1 Chronicles 6:68

KJV

And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jokmeam {H3361} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Bethhoron {H1032} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yokme'am with the surrounding open land, Beit-Horon with the surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

Jokmeam, Beth-horon,

American Standard Version

and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth-horon with its suburbs,

Commentary

### 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is a meticulous and expansive genealogical record primarily focused on the tribe of Levi, particularly highlighting the priestly lineage of Aaron and the various Levitical clans (Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites). Following the detailed genealogies (vv. 1-53) and a description of Aaron's descendants' dwelling places (vv. 54-60), the chapter transitions into a comprehensive list of cities allotted to the remaining Kohathites (vv. 61-70), the Gershonites (vv. 71-76), and the Merarites (vv. 77-81). This extensive catalog of cities, of which [1 Chronicles 6:68](/1_chronicles/6-68 "1 Chronicles 6:68 - Levitical Cities") is a part, underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on divine order, the fulfillment of Mosaic law, and the proper functioning of the cultic system in post-exilic Israel. The inclusion of these specific cities demonstrates God's precise provision for the Levites, who, unlike other tribes, received no territorial inheritance but were scattered among the tribes to serve the entire nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct command from God given to Moses in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities") and subsequently implemented under Joshua's leadership, as recorded in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"). These cities, often accompanied by "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_), which referred to surrounding pasturelands, were essential for the Levites' sustenance, allowing them to tend livestock and cultivate land, thereby supporting their families while fulfilling their spiritual duties. The Levites were dispersed throughout the land to serve as spiritual instructors, judges, and administrators of justice, ensuring the Law was known and observed across all tribes. The mention of Bethhoron, in particular, is significant as it refers to two strategically important towns (Upper and Lower Bethhoron) located on a vital pass connecting the coastal plain to the central hill country. This highlights that Levites were placed not only in religious centers but also in areas of strategic and economic importance, extending their influence throughout the nation.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Levitical Genealogies and Cities") and specifically in [1 Chronicles 6:68](/1_chronicles/6-68 "1 Chronicles 6:68 - Provision for Kohathites") contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Provision**. God's detailed instructions and their precise fulfillment demonstrate His meticulous planning and unwavering faithfulness in caring for those consecrated to His service. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**. The very existence of these Levitical cities is a tangible manifestation of God's commitment to His covenant with Israel, ensuring the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, had a secure place to dwell and perform their sacred duties. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **Importance of Historical and Genealogical Record**. For the post-exilic community, these lists served to re-establish tribal identities, confirm the legitimacy of the priesthood, and provide a foundational understanding of their heritage and God's enduring work through generations. It reinforced the continuity of God's plan despite the intervening exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jokmeam (Hebrew, יָקְמְעָם, _Yoqme'am_):** This name likely means "let the people rise up" or "a gathering of the people." Its exact location is debated among scholars but is generally placed in the territory of Ephraim. Its inclusion here signifies its designation as one of the cities provided for the Kohathite Levites, underscoring the divine provision for their livelihood and service.
* **Bethhoron (Hebrew, בֵּית חוֹרוֹן, _Beit Choron_):** Meaning "house of the hollow" or "house of the cavern," this refers to two distinct towns, Upper and Lower Bethhoron, situated on a crucial pass between the coastal plain and the central hill country. These cities were not only strategically important for military and trade routes but also served as a location for Levitical presence, indicating their role extended beyond purely religious centers to key national arteries.
* **suburbs (Hebrew, מִגְרָשׁ, _migrash_):** This term refers to the common lands or pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities, specifically designated for their livestock and agricultural needs. The repeated mention of "with her suburbs" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's provision, ensuring the Levites had not only dwelling places but also the means to sustain themselves economically, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jokmeam with her suburbs":** This phrase identifies Jokmeam as one of the cities specifically allotted to the Kohathite branch of the Levites. The inclusion of "her suburbs" highlights the full provision granted to the Levites, encompassing not just the urban dwelling but also the essential surrounding pasturelands necessary for their livelihood and the support of their families. It signifies a complete and practical provision from God.
* **"and Bethhoron with her suburbs":** Similarly, this clause designates Bethhoron as another city provided for the Kohathites, again emphasizing the accompanying "suburbs." The strategic location of Bethhoron underscores the widespread distribution of the Levites throughout the land, ensuring their spiritual influence and administrative presence were felt even in militarily and economically significant areas, beyond just the major religious centers.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 6:68](/1_chronicles/6-68 "1 Chronicles 6:68 - A Record of Provision") 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 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 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.

### 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.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "The Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:1-42](/joshua/21-1 "The Fulfillment of Levitical City Distribution")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "Support for Gospel Ministers")

### 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 confidence in God's faithful provision for our own lives, even in seemingly mundane aspects. 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 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites, as seen in this verse, challenge our understanding of His care for us today, especially in seemingly small details of our lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as members of God's people, participate in supporting those dedicated to spiritual service in our communities, mirroring the ancient provision for the Levites?**
* **What "details" in our personal lives or within our faith communities might God be meticulously ordering for His purposes, even if they seem insignificant or tedious to us?**

### 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](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer").

**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](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-3 - The Purpose of Levitical Suburbs").

**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](/joshua/21-34 "Joshua 21:34 - Jokmeam in Joshua")), 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](/joshua/10-10 "Joshua 10:10-11 - The Battle of Bethhoron") 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](/2_chronicles/8-5 "2 Chronicles 8:5 - Solomon Fortifies Bethhoron"). 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.

### 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. Their need for physical cities and sustenance highlights the limitations of the Old Covenant system. In contrast, Christ is the [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our 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](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's 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](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Hope"). 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 [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit") and the [spiritual gifts](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversity of 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 and provision.

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 Samuel 13:18

And another company turned the way [to] Bethhoron: and another company turned [to] the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

Joshua 16:5

¶ And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

Joshua 21:22

And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.

Joshua 10:11

And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

1 Kings 4:12

Baana the son of Ahilud; [to him pertained] Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which [is] by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, [even] unto [the place that is] beyond Jokneam: