1 Chronicles 6:71

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto the sons {H1121} of Gershom {H1647} were given out of the family {H4940} of the half {H2677} tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519}, Golan {H1474} in Bashan {H1316} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Ashtaroth {H6252} with her suburbs {H4054}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Gershom were given, from the clans of the half-tribe of M'nasheh: Golan in Bashan with the surrounding open land and 'Ashtarot with the surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

The Gershomites received the following: From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

Unto the sons of Gershom were given, out of the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:71 meticulously details the allocation of specific cities to a branch of the Levitical tribe, the sons of Gershom. This verse, situated within a comprehensive record of Israel's lineages and land distribution, specifies that Golan in Bashan and Ashtaroth, along with their surrounding pasturelands, were designated from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh for the Gershomites. It underscores God's precise provision for His priestly servants and the strategic placement of the Levites throughout Israel to fulfill their spiritual and judicial duties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record in 1 Chronicles, specifically within chapter 6, which is dedicated to the lineage and roles of the Levites. Chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles provide a detailed account of Israel's tribal origins, emphasizing Judah (the royal line) and Levi (the priestly line). Chapter 6 itself focuses heavily on the priestly and Levitical families, their duties, and, critically, the cities assigned to them. This section (1 Chronicles 6:54-81) lists the specific cities given to the three main Levitical clans—Kohath, Gershom, and Merari—fulfilling the divine command that the Levites, who received no consolidated tribal inheritance, would be dispersed among the other tribes to serve the nation. The meticulous nature of this list highlights the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and divine promises regarding Israel's structured existence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Levites were set apart for sacred service, serving as priests, musicians, gatekeepers, and teachers of the Law. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a contiguous land inheritance but were instead allotted 48 cities scattered throughout Israel, along with their surrounding pasturelands (Numbers 35:1-8). This arrangement, reiterated in [Joshua 21:41](/joshua/21-41 "Joshua 21:41 - Fulfillment of Levitical City Distribution"), ensured their accessibility to all the tribes, facilitating the teaching of God's Law, the administration of justice, and the maintenance of worship. The "half tribe of Manasseh" refers to the portion of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan River in the fertile region of Bashan. Golan, one of the cities mentioned, held particular significance as one of the six [cities of refuge](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Golan as a City of Refuge"), providing asylum for those who committed unintentional homicide. Ashtaroth, historically, was a center of pagan worship, associated with the Canaanite goddess Astarte. Its inclusion as a Levitical city demonstrates God's sovereignty over all land and His ability to transform places of idolatry into centers of His worship.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 6:71, like the broader chapter, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Order and Provision**, illustrating God's faithful and precise fulfillment of His covenant promises, ensuring that those dedicated to His service were fully sustained. Secondly, it highlights the **Strategic Importance of Levitical Service**, emphasizing that the dispersal of the Levites was not arbitrary but designed to ensure spiritual and legal oversight across the entire nation, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Thirdly, the naming of specific cities reinforces the **Historical Accuracy and Reliability** of the biblical record, affirming the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands regarding land distribution and the establishment of Israel's socio-religious structure. Lastly, the mention of Ashtaroth, a former pagan stronghold, subtly introduces the theme of **Sanctification and Redemption of Space**, demonstrating God's power to reclaim and repurpose even idolatrous places for His holy purposes, transforming them into centers of true worship and instruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gershom (Hebrew, _Gershom_):** One of the three sons of Levi, alongside Kohath and Merari. The Gershomites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's coverings, curtains, and ropes (Numbers 3:25-26). Their allocation of cities, as seen here, was crucial for their sustenance and for their presence among the tribes, enabling them to fulfill their broader Levitical duties of teaching and judging.
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _Menasheh_):** One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph. The "half tribe of Manasseh" refers to the portion of the tribe that settled east of the Jordan River, in the fertile region of Bashan. This geographical distinction is important for understanding the specific location of the cities allocated to the Gershomites, demonstrating the precise nature of the land distribution.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash_):** This term does not refer to residential areas as understood in modern contexts but specifically to the common pasturelands and open spaces surrounding the walled cities. These lands were vital for the Levites, who, though not receiving agricultural land, were permitted to own livestock for their sustenance. The inclusion of "suburbs" emphasizes God's comprehensive provision, ensuring the Levites had not only a place to live but also the means to support themselves and their families.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto the sons of Gershom [were given]":** This clause identifies the recipients of the cities. The "sons of Gershom" represent one of the three major divisions of the Levites, tasked with specific responsibilities related to the tabernacle/temple service. This highlights the systematic and intentional nature of God's provision for each Levitical family.
* **"out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh":** This specifies the donating tribe and its particular geographical segment. The half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan was wealthy in land, and their contribution to the Levites was part of the divinely ordained system of inter-tribal support.
* **"Golan in Bashan with her suburbs":** Golan is named as one of the allocated cities. Its location "in Bashan" further specifies the region. The phrase "with her suburbs" emphasizes that not only the city itself but also its surrounding common lands were included in the grant, essential for the Levites' livelihood. Golan was also a designated city of refuge.
* **"and Ashtaroth with her suburbs":** Ashtaroth is the second city named, also including its "suburbs." The mention of Ashtaroth is significant given its historical association with pagan worship, underscoring the theme of God's reclamation and sanctification of places for His holy purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Cataloging** or **Listing**, a common feature in genealogical and administrative texts within the Old Testament, to meticulously record the distribution of cities. This precise enumeration underscores the divine order and the fulfillment of God's detailed instructions for the land's allocation. The repeated phrase "**with her suburbs**" functions as **Repetition**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the provision for the Levites, ensuring they had not only dwelling places but also the necessary means for their sustenance (pasture for livestock). This repetition highlights the thoroughness of God's plan and the meticulous detail of the biblical record. Furthermore, the inclusion of Ashtaroth, a city historically linked to idolatry, as a Levitical city, carries **Symbolism**, representing God's power to redeem and repurpose spaces that were once dedicated to paganism for His holy worship and the teaching of His Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a dry list of names, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness and comprehensive provision for His people, particularly those set apart for sacred service. The precise allocation of cities to the Levites, including their pasturelands, demonstrates that God's care extends to every detail of their lives, ensuring their sustenance and enabling them to fulfill their vital role in Israel's spiritual life. This divine order reflects God's covenant commitment to His people, establishing a framework for their flourishing. The Levites' dispersal throughout the land was not merely for their benefit but for the spiritual health of the entire nation, making God's Law and justice accessible to all. This highlights the principle that those who serve God are sustained by God, often through the generosity and obedience of His people.

* [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:38-39](/joshua/21-38 "Joshua 21:38-39 - Cities for the Sons of Gershom")
* [Deuteronomy 12:12](/deuteronomy/12-12 "Deuteronomy 12:12 - The Levites' Share in Rejoicing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Levitical cities in 1 Chronicles 6:71 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithful provision. Just as He meticulously planned for the sustenance and placement of His servants in ancient Israel, He continues to care for those who dedicate their lives to His service today, whether in full-time ministry or in their daily vocations. This passage encourages us to trust in God's provision, knowing that He sees our needs and orchestrates circumstances to meet them. Furthermore, the strategic dispersal of the Levites teaches us about the importance of accessibility in ministry—that spiritual leaders and teachers should be embedded within communities, making the truths of God's Word and the principles of His kingdom readily available to all. It also challenges us to consider how we, as the body of Christ, can support and empower those called to spiritual leadership, ensuring they have the resources and freedom to fulfill their calling effectively. Finally, the transformation of a pagan city like Ashtaroth into a Levitical center serves as a powerful reminder that God can redeem any place, any person, or any situation for His glory. We are called to be agents of that redemption, bringing the light of Christ into dark places and transforming them through the power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God’s meticulous provision for the Levites encourage your trust in His care for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can you support and make accessible spiritual leadership and teaching within your own community or church?**
* **What "Ashtaroths" (places or aspects of culture once dedicated to ungodly purposes) might God be calling you to help redeem for His glory today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of cities important for us today?**

Answer: These detailed lists, though seemingly mundane, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, specifically regarding the land distribution and the care for the Levites, as outlined in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge") and [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Cities to the Levites"). They provide historical verification of biblical accounts, affirming the meticulous nature of God's plan and its fulfillment. Secondly, they highlight the strategic importance of the Levites' role. Their dispersion throughout Israel ensured that spiritual instruction, legal arbitration, and access to the tabernacle/temple services were available to all tribes, fostering national unity and spiritual health. For us today, these lists underscore God's precision in His plans and His commitment to sustaining those who serve Him, reminding us that even the "small details" of God's Word reveal His character and purpose.

**What does "suburbs" mean in this context, and why is it mentioned?**

Answer: In the biblical context, especially concerning Levitical cities, "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) does not refer to residential areas outside a city center as we understand them today. Instead, it refers to the common pasturelands, meadows, and open spaces immediately surrounding the walled city. These lands were essential for the Levites because, unlike other tribes, they did not receive agricultural land for farming. However, they were permitted to own livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) for their sustenance. The mention of "suburbs" alongside the cities emphasizes that God's provision for the Levites was comprehensive, including not just their dwelling places but also the necessary means for their livelihood, ensuring they could maintain their families and fulfill their priestly and teaching duties without being a burden on the other tribes. This detail highlights God's thorough and practical care for His servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:71, including their strategic placement and comprehensive sustenance, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision found in Christ. Just as the Levites were set apart for sacred service and dispersed among the tribes to bring God's law and presence to the people, so too Christ is the ultimate High Priest, who perfectly mediates between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16). His sacrifice on the cross fulfills the Levitical sacrificial system, providing once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, the concept of the Levites being "given" cities from the tribes points to the Church, the body of Christ, which is scattered throughout the world, acting as God's redeemed people, bringing the good news of the Gospel to every nation (Matthew 28:19-20). We, as believers, are a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to live among the nations, not confined to one sacred space, but bringing the transforming presence of God's Spirit wherever we go. The transformation of a pagan stronghold like Ashtaroth into a Levitical city beautifully prefigures Christ's power to redeem and sanctify all things, making all places and all people holy through His redemptive work (Colossians 1:19-20), ultimately culminating in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).

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 21:27

And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the [other] half tribe of Manasseh [they gave] Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.

Joshua 9:10

And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which [was] at Ashtaroth.

Joshua 20:8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 1:4

After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

Deuteronomy 4:43

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.