This chapter details the military divisions and tribal leaders at this point in history. We also learn a little about the King’s stewards and counselors.
“and over… tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub; and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards… was Zabdi… Over the olive and sycamore trees… was Baal-hanan…; and over the stores of oil was Joash. Over the herds… was Shitrai…; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai. Over the camels was Obil…; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah… Over the flocks was Jaziz… All these were stewards of King David’s property.” (v26-31 abr)
The Bible says a great deal about stewardship – the responsibility to supervise or oversee something (such as property or an organization). From the very beginning, before sin even entered this world, we were commanded to be good stewards: “…’Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ ” (Gen 1:28b) And “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” (Gen 2:15)
Everything that we can possibly imagine in this world has been entrusted to our care by God – the earth and all that lives on it. Obviously that’s too much for any one or two people to handle, so we could “be fruitful and multiply” and divide up the task of stewardship. So, each of us is expected to be a steward of a portion of this earth and its inhabitants (ie. our personal property and those in our circles of influence).
God calls us to be trustworthy stewards (1 Cor 4:2) who work hard for Him and His kingdom (Col 3:23). I encourage us to remain faithful servants of our Lord by wisely caring for that with which He has blessed us – whether that’s property/money, children, friends, or family. We can care for all that’s within our reach, and do so out of obedience to God, and for His glory. This isn’t meant to be a chore or burden, it is meant to be a joy and honor that we can serve our Lord in this way. Just as David’s stewards served in different capacities, so can we, and we can praise God for anything/anyone which He has left in our care.
Father God, our Magnificent and Holy King, great and mighty is Your name. Father we praise You from the highest heights for Your benevolent and generous gifts. Thank you for trusting us with Your creation, and all that it contains. Thank you for those within our circle of influence as well. Please guide us and teach us the wisdom and strength to care for all within our reach, and bless others as You have blessed us. In the name of Jesus, the greatest steward of us all, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training