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1 Kings 4:7
And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

the sycamore trees.

1 Kings 20:27
And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.

was in charge of the olive and sycamore trees
Olive trees were a vital agricultural product in ancient Israel, providing oil for cooking, lighting, and religious rituals. Sycamore trees, known for their durable wood and fruit, were also economically significant. The management of these resources required expertise and was crucial for the kingdom's economy. This role underscores the organized structure of David's administration, ensuring the prosperity and sustainability of the nation's resources.

in the foothills.
The "foothills" refer to the Shephelah, a region of low hills between the coastal plain and the central highlands of Judah. This area was fertile and well-suited for agriculture, making it an ideal location for cultivating olives and sycamores. The geographical mention emphasizes the strategic use of land in Israel's economy and the importance of regional specialization.

Joash was in charge of the stores of olive oil.
Joash, whose name means "Yahweh has given," was responsible for overseeing the storage and distribution of olive oil, a critical commodity in ancient Israel. Olive oil was not only a staple in daily life but also used in religious ceremonies, anointing, and as a trade item. This position required trustworthiness and skill, reflecting the organized and efficient governance under King David. The mention of Joash highlights the importance of stewardship and the careful management of resources, themes echoed throughout Scripture.

• Scripture identifies Baal-hanan, a man from Geder (likely a town in Judah), as one of King David’s appointed officials (1 Chronicles 27:25-31).

• His name sits alongside other trusted overseers, underscoring how David’s administration relied on capable men for specific tasks—reflectingExodus 18:21, where rulers are chosen to handle practical matters so the leader can focus on God’s directives.

• The text shows real people in real roles; Scripture’s historical detail roots spiritual lessons in literal events.

• Olives and sycamores were staple crops:

– Olives produced food, medicine, light, and anointing oil (Deuteronomy 8:8;Exodus 27:20).

– Sycamore figs offered a dependable, lower-priced fruit for the common people (Amos 7:14).

• By assigning stewardship over specific resources, David modeled orderly management (1 Corinthians 14:40 affirms that God values order in His work).

• The verse reminds us that everyday commodities matter to God; He logs even the caretakers of individual crops, highlighting that faithful service in “little things” counts (Luke 16:10).

• The “foothills” (the Shephelah) were fertile, rolling lowlands between the Judean highlands and the Mediterranean coast (Joshua 15:33-41).

• Mentioning the region anchors Baal-hanan’s task geographically, affirming the land’s God-given abundance (Psalm 85:12: “The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest”).

• Strategic placement: olives favored the terraced slopes; sycamores thrived in the warmer lowlands—evidence of wise, practical stewardship in line withProverbs 27:23-27.

• Another trustworthy official appears: Joash. Like Baal-hanan, he is recorded without fanfare, yet Scripture notes him by name, showing that God values every servant (John 10:3, “He calls His own sheep by name”).

• Joash’s role complemented Baal-hanan’s: one grew the raw product; the other guarded the processed supply. Teamwork in God’s kingdom is intentional (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

• Olive oil symbolized blessing, joy, and the Holy Spirit (Psalm 23:5;Isaiah 61:3). Guarding its stores protected both economic stability and sacred worship, since oil lit the sanctuary (Leviticus 24:1-4).

• Keeping inventory aligns with Joseph storing grain in Egypt (Genesis 41:48-49) and Nehemiah appointing treasurers over offerings (Nehemiah 13:13). God’s people are to manage resources prudently, anticipating future needs.

• The text implicitly teaches diligence and accountability: Joash’s stewardship ensured that what God supplied was neither wasted nor stolen (Malachi 3:10 reminds us that God blesses responsible handling of His provision).

1 Chronicles 27:28 records how King David delegated agricultural oversight: Baal-hanan cultivated olives and sycamores in the fertile foothills, while Joash safeguarded the precious olive oil stores. The verse demonstrates that Scripture honors practical labor, values orderly administration, and shows God’s care for daily necessities. Faithful service—whether tending trees or managing stockpiles—is remembered by God and serves His people’s physical and spiritual well-being.

The sycamore trees that were in the low plains.--The sycomores that were in the Shephelah or lowland of Judah, between the hills and the sea (Joshua 15:33). TheFicus sycomorus, or fig-mulberry, a beautiful evergreen tree, indigenous to Egypt, was once abundant in Palestine, as appears from1Kings 10:27;2Chronicles 1:15. Its small sweet figs were much eaten by the poor. (Comp.Amos 7:14.) . . .