1 Chronicles 27:31

And ouer the flockes, was Iaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king Dauids. 1 Chronicles 27:31 (KJV)

And over the flocks

was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these

were the rulers of the substance which

was king David’s. 1 Chronicles 27:31 (KJV)

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This opening line of Psalm 23:1 is a poetic declaration of trust in God’s provision and guidance. It expresses a deep confidence that the Shepherd‑King will meet every need, and it has become a cornerstone of biblical comfort and assurance.

In the historical record of 1 Chronicles 27:31 we encounter a very different kind of shepherding: the administration of King David’s material wealth. The verse names Jaziz the Hagerite as the official “over the flocks,” indicating that he was responsible for the livestock that formed a substantial part of the kingdom’s substance. The phrase “the substance which was king David’s” underscores the economic importance of the flocks and the trust David placed in appointed leaders to manage them.

The designation “Hagerite” links Jaziz to a nomadic Arab tribe traditionally associated with the descendants of Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. While the biblical text does not elaborate on this tribal affiliation, the identification suggests that David’s administration incorporated individuals from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the broader social fabric of the United Monarchy.

The inclusion of officials such as Jaziz illustrates the organized division of responsibilities within David’s reign. By assigning specific duties—over the army, the treasury, the livestock—David ensured efficient governance and demonstrated the prosperity of his kingdom. Each ruler of a particular “substance” was accountable for its care, contributing to the overall stability and flourishing of the nation.

Thus, Psalm 23 offers theological assurance of God’s personal care, whereas 1 Chronicles 27 provides a concrete snapshot of the practical stewardship exercised in David’s time. Together they reveal a biblical worldview that values both divine provision and responsible human administration of God‑given resources.