1 Chronicles 6:64

KJV

And the children of Israel gave to the Levites [these] cities with their suburbs.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} gave {H5414} to the Levites {H3881} these cities {H5892} with their suburbs {H4054}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the people of Isra'el gave the L'vi'im these cities with the surrounding open land.

Berean Standard Bible

So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:64 serves as a pivotal concluding statement within a detailed genealogical and administrative section, affirming the faithful execution of God's command by the children of Israel. This verse concisely summarizes the provision of specific cities and their essential surrounding pasturelands to the Levites, underscoring the nation's obedience to divine instruction and the meticulous fulfillment of God's plan for His consecrated tribe, who were set apart for sacred service throughout the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6:64 concludes a lengthy and intricate section (verses 54-81) that meticulously lists the cities allocated to the various Levitical families: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. This detailed enumeration follows extensive genealogies of the Levites themselves (1 Chronicles 6:1-53), placing this administrative act within the broader context of Israel's tribal organization and the specific role of the priestly and Levitical lines. The Chronicler's emphasis on these lists highlights the order, faithfulness, and divine provision inherent in Israel's history, moving from the identity of God's people (genealogies) to their structured existence and obedience to the covenant. The verse acts as a summary statement, confirming the completion of the task that the preceding verses have itemized.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance because their primary role was to serve in the tabernacle (and later, the temple) and to teach God's law throughout the nation. This unique arrangement was explicitly commanded by God through Moses, as recorded in [Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-8 - Command for Levitical Cities"), which stipulated forty-eight cities with their "suburbs" (pasturelands) for the Levites. This divine instruction was later fulfilled during the time of Joshua, as detailed in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"). Thus, 1 Chronicles 6:64 confirms the historical fulfillment of this ancient divine instruction, emphasizing the covenant faithfulness of the Israelites in providing for those dedicated to spiritual service. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) were crucial for the Levites' livelihood, as they, like other Israelites, kept livestock; this provision ensured their complete self-sufficiency and ability to focus on their ministry without being burdened by agricultural land management.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous plan for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and ability to fulfill their sacred duties even without a traditional land inheritance. It also underscores the faithfulness of the Israelites in obeying God's specific instructions. Secondly, it emphasizes **Obedience to God's Command**: the act of "giving" these cities demonstrates Israel's adherence to the Mosaic Law concerning the care and provision for the Levites, underscoring that this was not an optional act but a direct command from the Lord. Thirdly, the concept of **Scattered Ministry** is evident; by receiving cities scattered among all the tribes, the Levites were strategically positioned to minister to the entire nation, serving as spiritual teachers, judges, and guardians of the law, making God's presence and instruction accessible across the land. Finally, it reinforces **The Unique Role of the Levites**, who were set apart for sacred service, with their inheritance being the Lord Himself ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Inheritance is the Lord"); [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Lord is the Levites' Portion")). The cities and suburbs were a practical means to support this unique, non-land-owning, spiritual calling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, נָתַן, _natan_):** This verb signifies a voluntary, yet commanded, act of transfer or bestowal. In this context, it underscores the Israelites' active participation in fulfilling God's decree. It is not merely a passive reception by the Levites but an intentional act of giving by the other tribes, demonstrating their obedience and commitment to the covenant. The verb implies a completed action, emphasizing the historical reality of this provision.
* **cities (Hebrew, עָרִים, _'arim_):** While a common word for urban centers, in this specific context, "cities" refers to the forty-eight designated Levitical cities, six of which also served as cities of refuge. These were not random settlements but divinely appointed locations, strategically distributed throughout the tribal territories. The term highlights the structured and intentional nature of the provision, ensuring the Levites' presence and ministry across the entire nation.
* **suburbs (Hebrew, מִגְרָשִׁים, _migrashim_):** This term is crucial for understanding the completeness of the provision. It refers to the common lands, pasturelands, or open areas immediately surrounding the Levitical cities, extending outwards for a specified distance (often 1,000 cubits, as per [Numbers 35:4](/numbers/35-4 "Numbers 35:4 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs")). These areas were vital for the Levites' sustenance, allowing them to graze their livestock and engage in limited agriculture. The inclusion of "suburbs" signifies that the provision was comprehensive, ensuring not just housing but also the practical means for the Levites to live and support themselves while fulfilling their sacred duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel":** This phrase identifies the collective entity responsible for the action. It signifies the entire nation, representing all the other tribes who possessed land inheritance. Their unified action underscores the national obedience and commitment to God's covenantal requirements concerning the Levites. It emphasizes a communal act of faithfulness.
* **"gave to the Levites":** This specifies the beneficiaries of the provision—the tribe of Levi, who had no territorial inheritance of their own. The act of "giving" highlights the transfer of ownership and the fulfillment of the divine mandate. It signifies the practical expression of the other tribes' responsibility to support those dedicated to spiritual service.
* **"[these] cities with their suburbs":** This identifies the specific nature and extent of the provision. The demonstrative pronoun "these" implicitly refers to the detailed lists of cities provided in the preceding verses (1 Chronicles 6:54-81), confirming that the enumerated cities were indeed delivered. The inclusion of "with their suburbs" is vital, as it indicates a complete and sufficient provision, encompassing not only dwelling places but also the necessary pastureland for the Levites' livelihood, enabling them to sustain themselves and their families while devoted to their sacred calling.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. Its primary function is **Conciseness** and **Summary**, serving as a succinct capstone to the preceding detailed lists of Levitical cities. After an extensive enumeration, this single sentence provides a powerful affirmation of completion and fulfillment. There is also an element of **Fulfillment Language**, as the verse implicitly states the successful execution of an ancient divine command (originally given in Numbers and fulfilled in Joshua). The phrase "the children of Israel gave" acts as a statement of **Action and Agency**, clearly attributing the act of provision to the entire nation, thereby emphasizing their collective obedience. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept of "giving" and "provision" throughout the broader narrative of the Levitical cities (from Numbers through Joshua and into Chronicles) functions as a form of **Thematic Reinforcement**, underscoring the importance of supporting those in ministry and the faithfulness of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:64 stands as a testament to God's meticulous care for His consecrated servants and the importance of covenantal obedience within the community of faith. The provision for the Levites, who were set apart for sacred duties without a land inheritance, illustrates a foundational principle: those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry are to be supported by the community they serve. This arrangement ensured that the Levites could focus entirely on their priestly, teaching, and judicial roles, thereby maintaining the spiritual health of the nation. It reflects a divine economy where resources are distributed not for personal gain but for the flourishing of God's kingdom and the propagation of His law. The Israelites' act of giving these cities demonstrates their understanding and commitment to this divine mandate, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between those who minister and those who are ministered to. This principle of mutual support and provision for spiritual workers is a timeless truth reiterated throughout Scripture.

* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Workers")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Share with Your Teacher")
* [Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-8 - Original Command for Levitical Cities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Israel's provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:64 offers profound contemporary lessons for believers and the church today. It calls us to reflect on the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to full-time ministry, teaching, and spiritual leadership. Just as God meticulously planned for the Levites' sustenance so they could focus on their sacred duties, so too are we called to ensure that those who labor in the gospel are adequately provided for, enabling them to serve without undue worldly anxieties. This involves not only financial support but also practical care, prayer, and encouragement. Our willingness to give, whether of our time, talents, or resources, reflects our obedience to God's commands and our commitment to the flourishing of His kingdom. It reminds us that spiritual work requires practical support, and that the health of the community is intrinsically linked to the well-being and effectiveness of its spiritual leaders. This verse challenges us to consider our role in upholding and empowering those who serve, recognizing that their ministry is a gift to the entire body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical provision for the Levites challenge my understanding of supporting spiritual leaders and ministries today?**
* **In what practical ways can I contribute to the well-being and effectiveness of those who serve in full-time ministry in my community or beyond?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of obedience and faithfulness in fulfilling God's commands, even when they require personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't the Levites receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a contiguous tribal land inheritance because their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and their primary role was to serve Him directly in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, and to teach God's law throughout the nation. As stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance") and [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Levites' Portion"), "The Lord is their inheritance." Instead of land, they were given forty-eight cities scattered among all the other tribes, along with their surrounding pasturelands. This strategic distribution allowed them to fulfill their duties as spiritual guides, judges, and guardians of the covenant across the entire land of Israel, making God's presence and instruction accessible to everyone.

**What was the specific purpose of the "suburbs" mentioned in conjunction with the Levitical cities?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) were the common lands or pasturelands surrounding each of the Levitical cities. As detailed in [Numbers 35:4-5](/numbers/35-4 "Numbers 35:4-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs"), these were not merely empty spaces but designated areas, typically extending 1,000 cubits (about 1,500 feet) from the city wall, used for grazing livestock. Since the Levites did not have agricultural land, these suburbs were crucial for their practical livelihood. They allowed the Levites to keep cattle, sheep, and other animals, providing a means of sustenance and ensuring their self-sufficiency. This comprehensive provision—cities for dwelling and suburbs for livelihood—enabled the Levites to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without being burdened by the need to cultivate large tracts of land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:64, while a historical act of obedience, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate provision and scattered ministry found in Christ. The Levites, set apart for sacred service and sustained by the offerings of the people, point to Jesus Christ, who is our true and eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). Unlike the Levites who received cities, Christ's "inheritance" is the entire world, and His "ministry" is not confined to a physical temple but extends to all who believe. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, whose sacrifice provides complete sustenance for our souls ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Furthermore, the Levites' scattered presence throughout Israel, serving as teachers and guides, prefigures the church's mission. Just as the Levites were distributed to bring God's law and presence to the nation, Christ, after His resurrection, commissioned His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), scattering His witnesses throughout the world. The church, as the body of Christ, continues this "scattered ministry," sustained not by physical cities but by the spiritual provisions of God's grace and the mutual support of believers, all empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel of the one who is our true inheritance and ultimate High Priest.

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 21:41

All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel [were] forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

Joshua 21:42

These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus [were] all these cities.

Joshua 21:3

And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

Numbers 35:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,

Numbers 35:8

And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel: from [them that have] many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.