1 Chronicles 6:61

KJV

And unto the sons of Kohath, [which were] left of the family of that tribe, [were cities given] out of the half tribe, [namely, out of] the half [tribe] of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto the sons {H1121} of Kohath {H6955}, which were left {H3498} of the family {H4940} of that tribe {H4294}, were cities given out of the half {H2677} tribe {H4294}, namely, out of the half {H4276} tribe of Manasseh {H4519}, by lot {H1486}, ten {H6235} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rest of the descendants of K'hat were assigned by lot, clan by clan, ten cities from the half-tribe of M'nasheh.

Berean Standard Bible

To the rest of the Kohathites, ten cities were allotted from the half-tribe of Manasseh.

American Standard Version

And unto the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:61 precisely records the allocation of ten cities by lot from the half-tribe of Manasseh to the remaining families of the Kohathite Levites. This verse is a testament to God's meticulous provision and ordered fulfillment of His covenant promises, ensuring that those dedicated to His service were strategically positioned throughout Israel to perform their sacred duties and teach His law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles, particularly chapters 1-9, is largely dedicated to genealogies, establishing the lineage and tribal divisions of Israel, with a special emphasis on the priestly and Levitical families. This meticulous record served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community, providing a sense of identity, continuity, and legitimacy, reminding them of their heritage and God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. Chapter 6 specifically details the descendants of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and their assigned roles, including priestly, musical, and Tabernacle duties. Verses 54-81 then meticulously list the specific cities allocated to each Levitical family across the various tribes. Verse 61, therefore, fits squarely within this detailed account of the Kohathite distribution, highlighting their specific portion of cities from the half-tribe of Manasseh, underscoring the Chronicler's concern for precise historical and theological accuracy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a consolidated territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. This unique arrangement was rooted in their distinct calling: their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, and their primary role was to serve the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), ministering to God and teaching His law throughout the nation. To facilitate this, they were assigned specific cities scattered among the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock, as commanded in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites"). The "sons of Kohath" were a prominent Levitical family, specifically responsible for the most sacred articles of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, during Israel's wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathites' Responsibility")). The distribution of these cities "by lot" (Hebrew: *gôrāl*) was a common and significant practice in ancient Israel for major decisions, signifying that the allocation was not arbitrary or based on human negotiation, but rather determined by divine providence and guidance, ensuring fairness and divine approval.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed allocation of cities to the Levites, as seen in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Genealogies of Levi and Cities of the Levites"), contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and faithful provision for those dedicated to His service, ensuring His ministers were sustained and strategically positioned to serve all the tribes. Second, it highlights the **Fulfillment of God's Law**, as this distribution directly fulfills the instructions given to Moses regarding the Levitical cities, as recorded in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities") and subsequently implemented in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"). This underscores Israel's obedience (or the Chronicler's emphasis on it) to the Mosaic covenant. Third, the scattering of the Levites among all the tribes ensured their **Levitical Service and Presence** were accessible to all Israelites, fostering a unified spiritual life across the nation through spiritual instruction, judicial guidance, and sacrificial service. Finally, the Levites' unique inheritance—cities instead of unified land—underscores their distinct calling to **Inheritance of Service**, emphasizing ministry over agricultural or territorial pursuits, with their true wealth found in their dedicated service to God and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Qehath'_):** One of the three sons of Levi, from whom a major branch of the Levites descended. The Kohathites were specifically charged with the sacred duty of carrying the most holy furnishings of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars, during Israel's wilderness journeys. Their role was central to the ceremonial life of Israel, and their allocation of cities was crucial for their continued service.
* **by lot (Hebrew, בַּגּוֹרָל, _baggôrāl'_):** This phrase signifies that the distribution of cities was determined by casting lots. In ancient Israel, casting lots was not a game of chance but a solemn method believed to reveal God's will and divine appointment. It removed human bias and ensured that the allocation was seen as divinely ordained, reinforcing the belief that God was sovereignly guiding the affairs of His people, particularly in matters of land distribution and sacred assignments.
* **half tribe of Manasseh (Hebrew, חֲצִי מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה, _ḥaṣî maṭṭēh mənaššeh'_):** The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two distinct halves, one settling east of the Jordan River and the other west. This division was due to their large population and the land available. The reference to the "half tribe of Manasseh" here indicates that the ten cities given to the Kohathites came from one of these two portions, highlighting the specific geographical and tribal source of their inheritance and demonstrating the precise nature of the distribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto the sons of Kohath, [which were] left of the family of that tribe,"**: This opening clause identifies the recipients of the cities: the Kohathites. The phrase "[which were] left of the family of that tribe" clarifies that these were the remaining Kohathite families who had not yet received their allocation, distinguishing them from the priestly line of Aaron (also Kohathites) who had already received their cities, as detailed in earlier verses (1 Chronicles 6:54-60). It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the distribution to all branches of the Levitical families.
* **"[were cities given] out of the half tribe, [namely, out of] the half [tribe] of Manasseh,"**: This specifies the source of the cities. The repetition of "half tribe" and the explicit naming of "Manasseh" underscore the precise tribal origin of these cities. This detail is crucial for tracing the geographical spread of the Levites and confirming the fulfillment of the divine command to provide cities from each tribe. It also shows the meticulous record-keeping of the Chronicler.
* **"by lot, ten cities."**: This final phrase details both the method and the quantity of the cities. "By lot" emphasizes the divine oversight and fairness of the distribution process, ensuring that the allocation was not arbitrary but divinely appointed. The specific number, "ten cities," provides a concrete measure of the provision, highlighting the exactness of God's plan and the comprehensive nature of the Levitical settlement.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 6:61 to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Precision and Detail**, evident in the exact naming of the recipients ("sons of Kohath"), the source ("half tribe of Manasseh"), the method ("by lot"), and the quantity ("ten cities"). This meticulousness serves to affirm the historical accuracy and divine order of the events, reinforcing the legitimacy of the Levitical system for the post-exilic community. **Repetition** of the phrase "half tribe" (implied through the KJV's bracketed additions, but clear in the Hebrew) emphasizes the specific and perhaps geographically distinct source of these cities, underscoring the thoroughness of the distribution. Furthermore, the mention of "by lot" implicitly invokes the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as this method was understood to be God's way of revealing His will, thus attributing the orderly allocation of cities directly to His providential hand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The precise allocation of cities to the Kohathite Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:61 resonates with profound theological and thematic truths. It underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people and, specifically, for those dedicated to His service. This divine provision ensures that the Levites, whose inheritance was the Lord Himself, were sustained and strategically positioned to fulfill their vital spiritual and judicial roles throughout the land. The distribution by lot highlights God's sovereign involvement in the details of His people's lives, demonstrating His commitment to order, justice, and the fulfillment of His promises. It is a testament to the principle that those who prioritize God's kingdom and service will be cared for by His gracious hand, enabling them to effectively carry out their calling for the spiritual well-being of the entire community.

* [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - Total Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:26](/joshua/21-26 "Joshua 21:26 - Kohathite Cities from Manasseh")
* [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - Levites' Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient record of cities allocated to the Kohathite Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:61 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, who meticulously provides for those dedicated to His service. Just as the Kohathites were given specific places and resources to fulfill their ministry, believers today are called to various roles within the body of Christ, and God, in His grace, provides for them. This verse emphasizes that every part of God's people has a vital function and a divinely appointed place within His grand plan. It calls us to recognize and affirm the unique callings of others, understanding that our collective strength lies in the diverse contributions of each member. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring importance of supporting those who serve in full-time ministry, ensuring they have the necessary resources to fulfill their calling effectively, thereby enabling the spiritual nourishment and growth of the entire community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites encourage you in your own calling or service within the body of Christ today?**
* **In what ways can we, as the modern "priesthood of believers," ensure that spiritual instruction and service are accessible to all within our communities?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign hand in ancient distributions (like "by lot") impact your trust in His guidance and provision in your personal life and ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Levites not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a consolidated territorial inheritance because their primary role was to serve the Lord and the people of Israel as priests, teachers of the law, and ministers of the Tabernacle/Temple. Their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself ([Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - Levites' Inheritance is the Lord")). By being scattered in cities among all the tribes, they could fulfill their duties of spiritual instruction, judicial guidance, and sacrificial service, making spiritual resources accessible throughout the nation. This unique arrangement ensured their dedication to spiritual matters rather than agricultural or territorial pursuits.

**What is the significance of "by lot" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "by lot" (Hebrew: *gôrāl*) is highly significant. In ancient Israel, casting lots was a sacred practice believed to reveal God's direct will and divine appointment. It was not a random game of chance but a means of discerning divine guidance, especially in matters of great importance like land distribution ([Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot")). In the context of 1 Chronicles 6:61, it signifies that the allocation of cities to the Kohathites was not arbitrary or based on human negotiation, but divinely ordained, ensuring fairness and God's approval over the settlement of His consecrated servants. As [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast") states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."

**How does this verse relate to the broader purpose of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: This verse, detailing the precise allocation of cities to the Kohathite Levites, serves multiple purposes within the broader narrative of 1 Chronicles. First, for the post-exilic community for whom the book was written, it reinforced the legitimacy and divine sanction of the Levitical priesthood, which was crucial for re-establishing proper worship and national identity. Second, it demonstrated God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing how the instructions given to Moses regarding the Levitical cities ([Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites")) were meticulously fulfilled. Third, it underscored the Chronicler's emphasis on order, structure, and the proper functioning of God's people, highlighting that every aspect of Israel's life, especially its spiritual leadership, was carefully planned and provided for by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:61 details the physical provision for the Old Testament Levites, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate provision and calling found in Christ. The Levites, particularly the Kohathites, were set apart for sacred service, responsible for the holy things of God, and scattered among the tribes to bring God's presence and instruction to His people. This finds its profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), the ultimate one consecrated for service, who did not inherit a physical territory but whose "inheritance" was to do the Father's will and accomplish His redemptive plan ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). Just as the Levites were provided for by God to serve, Christ, though He had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), was perfectly sustained by the Father to fulfill His ministry. Moreover, in the New Covenant, all believers are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), scattered throughout the world not in specific cities, but as witnesses to the Gospel ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")). God continues to meticulously provide for and sustain those He calls into ministry, whether vocational or as part of the general priesthood of believers, ensuring His presence and truth are accessible to all nations through the ultimate service accomplished by His Son.

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

1 Chronicles 6:18

And the sons of Kohath [were], Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 6:66

And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.

1 Chronicles 6:70

And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.

1 Chronicles 6:33

And these [are] they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,

1 Chronicles 6:1

¶ The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:2

And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

Joshua 21:20

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.