1 Chronicles 6:60

KJV

And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Benjamin {H1144}; Geba {H1387} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Alemeth {H5964} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Anathoth {H6068} with her suburbs {H4054}. All their cities {H5892} throughout their families {H4940} were thirteen {H7969}{H6240} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and out of the tribe of Binyamin: Geva with its surrounding open land, 'Alemet with its surrounding open land and 'Anatot with its surrounding open land. All the cities for all their clans amounted to thirteen cities.

Berean Standard Bible

And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families.

American Standard Version

and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, and Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:60 meticulously records the specific cities—Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth—along with their designated common lands, that were allotted to the priestly families (descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan) within the tribal territory of Benjamin. This verse concludes a detailed enumeration of thirteen cities assigned to these Levites throughout their families, underscoring God's precise and faithful provision for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their sustenance and dwelling places as they ministered to the nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is primarily a comprehensive genealogical record of the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the lineage of the priests descended from Aaron. Following a lengthy tracing of the priestly line, the chapter transitions from verse 54 to an exhaustive, geographically organized list of cities assigned to the Levites across all the tribes of Israel. This meticulous enumeration fulfills the divine command given through Moses (e.g., [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - Cities for the Levites")) and executed by Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 21:2](/joshua/21-2 "Joshua 21:2 - Distribution of Levitical Cities")). Verse 60 specifically concludes the list of cities designated for the priestly families within the territory of Benjamin, providing a precise count of three named cities and a total of thirteen for the entire tribal allocation. This detailed catalog serves to affirm the historical fulfillment of God's promises and the orderly establishment of the Levitical system within the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a unique provision in ancient Israelite society. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance of agricultural land, as the Lord Himself was their inheritance (e.g., [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, they were distributed among all the tribes in forty-eight designated cities, ensuring their presence throughout the nation for spiritual instruction, judicial functions, and temple service. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrashim*) mentioned in the verse refer to the common pasture lands surrounding these walled cities, crucial for the Levites to sustain their livestock, which were their primary source of livelihood. The tribe of Benjamin, located strategically between Judah and Ephraim, held significant historical and political importance, being the tribe from which Israel's first king, Saul, emerged, and later playing a key role in the southern kingdom of Judah. The inclusion of these cities within Benjamin's territory highlights the widespread distribution of the priestly presence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the larger Levitical city list, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Order**. The meticulous and systematic allocation of cities demonstrates God's faithful and detailed care for His consecrated servants, ensuring their physical sustenance and strategic placement for ministry. This underscores the principle that God provides for those dedicated to His service, and that His kingdom operates with divine precision. Secondly, it emphasizes **Historical Accuracy and Reliability**. The precise enumeration of cities, their names, and the total count serves as a testament to the meticulous record-keeping of ancient Israel and the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, affirming the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the land and its distribution. Thirdly, it highlights **The Integral Role of the Priesthood**. These cities were designated for the spiritual leaders and teachers of Israel, underscoring their vital function in the nation's spiritual and judicial life, and the importance of supporting those who ministered before God. The mention of [Anathoth](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Hometown"), for instance, later became known as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, further connecting these seemingly mundane lists to significant figures in Israel's spiritual history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrashim'_):** This term is critical, as it signifies more than just the outskirts of a city. *Migrashim* specifically refers to the common pasture lands surrounding the walled cities, extending 1,000 cubits (approximately 1,500 feet) from the city wall in every direction (cf. [Numbers 35:4-5](/numbers/35-4 "Numbers 35:4-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Pasture Lands")). This provision was essential for the Levites, who did not receive an inheritance of agricultural land like the other tribes. It ensured they had sufficient space for their livestock, which were a primary source of sustenance and income, highlighting a complete and thoughtful divine provision for their needs and livelihoods.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpachot'_):** This word emphasizes the tribal and clan structure of Israelite society. The cities were allocated not just to individual priests but to their entire families and households, indicating a communal provision for the Levitical clans. It underscores the corporate nature of God's covenant and His care for the entire lineage dedicated to His service, ensuring the continuity of their sacred duties through generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Benjamin":** This phrase specifies the tribal territory from which the cities for the priestly Levites were drawn. Benjamin was a relatively small but historically significant tribe, located strategically in the central hill country, bordering Judah. Its inclusion here demonstrates the widespread distribution of the Levitical cities among all the tribes, ensuring that priestly presence and instruction were accessible throughout Israel.
* **"Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs":** This is a precise enumeration of three specific cities within Benjamin's territory that were designated for the priests. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" emphasizes the inclusion of the vital pasture lands (*migrashim*) alongside the walled cities, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the divine provision for the Levites' sustenance. Geba was a significant border town, Alemeth (or Almon) is less prominent, and Anathoth is famously known as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah.
* **"All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities":** This concluding statement provides a summary count. While only three cities are explicitly named in this verse, the total of thirteen cities for the priestly families from Benjamin indicates that other unnamed cities or perhaps smaller settlements within Benjamin's territory were also allocated to them, or that this total encompasses the full allotment for the Kohathite priests within Benjamin as part of the larger Levitical distribution. This numerical precision highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the fulfillment of the divine command for the Levitical inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:60, and indeed throughout the latter part of Chapter 6, is **Enumeration**. The text systematically lists the cities assigned to the Levites, demonstrating a meticulous and comprehensive accounting. This serves to establish the historical veracity and the fulfillment of divine commands regarding the land's distribution and the establishment of the Levitical system. Closely related is **Repetition**, particularly the phrase "with her suburbs," which is repeated for each city. This repetition emphasizes the crucial nature of the *migrashim* (pasture lands) for the Levites' livelihood, highlighting God's complete and thoughtful provision beyond just dwelling places. Finally, the entire passage functions as a **Historical Record**, providing a detailed and precise account of the tribal and Levitical allocations, serving to affirm God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the orderly structure He established for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:60, while seemingly a dry list of names, is rich with theological significance. It speaks volumes about God's character as a God of order, precision, and faithful provision. The meticulous allocation of cities and their accompanying pasture lands to the Levites underscores the divine commitment to caring for those consecrated to His service. It demonstrates that God's plans are not abstract but are worked out in concrete, practical details, ensuring that His ministers are sustained and strategically placed to carry out their duties of teaching, judging, and officiating. This divine order reflects God's wisdom in establishing a functional and spiritually vibrant community. The very existence of these lists in Chronicles, compiled centuries later, serves as a reminder to the post-exilic community of God's enduring faithfulness to His ancient promises and the historical continuity of His covenant with Israel, even in times of rebuilding and restoration.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Command for Levitical Cities") – The foundational command from God to Moses regarding the allocation of cities and their pasture lands to the Levites.
* [Joshua 21:1-42](/joshua/21-1 "Joshua 21:1-42 - The Fulfillment of Levitical City Allocation") – The detailed account of Joshua and the tribal leaders fulfilling God's command by distributing the Levitical cities after the conquest of Canaan.
* [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Origin in Anathoth") – Identifies Anathoth, one of the cities mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:60, as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, connecting this historical record to a significant prophetic ministry.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age that often values spontaneity and improvisation, the meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 6:60 serves as a profound reminder of God's character as a God of order, precision, and intentionality. This seemingly mundane list of cities and their "suburbs" reveals a divine commitment to providing for His servants in every practical detail, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement for ministry. It challenges us to recognize that God's grand redemptive plan is executed not just in dramatic miracles but also in the careful, often unseen, arrangements of daily life. For us today, this verse encourages a deeper trust in God's provision, not just for our spiritual needs but also for our practical ones, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to ministry. It also highlights the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual capacities, recognizing that their well-being is part of God's design for the flourishing of His people. Ultimately, it invites us to appreciate the beauty of divine order and the historical grounding of our faith, knowing that God's promises are fulfilled with unwavering accuracy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:60 speak to God's character and His care for His people today?**
* **In what ways can we, as a community of faith, better embody the principle of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service, mirroring God's provision for the Levites?**
* **What "suburbs" or practical provisions might God be calling us to consider for those serving in ministry in our contemporary context?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of cities and genealogies, like in 1 Chronicles 6:60?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of cities and genealogies, such as in 1 Chronicles 6:60, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it establishes **historical veracity and reliability**. These records demonstrate the meticulous nature of ancient Israelite record-keeping and affirm the concrete, historical reality of God's covenant with His people and the fulfillment of His promises, particularly regarding the land inheritance and the establishment of the Levitical system (cf. [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities")). Secondly, it underscores **divine order and faithfulness**. The precise allocation of cities to the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, highlights God's systematic provision for those consecrated to His service (cf. [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites")). It shows that God's plans are not abstract but are meticulously worked out in practical details. Thirdly, for the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, these lists served as a vital link to their heritage, affirming their identity and the continuity of God's covenant despite the exile. They provided a blueprint for re-establishing the priestly and Levitical service in the restored community, reminding them of God's enduring commitment to His people and His established order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:60 details a specific, historical provision for the Old Testament priesthood, it deeply foreshadows the ultimate provision and order found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous care God showed in allocating cities and pasture lands to the Levites—who mediated between God and Israel—points to Christ as our ultimate and perfect provision. Just as the Levites were given no earthly inheritance but had the Lord as their portion, so believers in Christ find their true inheritance not in material possessions but in Him (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Jesus is the great High Priest, not of the Aaronic order, but after the order of Melchizedek (cf. [Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever")), who perfectly fulfills all priestly functions. The "suburbs" provided for the Levites' sustenance find their ultimate reality in Christ, who is our spiritual food and drink, sustaining us in every way (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Furthermore, the distribution of priests throughout Israel to teach and serve foreshadows the New Covenant reality where, through Christ, all believers are made a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness. The divine order and provision evident in these ancient city lists culminate in Christ, who establishes a new, spiritual temple (cf. [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")) and perfectly provides for His people, enabling them to dwell securely in Him and serve Him faithfully.

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

Jeremiah 1:1

¶ The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that [were] in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

Jeremiah 37:12

Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.

Jeremiah 11:23

And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, [even] the year of their visitation.

1 Samuel 13:3

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that [was] in Geba, and the Philistines heard [of it]. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

Joshua 21:17

And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:18

Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.

Isaiah 10:30

Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.