1 Chronicles 6:67

And they gave unto them, [of] the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; [they gave] also Gezer with her suburbs,

And they gave {H5414} unto them, of the cities {H5892} of refuge {H4733}, Shechem {H7927} in mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669} with her suburbs {H4054}; they gave also Gezer {H1507} with her suburbs {H4054},

They gave them the city of refuge Sh'khem in the hills of Efrayim with the surrounding open land, also Gezer with the surrounding open land,

They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer,

And they gave unto them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:67 KJV Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 6:67

This verse is found within a meticulously detailed genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the descendants of Levi and their assigned dwelling places. Chapter 6 provides a comprehensive list of the Levitical cities, fulfilling God's promise to provide for the tribe of Levi, who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes (see Numbers 18:20). Verse 67 specifically details cities given to the sons of Aaron, a branch of the Kohathite Levites, highlighting the precise organization and distribution of land in ancient Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Order: The detailed allocation of cities demonstrates God's faithfulness in providing for His servants and His meticulous order in organizing the nation of Israel. Even without a tribal land inheritance, the Levites were well-provided for by divine decree.
  • Cities of Refuge: The mention of Shechem as one of the "cities of refuge" is highly significant. These were special cities designated by God to provide sanctuary for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, protecting them from immediate retaliation by the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be held (as outlined in Numbers 35:6 and Deuteronomy 19:2). This system highlights God's attributes of both justice and mercy.
  • Levitical Responsibility: By residing in cities scattered throughout Israel, the Levites, who were responsible for the worship, teaching, and administration of God's law, were strategically positioned to serve and instruct the entire nation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text of 1 Chronicles 6:67 is quite direct, translating the Hebrew without significant ambiguity in terms of the core meaning. The phrase "cities of refuge" (ืขึธืจึตื™ ืžึดืงึฐืœึธื˜, โ€˜arei miqlat) clearly conveys their purpose as places of asylum. The names Shechem and Gezer are geographical place names, well-known in biblical history.

Historical and Cultural Context

Shechem was a historically significant city, located in the central hill country of Ephraim. It was a place where Abraham built an altar (Genesis 12:6), Jacob settled, and later, Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel (Joshua 24:1). Its designation as a city of refuge underscores its importance and accessibility. Gezer, located in the lowlands between Judah and Ephraim, was also a strategic city, often contested, and its allocation to the Levites further illustrates the strategic distribution of these sacred personnel.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 6:67, though part of a detailed list, offers profound insights for today. It reminds us of God's meticulous care and provision for His people, even in the smallest details of their lives and service. Just as God provided physical refuge and a place for justice in ancient Israel through the cities of refuge, He continues to offer spiritual refuge and mercy to those who seek Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ordered plan and His faithful provision for our needs, especially when we are serving Him. It also implicitly points to Christ as our ultimate refuge from the consequences of sin, offering true sanctuary and eternal hope.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 21:21

    For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,

  • Joshua 16:10

    And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

  • Genesis 33:18

    And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which [is] in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.

  • Joshua 20:7

    ยถ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

  • Joshua 12:12

    The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

  • 1 Kings 9:16

    [For] Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it [for] a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.

  • Genesis 35:4

    And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.
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