Obil
Obil was an Ishmaelite official in King David’s administration who was placed over the camels.
At a Glance
An Ishmaelite official under King David, noted for oversight of the king’s camels.
Key Points
- Named in the royal administrative list
- Identified as an Ishmaelite
- Overseer of the camels
Description
Obil appears in 1 Chronicles 27:30 in the administrative list of King David’s reign. He is identified as an Ishmaelite and as the official over the camels, indicating a practical role within the king’s royal property and supply structure. Scripture gives no further narrative or theological development about him, so he is best treated as a minor biblical person rather than as a doctrinal or theological term.
Biblical Context
1 Chronicles 27 records the organization of David’s kingdom, including officials responsible for agriculture, livestock, storage, and other royal assets. Obil is listed among these stewards.
Historical Context
The notice reflects the administrative complexity of the united monarchy and the use of trusted officials to manage royal resources. Camel management would have been important for transport, trade, and possibly military logistics.
Jewish and Ancient Context
The Chronicler’s list portrays a well-ordered kingdom under David and highlights the breadth of people serving within Israel’s sphere, including an Ishmaelite serving in a royal capacity.
Primary Key Texts
- 1 Chronicles 27:30
Original Language Note
The name Obil is a Hebrew personal name rendered in English transliteration. The text does not provide an extended explanation of its meaning.
Theological Significance
Obil has little direct theological significance beyond illustrating the administrative organization of David’s kingdom and the inclusion of non-Israelite individuals in service roles.
Interpretive Cautions
Do not read more into Obil than the text provides. He is a named official, not a theological concept, and Scripture gives no further biographical detail.
Major Views
There is no major interpretive debate about Obil himself; the main issue is simply recognizing him as a biblical person in an administrative list.
Doctrinal Boundaries
This entry should not be used to support speculative claims about ethnicity, office, or symbolism beyond what 1 Chronicles 27:30 states.
Practical Significance
Obil’s mention reminds readers that God’s purposes often unfold through ordinary administrative faithfulness and unnoticed service.
Related Entries
- David
- 1 Chronicles 27
- Ishmaelites
- royal officials
See Also
- 1 Chronicles
- David
- Ishmael