1 Chronicles 6:71

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:

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}:

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;

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.

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

1 Chronicles 6:71 continues a meticulous genealogical and geographical record within the book of 1 Chronicles, detailing the cities assigned to the Levites. This particular verse specifies the allocation of two cities, Golan and Ashtaroth, along with their surrounding pasturelands (suburbs), to the descendants of Gershom from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles, particularly chapters 6 and 7, provides an extensive and detailed account of the lineages of Israel, with a significant focus on the Levites. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a consolidated tribal land inheritance. Instead, as ordained by God, they were given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes (see Numbers 35:7 and Joshua 21:41). This strategic distribution ensured that the Levites—who served as priests, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice—were accessible to all the people of Israel. Chapter 6 specifically itemizes which Levitical families received which cities.

The "sons of Gershom" refers to one of the three primary branches of the tribe of Levi, alongside Kohath and Merari. The "half tribe of Manasseh" mentioned here is the portion of that tribe that settled east of the Jordan River, in the region of Bashan. Golan, one of the cities mentioned, held particular significance as one of the cities of refuge, providing asylum for those who committed unintentional homicide.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Provision: This verse, like the surrounding passages, highlights God's meticulous and faithful provision for His chosen servants, the Levites. Every detail, down to specific cities and their suburbs, was part of God's plan to sustain those dedicated to His service.
  • Levitical Service and Accessibility: The dispersal of Levitical cities throughout Israel underscores their vital role in maintaining the spiritual and legal health of the nation. By living among the tribes, they could effectively teach God's Law, administer justice, and facilitate worship.
  • Historical Accuracy and Detail: The precise naming of cities and tribal allocations reinforces the historical reliability and thoroughness of the biblical record. It testifies to the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the land distribution.
  • Sanctification of Space: While Ashtaroth was historically associated with the pagan goddess Astarte, its designation as a Levitical city signifies God's power to redeem and repurpose places for His holy purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrash) refers not to residential areas as we understand them today, but to the common pasturage and open lands surrounding the walled city. These lands were essential for the Levites, who, though not receiving agricultural land, often possessed livestock for their sustenance.

Practical Application

While this verse details ancient tribal allocations, it offers timeless principles:

  • God's Faithfulness to His Servants: Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, He continues to care for those who dedicate their lives to His service today. We can trust in His provision for our needs as we pursue His will.
  • Importance of Placement and Support: The strategic placement of the Levites teaches us about the importance of supporting and strategically deploying those in ministry so they can effectively reach and serve people.
  • Purpose in Detail: Even seemingly dry or historical sections of Scripture reveal God's character—His order, His faithfulness, and His sovereign plan working out in the smallest details of history.
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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.
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