1 Chronicles 6:69

KJV

And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Aijalon {H357} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Gathrimmon {H1667} with her suburbs {H4054}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Ayalon with the surrounding open land, and Gat-Rimmon with the surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs;

Commentary

### 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](/1_chronicles/6-1-15 "1 Chronicles 6:1-15 - The Line of Aaron"), 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](/1_chronicles/6-54-81 "1 Chronicles 6:54-81 - Levitical Cities")). This verse, [1 Chronicles 6:69](/1_chronicles/6-69 "1 Chronicles 6:69 - Aijalon and Gathrimmon"), falls within the section detailing the cities given to the Kohathites ([1 Chronicles 6:66-70](/1_chronicles/6-66-70 "1 Chronicles 6:66-70 - Cities for the Kohathites")), 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](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Allotment of Levitical Cities"), 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](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites"), 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](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua 10:12 - Joshua's Long Day"). Gathrimmon was another Levite city within Ephraim's territory, also noted in the parallel list in [Joshua 21:24-25](/joshua/21-24-25 "Joshua 21:24-25 - Cities for the Kohathites"). 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](/1_chronicles/6-69 "1 Chronicles 6:69 - Aijalon and Gathrimmon") 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](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). 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](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Role in Teaching"). 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
* **Aijalon (Hebrew, _ʼAyâlôwn_):** Meaning "deer-field," this city was strategically located in a significant valley in the Shephelah, a low-lying region between the Judean hills and the Philistine plain. Its mention here as a Levitical city underscores the importance of placing spiritual centers in key geographical locations, and its historical significance is cemented by events like Joshua's miraculous victory in the [Valley of Aijalon](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua 10:12 - Joshua's Command to the Sun").
* **Gathrimmon (Hebrew, _Gath-Rimmôwn_):** Translating to "wine-press of (the) pomegranate," this name suggests the agricultural fertility of the region, likely known for vineyards or pomegranate groves. Like Aijalon, its designation as a Levitical city indicates that these servants of God were provided for in productive areas, reinforcing the theme of divine sustenance and the practicality of God's provision for His ministers.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh_):** This crucial term refers to the "open country whither flocks are driven from pasture," specifically the common pastureland surrounding the Levitical cities, designated for their livestock and agricultural use. As the Levites were not to own fields or vineyards like the other tribes (compare [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Inheritance")), these "suburbs" were vital for their economic sustenance, ensuring their ability to fulfill their sacred duties without being burdened by the need to cultivate extensive private land. This provision allowed them to focus entirely on their priestly and teaching responsibilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aijalon with her suburbs":** This clause identifies Aijalon as one of the cities specifically allotted to the Kohathite Levites. The phrase "with her suburbs" is critical, indicating that the Levites received not just the walled city itself but also the surrounding pasturelands necessary for their livelihood. This comprehensive provision ensured their economic stability, allowing them to focus on their spiritual responsibilities without the need to engage in extensive agriculture or commerce like the other tribes. It highlights God's holistic care for His dedicated servants.
* **"and Gathrimmon with her suburbs":** Similarly, this clause names Gathrimmon as another city given to the Kohathites, again emphasizing the inclusion of its "suburbs." The repetition of "with her suburbs" highlights the consistent and comprehensive nature of God's provision for the Levites across all their allotted cities, reinforcing the theme of divine care and detailed planning for His dedicated servants. This parallel structure underscores the systematic and orderly fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical inheritance.

#### 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](/1_chronicles/6-69 "1 Chronicles 6:69 - Aijalon and Gathrimmon"), 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](/1_chronicles/6-69 "1 Chronicles 6:69 - Aijalon and Gathrimmon"), 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.

* [Numbers 35:2-3](/numbers/35-2-3 "The Purpose of Levitical Suburbs")
* [Joshua 21:24](/joshua/21-24 "Gathrimmon as a Kohathite City")
* [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "The Levites' Role in Teaching")

### 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
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can we, like the Levites, be strategically "scattered" to bring spiritual light and instruction to our communities and spheres of influence?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of order and intentionality in God's plan, both for ancient Israel and for the church today?**

### 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](/joshua/21 "Allotment of Levitical Cities"), 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](/numbers/18-20-24 "The Levites' Inheritance")). 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](/1_chronicles/6-69 "Aijalon and Gathrimmon"), 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](/deuteronomy/10-9 "The Levites' Inheritance is the Lord")). 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](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and making us "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). He is the ultimate High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a single, perfect sacrifice for sins, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Eternal Redemption")). 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](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")). 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](/john/14-16-17 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). 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.

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

Joshua 10:12

Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.

Joshua 21:24

Aijalon with her suburbs, Gathrimmon with her suburbs; four cities.

Joshua 21:25

And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.