1 Chronicles 27:30
Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels. Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.
Over the camels
The mention of camels here highlights their importance in ancient Israelite society, particularly for trade and transportation across the arid regions. Camels were valuable assets, often associated with wealth and prosperity. The Hebrew word for camel, "גָּמָל" (gamal), signifies a creature that can endure long journeys, symbolizing resilience and endurance. In a spiritual sense, this can inspire believers to persevere in their faith journey, trusting in God's provision and strength.

Obil the Ishmaelite
Obil's designation as an Ishmaelite connects him to the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. The Ishmaelites were known as traders and nomads, which aligns with Obil's role overseeing camels. This highlights the interconnectedness of different peoples in God's plan, reminding us that God can use individuals from diverse backgrounds to fulfill His purposes. It also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 17:20).

Over the donkeys
Donkeys were essential for daily life in ancient Israel, used for agriculture, transportation, and carrying burdens. The Hebrew word "חֲמוֹר" (chamor) signifies a humble yet vital animal. In a spiritual context, donkeys can symbolize humility and service, as seen in Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:5). This serves as a reminder for believers to embrace humility and a servant's heart in their walk with Christ.

Jehdeiah the Meronothite
Jehdeiah's identification as a Meronothite suggests he was from Meronoth, a location not widely known but possibly near Gibeon. His role over the donkeys indicates a position of responsibility and trust. The name Jehdeiah means "Jehovah rejoices," reflecting the joy and satisfaction God finds in those who faithfully serve Him. This encourages believers to find joy in their service to God, knowing that their efforts are seen and valued by the Lord.

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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