TRV
Translation
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
Ayalon with the surrounding open land, and Gat-Rimmon 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 6:69 is a precise entry within an extensive genealogical and geographical record, detailing the allocation of cities to the Levites, specifically the Kohathite branch, in the land of Israel. This verse names two such cities, Aijalon and Gathrimmon, each accompanied by its "suburbs," underscoring God's meticulous provision and the strategic distribution of spiritual leadership throughout the Israelite tribes. It serves as a testament to divine order, covenant faithfulness, and the practical sustenance provided for those set apart for God's service.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 6 is a comprehensive chapter dedicated to the tribe of Levi, emphasizing their unique role and lineage within the covenant community. It meticulously traces the priestly line of Aaron from Levi's descendants in 1 Chronicles 6:1-15, highlighting the centrality of the priesthood. The chapter then transitions to a detailed enumeration of the cities allotted to the three Levitical clans—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—from various tribes of Israel, a fulfillment of divine command (1 Chronicles 6:54-81). This verse, 1 Chronicles 6:69, falls within the section detailing the cities given to the Kohathites (1 Chronicles 6:66-70), specifically those within the territory of Ephraim. The Chronicler's inclusion of these detailed lists serves to affirm the historical accuracy and divine order of Israel's settlement, often paralleling and confirming accounts found in Joshua 21, thereby emphasizing the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' settlement and their enduring role.
Historical & Cultural Context: Unlike the other Israelite tribes, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, by divine command, they were allotted specific cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands known as "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrāsh). This unique arrangement, outlined in Numbers 35:1-8, ensured their sustenance as they were dedicated to priestly and temple duties, not agriculture or warfare. The strategic distribution of these Levitical cities was crucial for the spiritual and judicial well-being of the nation, ensuring that spiritual instruction, judicial oversight, and the administration of God's law were accessible throughout all of Israel. Aijalon, mentioned in this verse, was a significant city located in a valley often associated with the tribe of Dan but bordering Ephraim and Benjamin, famously known as the valley where Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand still. Gathrimmon was another Levite city within Ephraim's territory, also noted in the parallel list in Joshua 21:24-25. These cities served as centers of worship, teaching, and justice, bringing God's presence and law into the daily lives of the tribes.
Key Themes: The meticulous listing of cities in 1 Chronicles 6:69 and its surrounding context highlights several profound themes. Firstly, it underscores Divine Provision and Order, demonstrating God's detailed planning and unwavering faithfulness in providing for those dedicated to His service, ensuring the Levites, who had no land of their own, were fully sustained. This echoes the broader theme of God's care for His people, as seen in the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Secondly, it illustrates the Fulfillment of Covenant, as this allocation directly fulfills God's earlier commands regarding the Levites' role and sustenance, showcasing His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and their specific callings, a theme central to the book of Chronicles. Thirdly, the strategic scattering of these cities emphasizes the Importance of Spiritual Leadership and Accessibility, ensuring that spiritual leaders and teachers were present among all the tribes, making access to God's law and instruction readily available to the entire nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:10. Finally, the Chronicler's emphasis on such detailed records highlights the significance of Historical Record and Continuity, affirming God's ongoing work through generations and the enduring structure He established for His people, providing a foundation for post-exilic Israel's identity and hope.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse and the broader list. The primary device is Catalog or Listing, which serves to meticulously record and authenticate the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical cities. This detailed enumeration underscores the historical veracity and divine order inherent in the establishment of Israel, providing a sense of stability and continuity for the post-exilic audience. The Repetition of the phrase "with her suburbs" across multiple entries, including 1 Chronicles 6:69, functions to emphasize the consistent and comprehensive nature of the provision made for the Levites, highlighting that their sustenance was not an afterthought but an integral part of their inheritance. Furthermore, the very act of listing these cities carries Symbolism of divine order, faithfulness, and the strategic placement of spiritual influence throughout the land. It visually represents God's detailed plan for His people and His unwavering commitment to sustaining those dedicated to His service, ensuring the accessibility of spiritual truth across all tribal territories.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 6:69, in its context, speaks to profound theological truths. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous nature, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His detailed provision for those called to serve Him. The scattering of Levitical cities throughout Israel ensured that the knowledge of God's law and the practice of His worship were not confined to a single religious center but were accessible to all tribes. This divine strategy fostered spiritual education and judicial integrity across the nation, demonstrating God's desire for His presence and instruction to permeate every aspect of His people's lives. It underscores that God is a God of order, who carefully plans and provides for the needs of His ministers, enabling them to fulfill their unique callings and ensuring that His truth is widely disseminated.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of cities like Aijalon and Gathrimmon, complete with their suburbs, might initially appear mundane, yet it carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous order and abundant provision. Just as He meticulously cared for the Levites, ensuring their needs were met so they could dedicate themselves fully to His service, so too does He care for those who commit their lives to His work today. This passage encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness for our sustenance, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, as we pursue His calling. It assures us that if God calls, He also equips and provides. Furthermore, the strategic scattering of the Levites highlights the importance of accessible spiritual instruction and leadership within the community. It challenges us to consider how we, as the church, can ensure that the Gospel and sound biblical teaching are not confined to specific locations or elite groups but are made readily available to all, permeating society with God's truth and grace. This calls for intentional discipleship and outreach, mirroring God's ancient strategy for His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these cities listed in 1 Chronicles if they are already found in Joshua?
Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of these detailed city lists, which largely parallel those in Joshua 21, serves several purposes for his post-exilic audience. Firstly, it reinforces the historical accuracy and divine authority of these arrangements, validating the historical continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the faithful fulfillment of His promises. Secondly, the Chronicler aimed to remind the people of their heritage, God's unwavering faithfulness, and the foundational structures of their worship and national life, particularly the enduring importance of the priesthood and temple service, even in a time of restoration. It also highlighted God's meticulous care in providing for His servants, a message of encouragement for a people rebuilding their lives and faith. The repetition serves to confirm and re-establish these vital aspects of Israel's identity and divine order, providing a secure theological anchor in a period of rebuilding.
What was the practical significance of "suburbs" for the Levites, and why is it repeatedly mentioned?
Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrāsh) were not simply empty land but designated pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities, crucial for their economic sustenance. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance for agriculture (as seen in Numbers 18:20-24). Their livelihood came primarily from tithes and offerings, and these pasturelands allowed them to keep livestock, which provided essential resources like food (milk, meat), wool, and hides. The repeated mention of "with her suburbs" emphasizes that God's provision was comprehensive and practical, ensuring the Levites were fully equipped to perform their sacred duties without being distracted by the need to cultivate extensive personal fields. This detail underscores God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, providing for their physical needs so they could focus entirely on their spiritual calling of teaching, leading worship, and administering justice.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of Levitical cities and their suburbs in 1 Chronicles 6:69, though seemingly a mundane detail, profoundly points to Christ. The Levites, scattered throughout Israel, served as mediators of God's law, teachers of His ways, and administrators of the sacrificial system, all of which foreshadowed the ultimate spiritual provision found in Jesus. They had no land inheritance, receiving cities and pasturelands as God's direct provision, symbolizing that their true inheritance was the Lord Himself (as proclaimed in Deuteronomy 10:9). This finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our true and eternal inheritance, securing for us "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3) and making us "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). He is the ultimate High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a single, perfect sacrifice for sins, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 7:27 and Hebrews 9:12). The scattering of the Levites throughout Israel to provide spiritual instruction prefigures the Great Commission, where Christ commands His followers to go into all the world, making disciples and teaching them all He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). Just as God provided for the Levites, He provides for His church, empowering them to spread the Gospel, ensuring that spiritual truth and the presence of God are accessible to all nations through the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). Thus, this Old Testament detail ultimately highlights Christ as the source of all true provision, the fulfillment of all spiritual inheritance, and the One who empowers His people to be His presence and light in the world, bringing His truth to every corner of the earth.