1 Chronicles 6:55

KJV

And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they gave {H5414} them Hebron {H2275} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}, and the suburbs {H4054} thereof round about {H5439} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

they gave Hevron in the land of Y'hudah with the open land surrounding it,

Berean Standard Bible

They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands.

American Standard Version

to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:55 meticulously records the divine allocation of Hebron, a city of profound historical and spiritual significance located within the tribal territory of Judah, along with its essential surrounding pasturelands, to the descendants of Aaron—the designated priestly line of the Levites. This seemingly administrative detail profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to provide comprehensively for His chosen servants, ensuring their sustenance, security, and designated place within the meticulously ordered structure of ancient Israel. It highlights the divine provision for those dedicated to sacred service and the enduring importance of specific geographical locations in God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is primarily a comprehensive genealogical record of the Levites, meticulously tracing their lineage from Levi through his sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The chapter places particular emphasis on the priestly line of Aaron, a descendant of Kohath, establishing their legitimacy, authority, and the divine basis for their unique role. Verses 54-81 transition from pure genealogy to a detailed enumeration of the cities assigned to the various Levitical families throughout the land of Israel. Verse 55, therefore, is part of this meticulous record of divine provision and territorial distribution, specifically highlighting the premier city given to the Aaronic priests. This detailed listing serves as a concrete manifestation of God's faithful execution of His earlier commands regarding the Levites' inheritance, demonstrating how the divine promise translated into tangible reality within the structured life of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The distribution of land was a foundational aspect of Israelite society, fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham regarding the [land of Canaan](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham"). Unlike the other tribes, the Levites received no territorial inheritance in the same manner, as the Lord Himself was declared to be their inheritance, and they were dedicated to tabernacle and later temple service (as seen in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, they were allotted specific cities with surrounding pasturelands among all the tribes (a command detailed in [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Cities for the Levites")). Hebron, situated in the hill country of Judah, held profound significance. It was a revered patriarchal burial site, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah were interred in the Cave of Machpelah (referenced in [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham Buries Sarah in Machpelah")). Later, it served as David's first capital (as recorded in [2 Samuel 2:1-4](/2_samuel/2 "2 Samuel 2 - David Becomes King in Hebron")). Its allocation to the priests underscored their elevated status and the sanctity of their role. Furthermore, Hebron was designated as one of the six [cities of refuge](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge"), providing asylum for those who accidentally killed someone, highlighting its dual role as a sacred and judicial center within Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Fulfillment**, showcasing God's meticulous faithfulness in keeping His promises, particularly regarding the land and the sustenance of His dedicated servants. The precise allocation of Hebron, a city of immense historical and spiritual weight, to the Aaronic priests underscores the divine honor and sanctity attached to their role, ensuring they could carry out their sacred duties without material distraction. Secondly, it highlights **Order and Administration** within the nascent Israelite nation, demonstrating the highly organized structure God ordained for His people, ensuring every tribe and family had its designated place and resources. This divine ordering is crucial for the stability and functioning of the covenant community. Thirdly, the mention of Hebron, a designated city of refuge (as specifically noted in [Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Hebron as a City of Refuge")), subtly reinforces the theme of **Justice and Mercy** embedded within God's law, demonstrating how divine provision extended to safeguarding the innocent and upholding legal principles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing "to give," "to put," "to make," and "to assign." In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of divine assignment and human execution. It's not merely a transfer of property but the fulfillment of a sacred mandate, emphasizing God's active role in providing for His priestly servants and establishing their place within the land. The act of "giving" here reflects God's generosity and faithfulness in establishing the Levitical cities.
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _Chebrôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "association" or "league," Hebron was a pivotal city in Palestine. Its name itself might allude to its role as a gathering place or a place of covenant, deeply tied to the patriarchs as a burial site for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Its allocation to the priests elevated its status further, making it a central hub for sacred service and a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people, a place where divine promises were tangibly realized.
* **suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This term refers to the "open country whither flocks are driven from pasture," or the "area around a building." It denotes the common pastureland surrounding the walled city, essential for the Levites' livestock and for general communal use. This signifies that the provision for the priests was comprehensive, including not just housing but also the necessary resources for their sustenance and livelihood. It implies a holistic provision that went beyond mere shelter, ensuring their economic viability and ability to perform their duties without distraction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gave them Hebron":** This refers to the collective action of the Israelite tribes, specifically under the leadership of Joshua and Eleazar, in fulfilling God's command for the Levites' inheritance, as detailed in Joshua 21. "Them" specifically refers to the descendants of Aaron, the high priestly family, indicating their preeminent and privileged status among the Levites. This act of giving was not a mere human decision but the meticulous execution of a divine decree, signifying God's direct involvement in the distribution of the land.
* **"in the land of Judah":** This clause precisely specifies the geographical location of Hebron, placing it within the tribal territory of Judah. This detail is highly significant because Judah was the largest and most prominent tribe, from which the Davidic monarchy would emerge. Placing the primary priestly center within the territory of the leading tribe symbolized the close and foundational relationship between spiritual authority and the future royal line, underscoring the city's strategic and symbolic importance.
* **"and the suburbs thereof round about it":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and holistic nature of the divine provision. The "suburbs" (Hebrew _migrāš_) were the essential pasturelands surrounding the walled city, crucial for the priests' livelihood as they often owned livestock and required space for communal activities. This detail highlights God's thorough care, providing not just a place to live but also the means for sustenance and economic stability, thereby enabling the priests to focus entirely on their sacred duties without material want.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though concise, employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. Primarily, it functions as part of a **Catalog** or **Genealogy**, a common and crucial feature in Chronicles, which meticulously lists names, lineages, and geographical allocations. This device serves to establish legitimacy, continuity, and divine order within Israel, affirming the historical accuracy and divine sanction of the priestly assignments. The verse also acts as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, explicitly or implicitly referring back to earlier divine commands and promises regarding the Levites' inheritance (e.g., [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites") and [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites")), thereby demonstrating God's faithfulness and the meticulous execution of His plan. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the choice of Hebron itself. As a city steeped in patriarchal history, a prominent priestly center, and a designated city of refuge, Hebron symbolizes God's enduring covenant faithfulness, the sanctity of His chosen servants, and the provision of both justice and mercy within His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:55, while a seemingly administrative detail, is rich with profound theological significance. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness in providing for those who serve Him, particularly the Levitical priesthood. The precise allocation of Hebron, a city of immense spiritual and historical importance, to the Aaronic priests underscores the divine honor and sanctity attached to their role as mediators between God and His people. This act of provision ensures that the priests, who had no tribal land inheritance, were fully equipped to carry out their sacred duties without material distraction. It reflects God's commitment to ordering His people and His kingdom with precision, ensuring that every part functions according to His divine design. The verse also implicitly points to the concept of a "spiritual inheritance" for the Levites, whose portion was the Lord Himself, yet who were still provided for materially through the generosity of the other tribes, demonstrating God's holistic care for His servants and His covenant people.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")
* [Joshua 21:9-13](/joshua/21-9-13 "Joshua 21:9-13 - Hebron Given to the Priests")
* [Deuteronomy 10:8-9](/deuteronomy/10-8-9 "Deuteronomy 10:8-9 - The Levites' Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient record of land allocation offers profound insights for believers today, transcending its historical context. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous and faithful provision for His people, particularly for those dedicated to His service. Just as God ensured the Levites had a designated place and sufficient resources to fulfill their divine calling, we can trust in His comprehensive care for our lives, knowing that He sees our needs and provides for them, often in practical and tangible ways. This verse also highlights the importance of supporting and honoring those who serve in spiritual leadership within our communities. The "suburbs" signify God's holistic provision, reminding us that His care extends beyond our immediate needs to our overall well-being and ability to thrive in our callings. It challenges us to consider how we, individually and corporately, contribute to the sustenance and flourishing of those who dedicate their lives to ministry, reflecting God's own generous and faithful heart in ensuring His workers are well-equipped and cared for.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites, as seen in this verse, encourage your trust in His faithful care for your own life and calling today?**
* **In what practical ways can you contribute to the comprehensive provision and support of spiritual leaders or those serving in ministry within your community, mirroring God's care for the priests?**
* **What does the concept of "suburbs"—the provision of necessary resources beyond mere shelter—teach us about God's holistic care for His servants and for us in all aspects of our lives?**

### FAQ

**Why was Hebron so important for the priests, and why was it given to them?**

Answer: Hebron was exceptionally important due to its deep historical and spiritual significance in Israelite history. It was a primary patriarchal burial site, where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were interred, making it sacred ground (as noted in [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham Buries Sarah in Machpelah")). Strategically located in the hill country of Judah, it was a major and influential city. Its allocation to the Aaronic priests, the highest priestly line, underscored their elevated status and the sanctity of their role in Israel, symbolizing their central position in the nation's spiritual life. Furthermore, Hebron was designated as one of the six [cities of refuge](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Hebron, a City of Refuge"), providing asylum for those who committed unintentional manslaughter. This dual role as a priestly center and a place of justice emphasized the comprehensive nature of the priests' responsibilities and the honor bestowed upon them by God. The giving of Hebron to them was a direct fulfillment of God's command to provide cities for the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance, as the Lord Himself was their portion (as commanded in [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Cities for the Levites")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:55 details the meticulous provision for the Old Testament priesthood, its ultimate and profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The Aaronic priests, dwelling in cities like Hebron and provided with "suburbs" for their sustenance, served as vital mediators between God and humanity, offering sacrifices and interceding for the people. This entire system, with its designated places and provisions, pointed forward to Christ, our ultimate and perfect High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Hebron, as a city of refuge, where those fleeing for their lives could find safety and protection from retribution, powerfully foreshadows Christ as our true and eternal refuge. In Him, we find complete shelter, atonement, and deliverance from the just consequences of sin, a hope that anchors our souls ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Hope")). The comprehensive provision of "suburbs" for the priests speaks to God's holistic care, which is fully realized in Christ, who provides not only for our spiritual needs but also promises to meet all our earthly necessities according to His glorious riches ([Philippians 4:19](/phil/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")). Through His finished work on the cross, believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), no longer needing an earthly city or a mediating priest, for we have direct and confident access to God through Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Our true inheritance is not a parcel of land, but every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 14:13

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Judges 1:20

And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

Joshua 21:11

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron, in the hill [country] of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

Joshua 21:13

Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,