1 Chronicles 6:70

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the half {H4276} tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519}; Aner {H6063} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Bileam {H1109} with her suburbs {H4054}, for the family {H4940} of the remnant {H3498} of the sons {H1121} of Kohath {H6955}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and out of the half-tribe of M'nasheh: 'Aner with the surrounding open land and Bil'am with the surrounding open land, for the rest of the clans of the descendants of K'hat.

Berean Standard Bible

And from the half-tribe of Manasseh the remaining clans of the Kohathites were given Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:70 precisely details the allocation of two cities, Aner and Bileam, along with their surrounding pasturelands, from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh. This provision was specifically for a segment of the Kohathite Levites, underscoring God's meticulous care in fulfilling His covenant promises and establishing a divinely ordered system for the spiritual administration of Israel. The verse is part of a larger historical and genealogical record that emphasizes the divine arrangement for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and proximity to the people they served.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a lengthy and detailed genealogical section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), specifically within 1 Chronicles 6, which meticulously traces the lineage of Levi and the subsequent allocation of cities to the various Levitical families. Following a comprehensive list of priestly and Levitical descendants, the chapter transitions into a precise enumeration of the cities assigned to them throughout Israel. This meticulous record serves to validate the claims of the post-exilic community to their ancestral lands and priestly roles, reinforcing their identity and continuity with God's covenant people. Verse 6:70, therefore, is not merely a geographical note but a critical piece of evidence demonstrating the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical cities, ensuring that those dedicated to temple service had designated dwelling places among the other tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levites were set apart for sacred service, distinct from the other tribes who received territorial inheritances. God explicitly commanded that the Levites would not receive a tribal land inheritance but would instead be sustained by tithes and offerings, and provided with 48 cities scattered throughout the other tribes, along with their "suburbs" or common pasturelands ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Cities for the Levites")). This arrangement was highly strategic: it ensured the Levites, who served as spiritual instructors, judges, and administrators of the Law, were dispersed among all the tribes, making spiritual instruction and judicial oversight accessible to the entire nation. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) were vital for their livelihood, providing grazing land for their livestock, which was a primary source of sustenance in an agrarian society. This system highlighted divine provision and the unique, non-landed inheritance of those dedicated to God's service.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in 1 Chronicles 6:70 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**. God, who promised to provide for His people, meticulously ensures that even those without a traditional land inheritance are cared for, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises ([Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Structure** within Israel. The precise allocation of cities reinforces the idea that every aspect of Israel's national and spiritual life was divinely ordained, from the tribal boundaries to the specific roles and dwelling places of the Levites. This order was crucial for maintaining purity, worship, and justice. Lastly, the verse underscores the **Importance of Levitical Service**. The Kohathites, specifically mentioned here, had the solemn responsibility of caring for the most sacred articles of the tabernacle and later the temple ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites")). Providing them with stable dwelling places was essential for the continuity and effectiveness of their vital ministry, ensuring the spiritual health of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _M'nasheh'_):** Manasseh was one of the two sons of Joseph, and his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The reference to the "half tribe of Manasseh" indicates that this tribe was divided, with one half settling east of the Jordan River and the other half settling west of it. This division is significant as it reflects the practicalities of land distribution and the vastness of the territory allocated to Manasseh, requiring the Levitical cities to be drawn from both halves to ensure their dispersion.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash'_):** This term is crucial for understanding the Levites' provision. Unlike the modern understanding of "suburbs" as residential areas outside a city, *migrash* refers to the common pasturelands or open spaces immediately surrounding the walled cities. These areas were designated for the Levites' livestock and were explicitly forbidden from being sold ([Leviticus 25:34](/leviticus/25-34 "Leviticus 25:34 - Law of the Levitical Cities")). This provision ensured the Levites had a sustainable means of livelihood, as they did not engage in large-scale agriculture like the other tribes.
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Q'hath'_):** Kohath was one of the three sons of Levi (along with Gershon and Merari). The "sons of Kohath" formed a significant branch of the Levites, entrusted with the most sacred duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple. Specifically, they were responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars, and the sacred vessels during Israel's wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathite Responsibilities")). Their central role in handling the holy objects underscores the importance of their provision and placement within Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the half tribe of Manasseh;":** This opening clause specifies the geographical origin of the cities being allocated. It highlights the meticulousness of the record-keeping, identifying precisely which tribal territory these Levitical cities were drawn from, demonstrating the fulfillment of the divine command for Levites to be scattered among all tribes.
* **"Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs,":** This lists the two specific cities, Aner and Bileam, along with their essential "suburbs" or pasturelands. The repetition of "with her suburbs" emphasizes the critical nature of these common lands for the Levites' sustenance, ensuring they had the necessary resources to live and perform their duties without engaging in extensive farming.
* **"for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.":** This final clause identifies the specific recipients of these cities: a branch of the Kohathite Levites. The term "remnant" here likely refers to a particular lineage or division within the larger Kohathite family, further demonstrating the precise and detailed nature of the allocation, ensuring that every Levitical family had its designated place.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:70, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 6, is **List** or **Catalog**. This meticulous enumeration of cities and their recipients serves a crucial purpose beyond mere record-keeping. It functions as a theological statement, emphasizing God's **Order** and **Precision** in fulfilling His promises and organizing His people. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" demonstrates a form of **Repetition** that underscores the importance of these pasturelands for the Levites' livelihood, highlighting God's comprehensive provision. The verse also implicitly uses **Symbolism**, as the dispersion of the Levites throughout the tribes, facilitated by these cities, symbolizes their role as spiritual leaven, influencing and ministering to the entire nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:70, though a seemingly dry list of names and places, is deeply significant. It speaks volumes about God's character as a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. His meticulous provision for the Levites, who had no land inheritance of their own, demonstrates His commitment to sustaining those dedicated to His service. This divine arrangement ensured that spiritual leadership and instruction were accessible throughout the nation, reflecting a theological principle that God not only calls individuals to ministry but also provides for their needs and strategically places them for maximum impact. The detailed fulfillment of promises made centuries earlier underscores the reliability of God's Word and His sovereign oversight of history.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command to Provide Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:40-42](/joshua/21-40 "Joshua 21:40-42 - Fulfillment of Levitical City Allocation")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Levites' Inheritance from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 6:70, while rooted in ancient history, offers profound contemporary lessons for believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is intimately concerned with the practical needs of those called to serve Him. Just as He precisely provided cities and pasturelands for the Levites, He continues to orchestrate circumstances and provide resources for His servants today. This verse challenges us to consider our role in supporting those in full-time ministry, understanding that their effective service is often dependent on the faithful provision of the wider community of believers. It also highlights the principle of interdependence within the body of Christ: every part has a unique function, and the well-being of the whole depends on each part being supported and thriving. We are called to be strategically placed, like the Levites, to bring spiritual light and truth to our communities, relying on God's provision and the support of our fellow believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:70 encourage you about His care for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can the church today emulate the ancient Israelite model of supporting those in full-time ministry, ensuring their practical needs are met?**
* **How does the dispersion of the Levites, as implied by the allocation of these cities, inform your understanding of your own role as a believer in your community?**
* **What "suburbs" or practical provisions do you need to effectively fulfill your God-given purpose, and how might God be providing them?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific cities listed in such detail in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed listing of cities like Aner and Bileam in 1 Chronicles serves several crucial purposes. Historically, it confirms the fulfillment of God's earlier commands given through Moses and Joshua regarding the allocation of cities to the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Cities for the Levites")). Theologically, it underscores God's meticulous order, faithfulness, and provision for His chosen servants. For the post-exilic community, for whom 1 Chronicles was primarily written, these lists helped to re-establish and validate their claims to ancestral lands and priestly roles, reinforcing their identity and continuity with God's covenant people after the return from Babylon. It demonstrates that God's plan for Israel's spiritual administration was precise and enduring.

**What was the significance of the "half tribe of Manasseh" in this context?**

Answer: The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two halves, with one half settling east of the Jordan River and the other half settling west. This division meant that Levitical cities had to be drawn from both halves of their territory to ensure the Levites were truly dispersed throughout the entire land of Israel. The mention of the "half tribe of Manasseh" in 1 Chronicles 6:70 precisely locates Aner and Bileam within the western half of Manasseh's territory, west of the Jordan River. This detail reinforces the comprehensive nature of the Levitical city distribution, ensuring that spiritual instruction and service were available across the breadth of the Israelite nation, fulfilling the divine mandate found in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Allocation of Levitical Cities").

**What was the primary role of "the sons of Kohath" among the Levites?**

Answer: The "sons of Kohath" were one of the three main branches of the Levites, and their primary role was exceptionally sacred and significant. They were specifically entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and transporting the most holy articles of the tabernacle (and later the temple). This included the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars, and the sacred vessels. Their duties were so holy that they were forbidden from touching these items directly; instead, they were to carry them on poles after the priests had covered them ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites") and [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites Carrying Holy Objects")). The provision of cities like Aner and Bileam for the Kohathites ensured they had stable dwelling places from which to fulfill these crucial, divinely appointed duties, which were central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Kohathite Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:70, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The Levites, particularly the Kohathites, were mediators of God's presence, caring for the holy things that pointed to Him. Jesus, however, is the true and ultimate [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who entered the true tabernacle, heaven itself, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing an [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, rendering the sacrificial system and the specific duties of the Levites obsolete in their former capacity. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")), and through Him, believers become a [spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House") and a [holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Holy Priesthood"). Just as God provided for the Levites in the Old Covenant, Christ now provides for His ministers in the New Covenant through the Holy Spirit and the support of the church, empowering them to carry the message of the Gospel, which is far greater than carrying physical sacred objects. The focus shifts from geographical cities to spiritual presence, from physical provision of land to the spiritual provision found in being [in Christ](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ"), who is our true inheritance and sustenance ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness of God in Christ")).

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 21:25

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

Joshua 17:11

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.