal estates and military resources. The passage is part of a larger section detailing the organization of David's kingdom, highlighting the administrative structure and the delegation of duties to trusted individuals.

Background and Significance:
Obil is identified as an Ishmaelite, indicating his descent from Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. The Ishmaelites were a nomadic people, often associated with the Arabian Peninsula, and were known for their skills in handling camels. This background would have made Obil particularly suited for his role, as camels were vital for long-distance travel and trade across the arid regions of the Middle East.

The mention of Obil in the context of King David's administration underscores the inclusivity and diversity within the kingdom. David's reign was marked by the unification of the tribes of Israel and the establishment of a centralized government. By appointing an Ishmaelite to a significant position, David demonstrated a pragmatic approach to governance, valuing skill and expertise over ethnic or tribal affiliations.

Role and Responsibilities:
As the overseer of the camels, Obil would have been responsible for the care, breeding, and management of these animals, ensuring their readiness for military campaigns, trade expeditions, and royal transport. Camels were essential for their ability to carry heavy loads over long distances without requiring much water, making them indispensable in the arid climate of the region.

Obil's role would have required knowledge of animal husbandry, logistics, and possibly even diplomacy, as camels were often used in trade with neighboring nations. His position reflects the complexity and sophistication of David's administration, which relied on a network of skilled officials to maintain the kingdom's prosperity and security.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The mention of Obil and his responsibilities provides insight into the economic and military strategies of ancient Israel. The use of camels facilitated trade routes that connected Israel with distant lands, contributing to the wealth and influence of David's kingdom. Additionally, camels played a strategic role in military operations, allowing for rapid movement of troops and supplies across challenging terrains.

In summary, Obil's brief mention in the Bible highlights the importance of camels in the ancient world and the diverse composition of King David's administration. His role as an Ishmaelite overseeing the camels reflects the integration of different peoples and cultures within the kingdom, emphasizing the practical and inclusive nature of David's rule.Obil

that weeps; who deserves to be bewailed

Obil

(chief of the camels), a keeper of the herds of camels in the reign of David. (1 Chronicles 27:30) (B.C. 1050.)

A keeper of camels, an Ishmaelite who was "over the camels" in the time of David (1 Chronicles 27:30). OBIL

o'-bil ('obhil, "camel driver"): An Ishmaelite who was "over the camels" in David's palace (1 Chronicles 27:30).

179. Obil -- overseer of David's camels
... 178, 179. Obil. 180 . overseer of David's camels. Transliteration: Obil
Phonetic Spelling: (o-beel') Short Definition: Obil. Word ...
/hebrew/179.htm - 6kObil (1 Occurrence)
...OBIL. o'-bil ('obhil, "camel driver"): An Ishmaelite who was "over the camels"
in David's palace (1 Chronicles 27:30). ...Obil (1 Occurrence). ...
/o/obil.htm - 7k

Obeys (17 Occurrences)

/o/obeys.htm - 11k

Jehde'iah (2 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:30 and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite;
and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite; (See RSV). ...
/j/jehde'iah.htm - 6k

Jehdeiah (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:30 and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the donkeys
was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. ...
/j/jehdeiah.htm - 7k

Jehdiah (1 Occurrence)
... Jehdiah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 27:30 And over the camels was Obil the
Ishmaelite; and over the asses was Jehdiah the Meronothite. (DBY). ...
/j/jehdiah.htm - 6k

Jaziz (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:30 and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the donkeys
was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. ...
/j/jaziz.htm - 7k

Ishmaelite (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:30 and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the donkeys
was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. ...
/i/ishmaelite.htm - 7k

Ishmeelite (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV YLT). 1 Chronicles 27:30 and over the camels 'is' Obil the Ishmeelite;
and over the asses 'is' Jehdeiah the Meronothite; (YLT). ...
/i/ishmeelite.htm - 6k

Ish'maelite (3 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 27:30 and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite;
and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite; (See RSV). ...
/i/ish'maelite.htm - 7k

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