1 Chronicles 27:25

Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses.

Study Bible

Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses.
Azmaveth, a name meaning "strong as death," is noted here as the son of Adiel. The mention of lineage underscores the importance of family heritage and tribal affiliations in Israelite society. The royal storehouses were critical for the administration of the kingdom, storing resources such as grain, oil, and other goods necessary for the sustenance of the royal household and the military. This role required trustworthiness and organizational skills, reflecting the structured governance under King David. The position highlights the centralized economic system in ancient Israel, which was essential for maintaining the king's power and supporting the nation.

Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses.
Jonathan, meaning "Yahweh has given," is identified as the son of Uzziah. His responsibility extended beyond the royal storehouses to those spread throughout the land, indicating a decentralized system of resource management. This distribution network ensured that resources were available across various regions, supporting local populations and military outposts. The mention of cities, villages, and fortresses suggests a comprehensive infrastructure that facilitated trade, defense, and sustenance. This system reflects the administrative sophistication during David's reign, ensuring stability and prosperity. The fortresses, in particular, highlight the strategic importance of resource allocation for defense purposes, a theme recurrent in biblical narratives where God provides for His people in times of need.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Azmaveth son of Adiel
He was responsible for the king's treasuries, indicating a position of significant trust and responsibility within King David's administration.

2. Jonathan son of Uzziah
He managed the treasuries located in various regions, including the countryside, cities, villages, and watchtowers, suggesting a decentralized system of resource management.

3. King’s Treasuries
These were the central repositories of wealth and resources for the kingdom, crucial for the administration and functioning of the state.

4. Treasuries in the Country, Cities, Villages, and Watchtowers
This indicates a well-organized system of resource management spread throughout the kingdom, ensuring that resources were available where needed.

5. King David’s Administration
The context of this verse is within the broader organization of King David's kingdom, highlighting the structured and efficient governance during his reign.

Teaching Points

Stewardship and Trust
The roles of Azmaveth and Jonathan highlight the importance of stewardship and trustworthiness in managing resources. As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether it be finances, time, or talents.

Organizational Structure
The detailed organization of the treasuries reflects the value of order and planning in our personal and communal lives. Effective management and planning are essential for achieving goals and fulfilling responsibilities.

Decentralization and Accessibility
The distribution of treasuries across various locations ensures accessibility and efficiency. In our lives, we should strive to make resources and opportunities accessible to those in need, reflecting God's provision and care.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The responsibilities given to Azmaveth and Jonathan remind us of the biblical principle that faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities. We should be diligent in our current roles, trusting God for future opportunities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Azmaveth and Jonathan in managing the treasuries reflect the biblical principle of stewardship?

2. In what ways can we apply the organizational structure seen in 1 Chronicles 27:25 to our personal or church life?

3. How does the decentralization of treasuries in the kingdom of Israel relate to making resources accessible in our communities today?

4. Reflect on a time when you were entrusted with a responsibility. How did you demonstrate faithfulness, and what was the outcome?

5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Luke 16:10-12 about faithfulness in small things be applied to your current responsibilities or roles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 4:6
This verse describes the administrative structure under King Solomon, David's son, showing continuity and expansion of the organized system of governance.

Proverbs 3:9-10
These verses speak about honoring the Lord with wealth, which can be connected to the responsible management of resources as seen in 1 Chronicles 27:25.

Luke 16:10-12
Jesus teaches about faithfulness in managing resources, which parallels the trust placed in Azmaveth and Jonathan.