1 Chronicles 6:59

KJV

And Ashan with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ashan {H6228} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Bethshemesh {H1053} with her suburbs {H4054}:

Complete Jewish Bible

'Ashan with its surrounding open land, Beit-Shemesh with its surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

Ashan, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with its suburbs;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:59, a concise yet significant verse, meticulously lists two cities, Ashan and Bethshemesh, along with their surrounding "suburbs," as part of the divinely ordained allocation of dwelling places for the priestly families descended from Aaron. This verse is embedded within a broader genealogical and administrative record, highlighting God's precise provision and the structured organization of Israel's sacred service, ensuring the Levites, specifically the priests, had designated homes and essential pasturelands despite not receiving a tribal land inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is primarily dedicated to the genealogies and roles of the Levites, the priestly tribe. It begins with the lineage of Levi, tracing through his sons Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. The chapter then narrows its focus to the descendants of Aaron, who held the unique priestly office. Verses 54-60 specifically enumerate the cities allotted to these Aaronic priests, who belonged to the Kohathite branch of the Levites. This detailed listing, including 1 Chronicles 6:59, serves to underscore the historical accuracy and the meticulous fulfillment of God's promises regarding the Levites' dwelling places, ensuring their strategic distribution throughout the land to serve all the tribes. The inclusion of "suburbs" (מִגְרָשִׁים, *migrashim*) consistently with each city emphasizes the practical provision for their livelihood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levites, unlike the other eleven tribes, did not receive a territorial inheritance of land because "the LORD is their inheritance" ([Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Priests' Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded that forty-eight cities be set aside for them, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, ensuring their accessibility for religious instruction, judicial matters, and sacrificial duties. Six of these were designated as cities of refuge ([Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge")). The "suburbs" (מִגְרָשִׁים) were not residential outskirts but specifically referred to the common pasturelands surrounding these walled cities, vital for the Levites' livestock, which formed a crucial part of their sustenance. Bethshemesh, mentioned in this verse, was a historically significant city located on the border of Judah and Dan, notably associated with the return of the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines in [1 Samuel 6:12](/1_samuel/6-12 "1 Samuel 6:12 - The Ark's Return to Bethshemesh"), lending historical weight to the Chronicler's record.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His chosen servants, the priests, by ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement across the land. This meticulous listing reflects the divine blueprint for the nation's spiritual administration. Secondly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**, specifically the covenantal commitment to provide for the Levites who were set apart for sacred service and thus did not receive a land inheritance ([Joshua 21:1-3](/joshua/21-1 "Joshua 21:1-3 - Cities for the Levites")). The detailed enumeration confirms that God's word is reliable and His plans are executed precisely. Lastly, the mention of specific **Geographical Significance** through cities like Bethshemesh grounds the narrative in historical reality, reinforcing the Chronicler's intent to present a factual account of Israel's past and the functioning of its religious system.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashan (Hebrew, עָשָׁן, _'Ashan'_):** This city, whose name means "smoke," was originally allotted to the tribe of Judah ([Joshua 15:42](/joshua/15-42 "Joshua 15:42 - Cities of Judah")) but later given to Simeon ([Joshua 19:7](/joshua/19-7 "Joshua 19:7 - Cities of Simeon")) and then designated as a Levitical city ([Joshua 21:16](/joshua/21-16 "Joshua 21:16 - Levitical Cities")). Its inclusion here confirms its status as a priestly dwelling, emphasizing the inter-tribal distribution of the Levites.
* **Bethshemesh (Hebrew, בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ, _'Beit Shemesh'_):** Meaning "house of the sun," this city was a significant border town in the Shephelah region, originally assigned to Judah ([Joshua 15:10](/joshua/15-10 "Joshua 15:10 - Border of Judah")) and later to the Levites from the Kohathite family ([Joshua 21:16](/joshua/21-16 "Joshua 21:16 - Levitical Cities")). Its prominence in other biblical narratives, particularly concerning the Ark of the Covenant's return ([1 Samuel 6](/1_samuel/6 "1 Samuel 6 - The Ark at Bethshemesh")), highlights its historical and religious importance as a priestly center.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, מִגְרָשִׁים, _'migrashim'_):** This term is crucial for understanding the Levites' provision. It refers not to residential areas but to the common pasturelands or open spaces surrounding the walled cities. These *migrashim* were essential for grazing the Levites' cattle and flocks, which constituted their primary means of sustenance, as they did not possess agricultural fields or vineyards like the other tribes. Their consistent mention alongside each city underscores the comprehensive nature of God's provision for the Levites' practical needs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ashan with her suburbs":** This clause identifies Ashan as one of the cities designated for the Aaronic priests. The immediate inclusion of "with her suburbs" signifies that the provision was holistic, encompassing not just the city dwelling but also the necessary surrounding pasturelands for the priests' livelihood. This detail reflects the practical administration of God's law regarding the Levites' inheritance.
* **"and Bethshemesh with her suburbs":** Similarly, this clause names Bethshemesh as another priestly city. The repetition of "with her suburbs" reinforces the consistent pattern of provision for all Levitical cities. It highlights the importance of these common lands for the sustenance of the priestly families, enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties without being burdened by agricultural labor. The pairing of these two cities continues the meticulous list of God's provision.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 6:59 and the surrounding verses. **Cataloging** or **Listing** is the overarching device, as the text systematically enumerates the cities allotted to the priests. This meticulous listing emphasizes the divine order and precision in the administration of Israel. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" (וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ, *u-migrasheha*) after each city name is a notable feature. This repetition is not merely stylistic but serves to underscore the practical and comprehensive nature of the provision for the Levites, highlighting that the pasturelands were an integral and essential part of their allotted inheritance, not just an afterthought. This consistent phrasing reinforces the theme of God's thorough and detailed care for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous listing of cities for the priests in 1 Chronicles 6:59, far from being a dry historical record, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, faithfulness, and detailed provision. It demonstrates His commitment to sustaining those set apart for His service, ensuring they had both dwelling places and the means of livelihood. This divine arrangement ensured that the priests could fulfill their sacred duties without distraction, maintaining the spiritual health of the nation. It speaks to a broader theological truth: God's care extends to the practical needs of His people, especially those dedicated to His kingdom work, and His promises are fulfilled with precision and completeness.

* [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Cities for the Levites")
* [Joshua 21:1-3](/joshua/21-1 "Joshua 21:1-3 - Allocation of Levitical Cities")
* [Nehemiah 11:36](/nehemiah/11-36 "Nehemiah 11:36 - Levitical Dwellings in Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 6:59 details ancient city allocations, its underlying principles resonate deeply with believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and faithful provision. Just as He precisely provided for the Levites' physical and vocational needs, He also cares for every aspect of our lives, especially when we are committed to His service. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan and His comprehensive care, even in what might seem like the mundane details of our existence. It calls us to consider how God provides for those who serve Him in the church today and how we, as the body of Christ, are called to participate in that provision, ensuring that those dedicated to ministry are sustained and supported, allowing them to focus on their divine calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:59 encourage your trust in His care for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can we, as the church today, emulate God's detailed provision for those who serve in full-time ministry?**
* **What "suburbs" or practical provisions does God use to sustain you as you seek to serve Him?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of cities and genealogies, which can seem tedious to read?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists like those in 1 Chronicles 6:59 serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish **historical accuracy and authenticity**, grounding the biblical narrative in real places and verifiable lineages. This meticulous record-keeping affirms the factual basis of God's interactions with His people. Secondly, these lists demonstrate **God's meticulous order and faithfulness**. Every detail, including the allocation of cities and their "suburbs," reflects a divine plan for the proper functioning of the nation and the provision for His servants. It underscores that God is a God of order, not chaos. Finally, for the original audience, these lists were vital for **identity and inheritance**. Knowing one's lineage and the assigned cities was crucial for tribal identity, land claims, and understanding one's place within God's covenant community. For us today, they reveal God's character and His commitment to fulfilling every promise, down to the smallest detail, as seen in the provision of specific cities and pasturelands for the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance ([Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Cities for the Levites")).

**What is the significance of the "suburbs" (מִגְרָשִׁים) mentioned alongside the cities?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: מִגְרָשִׁים, *migrashim*) are highly significant and are not merely residential outskirts as we might understand the term today. They refer specifically to the common pasturelands or open spaces surrounding the walled Levitical cities. Since the Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance for agriculture, these *migrashim* were essential for their livelihood. They provided grazing land for their livestock (cattle, sheep, goats), which were a primary source of their sustenance and income. The consistent mention of "with her suburbs" alongside each city in lists like [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites") and 1 Chronicles 6 emphasizes God's comprehensive and practical provision for the Levites, ensuring they had the necessary resources to live and fulfill their sacred duties without being burdened by agricultural labor. It highlights God's holistic care for His servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed provision for the Aaronic priests in 1 Chronicles 6:59, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement through cities and their suburbs, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priesthood, with its designated cities and material support, pointed to the need for a mediator between God and humanity and the divine care for those who serve Him. In the New Covenant, Jesus is revealed as our great High Priest, "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our High Priest")). He does not require earthly cities or pasturelands, for His priesthood is "not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")). Through His once-for-all sacrifice, Christ provides perfect access to God, fulfilling the Levitical system's purpose and making every believer a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Just as God meticulously provided for the physical needs of the Old Testament priests, so too does Christ, through the Holy Spirit and the community of believers, provide for all the needs—spiritual, emotional, and even physical—of His New Testament people, enabling them to serve Him in the "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")).

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 21:16

And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, [and] Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.

Joshua 15:42

Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

Jeremiah 43:13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

Joshua 15:10

And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which [is] Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

1 Samuel 6:12

And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, [and] went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside [to] the right hand or [to] the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.

1 Samuel 6:19

¶ And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.

1 Chronicles 4:32

And their villages [were], Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: