1 Chronicles 6:57

KJV

And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, [namely], Hebron, [the city] of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And to the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} they gave {H5414} the cities {H5892} of Judah, namely, Hebron {H2275}, the city of refuge {H4733}, and Libnah {H3841} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Jattir {H3492}, and Eshtemoa {H851}, with their suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

To the descendants of Aharon they gave the city of refuge Hevron, also Livnah with its surrounding open land, Yatir, Esht'moa with its surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa,

American Standard Version

And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:57 meticulously details the allocation of specific cities within the territory of Judah to the descendants of Aaron, the priestly line of Israel. This verse, part of an extensive genealogical and administrative record, highlights God's faithful provision for His chosen servants and the highly organized structure of Israelite society. Among the cities listed, Hebron is specifically identified as a "city of refuge," underscoring the dual purpose of these settlements: providing residences for the priests and offering sanctuary under God's divinely ordained legal system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is primarily a detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Levi, emphasizing their crucial role in Israel's worship and national life. This chapter meticulously traces the lineage of Levi, highlighting the priestly line of Aaron (1 Chronicles 6:1-15) and the Levitical musicians (1 Chronicles 6:31-47). Verses 54-81 specifically enumerate the cities assigned to the Levites and priests across the various tribal territories, fulfilling the divine command for their provision. This section closely parallels the account found in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), demonstrating the Chronicler's interest in the established order of worship and the faithful execution of God's commands regarding the land and its inhabitants. The inclusion of these lists underscores the Chronicler's post-exilic concern for the restoration of proper worship and the continuity of Israel's covenant identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the conquest of Canaan, the land was divided among the twelve tribes. However, the tribe of Levi, consecrated for service to the Lord, did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the others (cf. [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded that forty-eight cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, be given to them from the territories of the other tribes (see [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")). Within these, six were designated as "cities of refuge" (three east and three west of the Jordan), providing sanctuary for individuals who had unintentionally caused another's death, protecting them from blood vengeance until a fair trial could be held (cf. [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Laws for Cities of Refuge")). Hebron was one such prominent city, strategically located in the hill country of Judah. The dispersal of the priests (sons of Aaron), a subset of the Levites, throughout the land ensured their accessibility to all Israelites for performing sacrifices, teaching the Law, and mediating spiritual matters.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities in 1 Chronicles 6:57 contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to caring for His consecrated servants, the priests, by ensuring their sustenance and dwelling places as promised (cf. [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Levites' Cities")). Secondly, it highlights **Order and Organization** within Israelite society, reflecting a divinely orchestrated structure for the nation's religious and social life, ensuring the proper functioning of the priesthood. Thirdly, the mention of Hebron as a "city of refuge" emphasizes **Justice Tempered with Mercy**, a core aspect of God's character and His covenant law, providing a legal framework that protected the innocent while upholding the sanctity of life. Finally, the strategic distribution of priestly families across Judah underscores the **Accessibility of Priesthood**, ensuring that spiritual guidance, sacrificial rites, and instruction in the Law were readily available to all Israelites, fostering a deep connection between the people and their God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aaron (Hebrew, _“Aharon”_):** Aaron was the elder brother of Moses and the first High Priest of Israel, consecrated by God to lead the priestly line. His descendants, the "sons of Aaron," were exclusively designated to perform the most sacred duties of the tabernacle and later the temple, including offering sacrifices and ministering before the Lord. The allocation of specific cities to them underscores their unique and indispensable role in Israel's worship and national identity.
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _“Chebron”_):** An ancient and significant city in the hill country of Judah, Hebron holds deep historical and religious importance. It was where Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah as a burial site (cf. [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham Buries Sarah in Hebron")), and where David was first anointed king over Judah (cf. [2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King in Hebron")). Its designation as a "city of refuge" further elevated its status, making it a place of both priestly residence and divine mercy.
* **Refuge (Hebrew, _“miqlat”_):** This term refers to a "place of reception," "asylum," or "safe haven." In the context of the cities of refuge, it denotes a sanctuary for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, protecting them from the immediate vengeance of the "avenger of blood" until their case could be properly adjudicated by the elders. This system, divinely ordained, demonstrates God's concern for both justice and the preservation of innocent life, providing a legal mechanism to prevent cycles of retaliatory violence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah":** This clause establishes the recipients of the cities – the priestly lineage of Aaron – and the geographical region from which these cities were drawn – the territory of Judah. The "they" refers to the tribes of Israel, acting under divine instruction and allocation by lot, as detailed in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"). This act of giving signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to provide for the Levites, particularly the priests, who had no tribal land inheritance.
* **"[namely], Hebron, [the city] of refuge":** This specifies Hebron as the first and most prominent city given to the sons of Aaron in Judah. Its additional designation as a "city of refuge" highlights its unique legal and theological function. It served not only as a residence for priests but also as a sanctuary where those accused of unintentional manslaughter could find temporary safety and await due process, reflecting God's provision for justice tempered with mercy.
* **"and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs":** This lists additional cities within Judah allocated to the priestly families. Libnah, Jattir, and Eshtemoa, like Hebron, were strategically important settlements. The phrase "with their suburbs" indicates the surrounding pasturelands and open areas that were also part of the allocation, essential for the priests' livestock and sustenance. The enumeration of these specific cities underscores the widespread distribution of the priestly class throughout the land, ensuring their availability for spiritual service to all the tribes.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 6:57 to convey its message effectively. **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** is the most prominent device, as the verse is part of an extensive list of cities. This meticulous listing emphasizes the divine order and precision in the allocation of land and the organization of the priesthood. The detailed nature of the list reinforces the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the fulfillment of God's commands. Furthermore, the specific mention of "Hebron, the city of refuge," introduces an element of **Symbolism**. Hebron, already significant historically, becomes a symbol of divine mercy and protection within the legal framework of Israel. It represents God's provision of a safe haven, not just for the priests but also for those in need of sanctuary. The repeated phrase "with their suburbs" (implied for Libnah, Jattir, and Eshtemoa, as is standard in these lists) also serves as a form of **Repetition** or formulaic language, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the provision for the priests and their families.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:57, though a seemingly dry list of names, is rich with theological significance. It speaks profoundly to God's covenant faithfulness and His meticulous care for His people, especially those consecrated for His service. The divine provision of cities for the priests underscores that those who dedicate their lives to God's work are under His special care, and He will ensure their needs are met. This also highlights the importance of an ordered and structured community for worship and adherence to God's law. The inclusion of Hebron as a "city of refuge" connects this administrative detail to the broader themes of divine justice and mercy, demonstrating God's provision for both accountability and compassion within His legal system. Ultimately, this verse points to a God who is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, establishing systems that reflect His character and ensure their well-being, both physically and spiritually.

* [Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge")
* [Joshua 21:13](/joshua/21-13 "Joshua 21:13 - Priestly Cities in Judah")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly administrative verse from 1 Chronicles 6:57 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, provision, and meticulous care. Just as He meticulously provided for the physical needs and strategic placement of the priests, He promises to care for those who serve Him today. This should instill confidence in God's faithfulness to meet our needs as we dedicate ourselves to His purposes. Furthermore, the strategic dispersal of the priests throughout the land emphasizes the importance of accessible spiritual leadership and guidance within the community. It challenges us to consider how we, as the body of Christ, can ensure that the Gospel message and spiritual nourishment are readily available to those around us, not confined to isolated enclaves. Finally, the concept of the "city of refuge" points us to God's character of both justice and mercy. While we no longer need physical cities of refuge, the principle remains: God provides a safe haven for those who turn to Him. This encourages us to seek refuge in Him from the storms of life and to extend mercy and justice in our own interactions, reflecting His character to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the ancient priests encourage your faith in His provision for your own life and ministry today?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "cities of refuge" reflect God's character of both justice and mercy, and how can we embody these attributes in our communities?**
* **Considering the strategic placement of priests for accessibility, how can we ensure that spiritual guidance and the message of the Gospel are accessible to those around us?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific cities listed for the sons of Aaron?**

Answer: The specific cities listed for the sons of Aaron, such as Hebron, Libnah, Jattir, and Eshtemoa, were part of the larger divine command to provide cities for the entire tribe of Levi, who did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes. These cities were strategically chosen and allocated by lot from the territories of the other tribes, as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levites' Cities") and [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"). For the priests (sons of Aaron), their distribution throughout the land ensured that they were accessible to all Israelites for performing their priestly duties, offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and mediating between God and the people. Hebron, in particular, was significant not only as a priestly city but also as one of the six designated "cities of refuge," highlighting its dual importance in Israel's legal and religious framework.

**What was the significance of a "city of refuge" in ancient Israel?**

Answer: A "city of refuge" was a crucial institution in ancient Israelite law, established by divine command (see [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levites' Cities") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge")). Its primary significance was to provide a safe haven for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another person. In a society where the "avenger of blood" (a close relative of the deceased) had the right to exact vengeance, these cities offered protection from immediate retribution. The accused would flee to a city of refuge and present their case to the elders. If it was determined that the killing was accidental and without malice, the individual could reside safely within the city until the death of the current high priest. This system demonstrated God's character of both justice, by requiring accountability for death, and mercy, by providing sanctuary for the innocent and preventing cycles of retaliatory violence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane list of cities in 1 Chronicles 6:57, detailing God's provision for the Old Testament priesthood, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Aaronic priesthood, with its designated cities and duties, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect, eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate provision and refuge. Just as the priests were strategically placed to serve the spiritual needs of Israel, Christ, through His incarnation, dwelt among us to minister to humanity's deepest needs. The meticulous provision of cities for the priests foreshadows God's boundless provision in Christ for all who believe, for in Him "my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). Most profoundly, the "city of refuge," like Hebron, symbolizes Christ Himself. The Old Testament manslayer fled to a physical city for protection from the avenger of blood; similarly, we, as sinners, flee to Christ for refuge from the righteous wrath of God and the penalty of sin. He is our true and eternal sanctuary, the "hope set before us, which we have as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure" ([Hebrews 6:18-19](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18-19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes away our sin and offers perfect forgiveness and reconciliation, making Him the ultimate safe haven for all who trust in Him, a refuge "from the storm" and "from the heat" ([Isaiah 25:4](/isaiah/25-4 "Isaiah 25:4 - God as a Refuge")). He is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing a spiritual refuge that far surpasses any earthly city.

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 15:48

And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

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,

Joshua 21:14

And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,

Joshua 15:42

Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

1 Chronicles 4:17

And the sons of Ezra [were], Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Joshua 20:9

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth [any] person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.