1 Chronicles 6:54

ยถ Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

Now these are their dwelling places {H4186} throughout their castles {H2918} in their coasts {H1366}, of the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175}, of the families {H4940} of the Kohathites {H6956}: for theirs was the lot {H1486}.

These were the settlements of the descendants of Aharon according to the territories assigned them: to the descendants of Aharon, of the clans of the K'hati -for the first lot fell to them -

Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them:

Now these are their dwelling-places according to their encampments in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot),

Commentary

Context

First Chronicles Chapter 6 is primarily a genealogical record of the Levites, detailing their lineage and the specific roles and dwelling places assigned to them within Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a consolidated tribal land inheritance but were instead given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes (Joshua 21:4-42). This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 6:54, concludes a section that lists the cities allocated specifically to the sons of Aaron, who were a priestly branch of the Kohathite division of the Levites. Their placement in various parts of the land ensured that the people had access to priestly services, instruction, and sacrificial rites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Provision: The precise enumeration of these dwelling places underscores God's meticulous planning and provision for His chosen servants. He ensured the priests, who served the nation, had established homes.
  • Accessibility of Priesthood: By distributing the priestly families throughout the land, God made the services of the priesthood accessible to all the tribes of Israel, facilitating their worship and adherence to the Law. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership being available to the people.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The allocation of these cities by lot (as indicated by "theirs was the lot") was a method used in ancient Israel to determine divine will, fulfilling earlier instructions for the distribution of land and the settlement of the Levites (Numbers 35:2).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "theirs was the lot" translates from the Hebrew word goral (ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ), which refers to a lot cast to make a decision or to divide something. In the biblical context, especially concerning land distribution, casting lots was not seen as a random chance but as a method by which God's will was revealed and His divine hand guided the outcome. This emphasizes that the settlement of the Aaronite priests was not arbitrary but divinely ordained.

Practical Application

This verse, though a seemingly dry list of locations, speaks to profound truths about God's character and His church today. Just as God meticulously provided for and strategically placed His priests to serve His people, He continues to provide for and strategically position those who serve Him in various ministries. It reminds us of God's faithfulness in providing for those who dedicate their lives to His service and the importance of orderly, accessible leadership within the community of faith. We are called to be salt and light in the world, strategically placed by God to influence our communities for His glory, much like the priests were situated among the tribes.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 25:16

    These [are] the sons of Ishmael, and these [are] their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.

  • Joshua 21:10

    Which the children of Aaron, [being] of the families of the Kohathites, [who were] of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot.

  • Numbers 35:1

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,

  • Numbers 35:8

    And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel: from [them that have] many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.

  • Numbers 31:10

    And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.

  • Joshua 21:3

    And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

  • Joshua 21:8

    And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.
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