1 Chronicles 6:65

KJV

And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by [their] names.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they gave {H5414} by lot {H1486} out of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}, these cities {H5892}, which are called {H7121} by their names {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the tribes of the descendants of Y'hudah, Shim'on and Binyamin they assigned these cities mentioned by name.

Berean Standard Bible

They assigned by lot the cities named above from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

American Standard Version

And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:65 details the specific allocation of cities to the Levitical priests from the tribal territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. This seemingly administrative record underscores God's meticulous provision for His chosen ministers, ensuring their dwelling places were divinely appointed through the casting of lots, thereby fulfilling ancient commands and establishing a structured spiritual presence throughout the land of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is a comprehensive genealogical record, primarily focusing on the lineage of Levi, from whom the priests and Levites descended. This chapter meticulously traces the priestly line of Aaron down to the time of the Chronicler, emphasizing their central role in Israel's worship. Verses 54-81 specifically transition from genealogy to geography, detailing the cities assigned to the Levites across all the tribes of Israel. Verse 65 is part of this detailed inventory, specifically listing the cities given to the sons of Aaron (the priests) from the southern tribes, following the general allocation of cities to the Kohathites (vv. 54-61), the Gershonites (vv. 62-63), and the Merarites (vv. 64-66). This precise listing demonstrates the Chronicler's concern for order, divine fulfillment, and the proper functioning of the temple worship system.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct fulfillment of the Mosaic Law, commanded in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites") and implemented during the conquest and settlement of Canaan under Joshua, as recorded in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"). Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance because "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Lord as Israel's Inheritance")). Instead, they were given 48 cities, along with pasturelands, scattered throughout the tribal territories. The method of "casting lots" was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, believed to reveal divine will and ensure impartiality in significant decisions, as seen in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap"). This ensured that the distribution was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, establishing the priests and Levites as accessible spiritual guides and instructors throughout the nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and faithful provision for His people, particularly for those dedicated to His service. The precise enumeration of cities underscores a divinely established structure for the nation's spiritual life. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promises**. The distribution of these cities directly actualized the commands given to Moses, reinforcing God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, even in seemingly minor administrative details. Finally, the scattering of the Levites throughout the tribes, as detailed in this section, illustrates the theme of **Spiritual Interdependence and Accessibility**. By living among the people, the priests and Levites could effectively teach the Law, administer justice, and facilitate worship, fostering unity and spiritual health across the diverse tribal landscape of Israel, as mandated in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Role of Levi").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, גּוֹרָל, _goral'_):** This term refers to a small object (like a stone or pebble) cast to determine an outcome, often believed to reveal divine will. In the context of land distribution, as seen here and in [Joshua 18:6](/joshua/18-6 "Joshua 18:6 - Casting Lots for Land"), it signifies that the allocation of these cities was not by human design or negotiation but by God's sovereign determination. It underscores the belief that God was actively involved in the details of Israel's settlement and the provision for His ministers.
* **Cities (Hebrew, עָרִים, _'arim'_):** These were not merely residential areas but designated Levitical cities, specifically set aside for the priests and Levites. They often included pasturelands for their livestock and served as centers for religious instruction, judicial administration, and the performance of various Levitical duties. The mention of "these cities, which are called by [their] names" indicates a specific, known list of settlements, reinforcing the historical accuracy and administrative precision of the Chronicler's account.
* **Judah, Simeon, Benjamin (Hebrew, _Yehudah, Shim'on, Binyamin'_):** These three tribes represent the southern tribal territories from which the priestly cities were primarily drawn. Judah was the dominant tribe, Simeon's territory was often intertwined with Judah's, and Benjamin was strategically located near Jerusalem. The specific mention of these tribes highlights the geographical distribution of the priestly presence, ensuring that even the most prominent and strategically important regions had accessible spiritual leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine method of distribution ("by lot") and identifies the first major source of the priestly cities: the large and influential tribe of Judah. The use of "they gave" implies the human agents (Joshua, Eleazar, and the heads of the tribes) who administered the process, but the "by lot" clause immediately points to God's ultimate agency and direction in the allocation.
* **"and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon,"**: This clause continues the enumeration of the tribes from which cities were granted. Simeon's territory was often embedded within Judah's, reflecting a close historical and geographical relationship. The inclusion of Simeon further specifies the southern region as a significant source of priestly settlements.
* **"and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin,"**: The third tribe mentioned, Benjamin, was strategically important due to its proximity to Jerusalem and its historical significance. This completes the list of the southern tribes from which the priests received their allocated cities, emphasizing a concentrated presence of priestly families in this region.
* **"these cities, which are called by [their] names."**: This concluding phrase affirms the specific identity and known nature of these cities. It suggests a pre-existing or accompanying list (such as that found in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Levitical Cities")) that would identify these places by name. This detail reinforces the historical veracity and administrative precision of the Chronicler's account, grounding the divine provision in concrete geographical realities.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 6:65 to convey its message. **Repetition** of the phrase "out of the tribe of the children of" across the enumeration of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin emphasizes the distinct tribal sources for the cities and reinforces the comprehensive nature of the distribution. This serves to highlight the fulfillment of the divine command that the Levites should be scattered among all tribes. The precise **Enumeration** of the three tribes (Judah, Simeon, Benjamin) provides specific detail, lending an air of historical accuracy and administrative precision to the account. Furthermore, there is an implied **Divine Passive** in the phrase "they gave by lot." While human agents are performing the action ("they gave"), the phrase "by lot" strongly suggests that the ultimate determination and agency belong to God, who superintended the outcome of the lot-casting. This subtly reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty and meticulous provision for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:65, though a seemingly mundane administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness and sovereign provision for His people and His ordained system of worship. The allocation of cities "by lot" underscores the theological principle that God is actively involved in the details of His creation and the lives of His people, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. It highlights His commitment to His covenant promises, ensuring that the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance, were nevertheless fully provided for and strategically positioned to serve the spiritual needs of the entire nation. This divine order ensured that spiritual guidance and access to God's law were available throughout Israel, fostering unity and adherence to the covenant.

* [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:41](/joshua/21-41 "Joshua 21:41 - Total Levitical Cities")
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot Determines")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though rooted in ancient Israel's administrative past, offers timeless truths for the believer today. It reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even in the smallest details. Just as He meticulously provided dwelling places for His ministers in ancient Israel, He continues to provide for His people in every generation, often in ways that reveal His intricate planning and sovereign care. We are called to trust in this divine provision, recognizing that our needs are known to Him and that He works all things according to His good purpose. Furthermore, the scattering of the Levites throughout the land serves as a powerful metaphor for the call to ministry and service in our own contexts. We are not meant to be isolated but to be strategically placed by God in our communities, workplaces, and families to be agents of His light and truth. Our "cities" of influence, wherever they may be, are opportunities to live out our faith and serve those around us, just as the priests served the spiritual needs of their tribes. This verse encourages us to embrace our God-given location and calling, knowing that our service contributes to His larger redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's meticulous provision for the Levites encourage you in areas of your life where you are seeking provision or guidance?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself "scattered" by God into specific communities or relationships, and how can you serve His purposes more effectively in those places?**
* **What "lot" or calling do you believe God has given you, and how are you faithfully stewarding it for His glory?**

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

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance because the Lord Himself was declared to be "their inheritance" ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is Levi's Inheritance")). This meant they were set apart for full-time service to God in the tabernacle and later the temple, ministering to the spiritual needs of the entire nation. Instead of land, God commanded that they be given 48 cities, along with their pasturelands, scattered among all the other tribes of Israel ([Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Cities for the Levites")). This arrangement ensured their sustenance and allowed them to fulfill their priestly and teaching duties throughout the land, making spiritual instruction and access to God's law available to everyone, regardless of their tribal affiliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levitical priests in 1 Chronicles 6:65, determined "by lot" and scattered throughout Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. While the Old Testament priests served as mediators and instructors under the Law, their ministry pointed forward to Jesus, who is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") according to the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Priest Forever According to Melchizedek")). He is the one who, by His perfect sacrifice, has made a way for all believers to have direct access to God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). The "lot" cast for the Levitical cities, signifying divine determination, foreshadows the ultimate divine "lot" that fell upon Christ—to bear the sins of the world and become the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away sin. Furthermore, just as the Levites were scattered among the tribes to bring spiritual light and instruction, so too are New Testament believers, through Christ, constituted as a "[royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")" and sent out into all the world ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). We are now God's dispersed ministers, not confined to specific cities, but called to live out our faith and share the Gospel wherever God has placed us, embodying His presence and truth in every corner of the earth.

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 6:57

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,

1 Chronicles 6:60

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.