TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
Yokme'am with the surrounding open land, Beit-Horon with the surrounding open land,
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 6 verses 54–81
54 ¶ Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.
55 And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.
56 But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
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,
58 And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs,
59 And Ashan with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs:
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.
61 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.
62 And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
63 Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
64 And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their suburbs.
65 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.
66 And the residue of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.
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,
68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,
69 And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs:
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.
71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:
72 And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,
73 And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:
74 And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs,
75 And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs:
76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.
77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:
78 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,
79 Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:
80 And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
81 And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.
We have here an account of the Levites' cities. They are here called their castles (Ch1 6:54), not only because walled and fortified, and well guarded by the country (for it is the interest of every nation to protect its ministers), but because they and their possessions were, in a particular manner, the care of the divine providence: as God was their portion, so God was their protection; and a cottage will be a castle to those that abide under the shadow of the Almighty. This account is much the same with that which we had, Jos. 21. We need not be critical in comparing them (what good will it do us?) nor will it do any hurt to the credit of the holy scripture if the names of some of the places be not spelt just the same here as they were there. We know it is common for cities to have several names. Sarum and Salisbury, Salop and Shrewsbury, are more unlike than Hilen (Ch1 6:58) and Holon (Jos 21:15), Ashan (Ch1 6:59) and Ain (Jos 21:16), Alemeth (Ch1 6:60) and Almon (Jos 21:18); and time changes names. We are only to observe that in this appointment of cities for the Levites God took care, 1. For the accomplishment of dying Jacob's prediction concerning this tribe, that it should be scattered in Israel, Gen 49:7. 2. For the diffusing of the knowledge of himself and his law to all parts of the land of Israel. Every tribe had Levites' cities in it; and so every room was furnished with a candle, so that none could be ignorant of his duty but it was either his own fault or the Levites'. 3. For a comfortable maintenance for those that ministered in holy things. Besides their tithes and offerings, they had glebe-lands and cities of their own to dwell in. Some of the most considerable cities of Israel fell to the Levites' lot. Every tribe had benefit by the Levites, and therefore every tribe must contribute to their support. Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth, and do it cheerfully.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 54–81. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:68 is a precise entry within the Chronicler's extensive record of cities allotted to the Levites, specifically the Kohathite families, across ancient Israel. This verse, detailing "Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs," serves as more than a mere geographical notation; it stands as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, ensuring the provision and proper placement of those dedicated to His sacred service within the nation, thereby facilitating the spiritual well-being of all Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:68 and the broader chapter is Catalog or List. The meticulous enumeration of cities serves a crucial purpose beyond mere record-keeping; it functions as a profound theological statement. This exhaustive list demonstrates the divine order and the comprehensive fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' settlement. The Repetition of the phrase "with her suburbs" for each city emphasizes the completeness of the provision and God's attention to detail in caring for His servants. Furthermore, the sheer Precision and Detail in naming each city and its accompanying lands highlight God's thoroughness and unwavering faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition, even in what might appear to be mundane administrative details. This literary choice reinforces the Chronicler's overarching message of God's unwavering covenant loyalty to His people and their institutions, providing assurance and a blueprint for the post-exilic community.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:68, though a seemingly dry list of names, is deeply embedded in the theological narrative of God's faithfulness and meticulous provision. It underscores the divine principle that those called to sacred service are to be fully provided for, enabling them to dedicate themselves wholly to their spiritual duties without distraction. This detailed record of cities, commanded by God and fulfilled through human agents, serves as a tangible reminder of God's covenant loyalty to Israel and His commitment to establishing order within His chosen people. The dispersion of the Levites throughout the tribes, living in these designated cities, was not merely for their sustenance but also for the spiritual health of the entire nation, as they were responsible for teaching the Law and mediating sacred duties. This ancient provision foreshadows God's ongoing care for His ministers and the church throughout history, demonstrating His consistent nature as a provider who equips and sustains those He calls into ministry.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 6:68, within the broader context of Levitical provision, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reveals a God who is not distant or abstract but intimately involved in the practical details of His people's lives and the functioning of His kingdom. His precise allocation of cities and their suburbs for the Levites speaks volumes about His commitment to equipping and sustaining those He calls to serve. For us, this should inspire profound confidence in God's faithful provision for our own lives, even in seemingly mundane aspects, reminding us that He cares for every detail. It also challenges us to consider our role in supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry, recognizing that their ability to serve effectively is often tied to the practical and prayerful support of the community. Just as God ensured the Levites had a place and means to live, so too are we called to participate in God's provision for His work today, recognizing the value of order, faithfulness, and intentional support in advancing His purposes and spreading the Gospel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these lists so detailed in Chronicles, and what was their significance for the original audience?
Answer: The detailed lists in Chronicles, including the cities for the Levites, were profoundly significant for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. After decades of exile, their identity, heritage, and the proper functioning of their religious life had been disrupted. These genealogies and city lists served several crucial purposes: they re-established the tribal and priestly lineages, confirming the legitimacy of those serving in the rebuilt temple; they demonstrated God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises, even after national failure; and they provided a blueprint for re-establishing the divinely ordained order of worship and community life. The Chronicler's emphasis on such details underscored the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of adherence to Mosaic law for the restoration of the nation, as seen throughout books like Ezra and Nehemiah.
What was the practical purpose of "suburbs" being mentioned alongside the cities?
Answer: The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrash) refers to the common lands or pasturelands immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. These were not merely residential extensions but vital agricultural areas designated for the Levites' livestock and cultivation. Since the Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes, these "suburbs" were crucial for their economic sustenance. They provided the necessary resources for the Levites to support their families, allowing them to dedicate themselves to their spiritual and administrative duties without being burdened by the need to acquire land for their livelihood. This comprehensive provision highlights God's holistic care for His servants, ensuring both their dwelling and their economic needs were met, as commanded in Numbers 35:2-3.
Are Jokmeam and Bethhoron mentioned elsewhere in the biblical narrative, and do they hold any particular significance?
Answer: While Jokmeam is less frequently mentioned outside of Levitical city lists (e.g., Joshua 21:34), Bethhoron holds significant historical and strategic importance. Bethhoron (comprising Upper and Lower Bethhoron) was strategically located on a vital pass that served as a major route between the coastal plain and the central hill country. This pass was a frequent battleground and a key defensive point. It is notably mentioned in Joshua 10:10-11 where God miraculously intervened for Joshua against the Amorites. It also appears in accounts of military campaigns and fortifications, such as King Solomon's building projects in 2 Chronicles 8:5. The presence of Levites in such a strategically significant location underscores their widespread distribution and influence throughout the land, not just in isolated religious enclaves, but in areas critical to national life.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:68 details the earthly provision for the Old Testament Levites, it subtly points to the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous care God showed in allocating cities and their "suburbs" for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and ability to serve, foreshadows His infinitely greater provision for humanity through His Son. The Levites, though essential for Israel's worship, were imperfect priests serving in a temporary tabernacle/temple, and their need for physical cities and sustenance highlights the limitations of the Old Covenant system. In contrast, Christ is the great High Priest who requires no earthly city or physical provision, for He is eternally seated at the right hand of God, having offered a single, perfect sacrifice for sins. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all Levitical service, providing not merely physical dwelling but spiritual refuge and eternal life for all who believe, becoming our true city of refuge. Furthermore, the principle of God's detailed provision for His servants continues in the New Covenant, where Christ, as the head of the church, provides for His ministers and equips His people for service, not through land allotments, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit and the distribution of spiritual gifts. The lists in Chronicles, therefore, ultimately testify to God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His redemptive plan to fruition, culminating in the all-sufficient work of Christ, who is our ultimate dwelling place, provision, and eternal High Priest.