In biblical times, the role of a quartermaster, while not explicitly named as such, can be inferred from various scriptural accounts that describe the organization and logistics of military and tribal life in ancient Israel. The quartermaster would have been responsible for the management and distribution of supplies, ensuring that the needs of the people, particularly in military contexts, were met efficiently.

Biblical Context and Responsibilities

The concept of a quartermaster aligns with the duties of those who managed resources and logistics for the Israelites, especially during their wilderness wanderings and military campaigns. The role would have included overseeing the distribution of food, water, and other essential supplies, as well as maintaining order within the camp.

In the Book of Numbers, the organization of the Israelite camp is described in detail, highlighting the importance of order and resource management. Numbers 2:17 states, "Then the Tent of Meeting shall set out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps. They shall set out in the same order in which they encamp, each in his own place under his standard." This passage underscores the structured approach to camp life, which would have necessitated roles akin to that of a quartermaster to ensure smooth operations.

Military Campaigns

During military campaigns, the need for a quartermaster-like role becomes even more apparent. In 1 Samuel 17, when David visits his brothers on the battlefield, he is tasked with bringing provisions. 1 Samuel 17:17-18 records, "One day Jesse said to his son David, 'Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are doing and bring back some assurance from them.'" This passage illustrates the necessity of supply management and the delivery of provisions to sustain the troops.

Tribal and Levitical Duties

The Levites, who were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, also had roles that involved logistical oversight. In Numbers 4, the duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites are outlined, detailing their responsibilities in transporting and caring for the sacred objects. Numbers 4:24-26 states, "This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with its covering and the outer covering of fine leather, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the gate of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and their ropes—all the equipment for their service." This passage highlights the organized approach to managing sacred and communal resources.

Conclusion

While the specific title of "quartermaster" is not found in the biblical text, the functions associated with this role are evident throughout Scripture. The effective management of resources, whether in military or tribal settings, was crucial for the survival and success of the Israelites. The biblical accounts provide insight into the importance of logistical roles in maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of the community.1. (n.) An officer whose duty is to provide quarters, provisions, storage, clothing, fuel, stationery, and transportation for a regiment or other body of troops, and superintend the supplies.

2. (n.) A petty officer who attends to the helm, binnacle, signals, and the like, under the direction of the master.

8269. sar -- chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince
... 1), officers (14), official (9), officials (35), overseers (3), Prince (1), prince
(9), prince of princes (1), princes (109), quartermaster* (1), ruler (1 ...
/hebrew/8269.htm - 6k

4496. menuchah -- resting place, rest
... of manoach Definition resting place, rest NASB Word Usage comforting (1), permanent
(1), place (1), place of rest (1), quartermaster* (1), quiet (1), rest (8 ...
/hebrew/4496.htm - 6k

Synopsis. --The Present Net Results of the Discussion of the ...
... net result consequent on the preceding may be described as the transference of miracles
from the ordnance department to the quartermaster's department of the ...
/.../miracles and supernatural religion/ii synopsis the present net results.htm

Answers to Prayer
... particularly at El Paso. I was surgeon of the quartermaster's department,
numbering about four hundred men. While the train was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

Jesus Announces his Departure.
... As an old writer says, "Christ is the quartermaster who provides quarters for all
who follow Him." He has gone on before to make ready for those whom He has ...
/.../viii jesus announces his departure.htm

Enthusiasm.
... attractions and affinities, which pointed as he thought to an incorporeal soul of
the world, or spirit of nature, acting as 'a great quartermaster-general of ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... For two or three years during the Revolutionary War he held the appointment of a
quartermaster in the Continental army, and was stationed for a time at ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... like that of an Egyptian boat"a pilot at the prow to take soundings in the channel
and forecast the wind, a pilot astern to steer, a quartermaster in the ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Quartermaster (1 Occurrence)
... master. Multi-Version Concordance Quartermaster (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah ... his
reign. Now Seraiah was chief quartermaster. (WEB JPS NAS RSV). ...
/q/quartermaster.htm - 7k

Prince (160 Occurrences)
... of the princes of the provinces"; compare Esther 1:3, 14, "the seven princes");
"the chief of the eunuchs" (Daniel 1:7); a "quartermaster" (Jeremiah 51:59 ...
/p/prince.htm - 53k

Quarters (17 Occurrences)

/q/quarters.htm - 11k

Quartered (1 Occurrence)

/q/quartered.htm - 6k

Quiet (167 Occurrences)
... For "quiet prince in Jeremiah 51:59, the Revised Version (British and American)
substitutes "chief chamberlain," margin "quartermaster." "Jacob was a quiet (tam ...
/q/quiet.htm - 37k

Neriah (10 Occurrences)
... of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. Now Seraiah was chief
quartermaster. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/neriah.htm - 10k

Grandson (14 Occurrences)
... went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his
reign. Now Seraiah was chief quartermaster. (See NAS). ...
/g/grandson.htm - 11k

Mahseiah (2 Occurrences)
... the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. Now Seraiah
was chief quartermaster. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/m/mahseiah.htm - 7k

Mahsei'ah (2 Occurrences)
... Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. Now Seraiah was quartermaster. (See
RSV). Mahseiah, Mahsei'ah. Maiannas . Reference Bible.
/m/mahsei'ah.htm - 7k

Quartermaster: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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