1 Chronicles 6:72

KJV

And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Issachar {H3485}; Kedesh {H6943} with her suburbs {H4054}, Daberath {H1705} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

and from the tribe of Yissakhar: Kedesh with the surrounding open land, Davrat with the surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kedesh, Daberath,

American Standard Version

and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:72 is a precise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the Chronicler's meticulous record of Levitical cities, specifically identifying Kedesh and Daberath, along with their essential pasturelands, as allotments from the territory of Issachar. This detailed enumeration serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises, ensuring the strategic placement and comprehensive provision for the Levitical families throughout Israel to facilitate their vital role as spiritual instructors, judicial arbiters, and administrators of divine law across the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a comprehensive genealogical and geographical section of 1 Chronicles 6 (verses 54-81), which meticulously lists the cities designated for the priestly and Levitical families. Following a detailed genealogy of the Levites and an outline of their sacred duties, this extensive catalog serves as a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness in executing His ancient commands given to Moses regarding the Levites' unique inheritance. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not to receive a contiguous territorial inheritance but were instead dispersed among all the tribes, residing in specific cities with surrounding pasturelands. The Chronicler's inclusion of these seemingly dry lists is pivotal to his overarching purpose: to establish the legitimacy, continuity, and divine ordering of Israel's institutions, particularly the priesthood and the Levitical service, for the post-exilic community. This precise detailing underscores the divine blueprint for Israel's spiritual governance and the meticulous fulfillment of God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites, as exemplified by 1 Chronicles 6:72 and parallel accounts in Joshua, reflects a distinctive aspect of ancient Israelite society and divine governance. In contrast to priestly classes in many ancient Near Eastern cultures who often possessed extensive temple lands, the Levites were strategically distributed throughout the twelve tribes of Israel. This dispersion, divinely mandated, was not a sign of deprivation but rather a demonstration of profound wisdom, enabling the Levites to serve as spiritual and judicial anchors in every region. Their presence ensured the consistent teaching of the Mosaic Law, the just settlement of disputes according to divine statutes, and widespread access to spiritual instruction and oversight. The repeated mention of "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) is culturally significant, denoting not merely dwelling places but also the vital pasturelands necessary for their livestock, which constituted their primary means of sustenance, as they were explicitly prohibited from engaging in agriculture like the other tribes, relying instead on tithes and offerings (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Priests' and Levites' Portion")). This arrangement profoundly illustrates God's comprehensive and practical provision for those consecrated to His service.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration of Levitical cities, including Kedesh and Daberath from Issachar, substantially contributes to several overarching themes championed by the Chronicler. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Faithfulness** and **Covenant Fulfillment**. The Chronicler consistently highlights how God precisely honors His promises, even to the specific geographical locations and the provision of sustenance for His servants, thereby demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. Secondly, this passage illuminates God's **Order and Provision** for His people. The divinely structured allocation of cities ensured that the Levites, who bore the weighty responsibility for the nation's spiritual well-being, were not only adequately provided for but also strategically positioned to minister effectively across the entire land. This divine organization speaks to God's meticulous care in establishing a functional and spiritually robust society. Finally, the passage emphasizes the **Central Role of the Levites** in ancient Israel. They were far more than mere temple functionaries; they were vital spiritual educators, impartial judges, and diligent guardians of the covenant, dispersed as living testimonies to God's law and presence among His people, a role that echoes the broader mandate for Israel to be a light to the nations (cf. [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Issachar (Hebrew, _Yissâˢkâr'_):** Derived from the Hebrew words for "to bear" and "reward," meaning "he will bring a reward." Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob and Leah, and his tribe was known for its understanding of the times and its strategic location in the fertile Jezreel Valley. The mention of cities "out of the tribe of Issachar" specifies the precise tribal territory from which these Levitical allotments were drawn, reinforcing the systematic and comprehensive nature of the land distribution as divinely ordained.
* **Kedesh (Hebrew, _Qedesh'_):** Meaning "sanctum" or "holy place," Kedesh was a common name for several cities in ancient Israel. Its designation as a Levitical city, particularly one bearing a name suggestive of holiness, inherently reinforces the sacred duties and consecrated status of the Levites. The presence of a Levitical city named "Kedesh" within Issachar's territory subtly highlights the Levites' role in maintaining the sanctity and spiritual purity of the nation.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This term refers to the common lands, pasture grounds, or open spaces immediately surrounding the walled cities. These areas were crucial for the Levites' livestock and for communal use, distinguishing them from the cultivated fields or vineyards typically belonging to private citizens. The explicit inclusion of "suburbs" emphasizes the complete and practical provision made for the Levites, encompassing both dwelling places and the essential means of sustenance for their families and flocks, as they had no tribal land inheritance. This detail underscores the meticulous nature of God's provision for His dedicated servants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Issachar;":** This initial clause precisely identifies the tribal territory from which the subsequent cities were allocated. It underscores the systematic and comprehensive nature of the land distribution, as ordained by God, ensuring that the Levites were integrated within each tribal inheritance, rather than confined to a single region. This specific geographical detail reinforces the divine order and the fulfillment of ancient commands.
* **"Kedesh with her suburbs,":** This phrase designates "Kedesh" as one of the cities allotted to the Levites from Issachar's territory. The name "Kedesh" (meaning "holy place") is fitting for a Levitical city, emphasizing the sacred duties performed by its inhabitants. The crucial addition "with her suburbs" explicitly includes the essential pasturelands surrounding the city, ensuring the Levites' economic viability and their ability to sustain themselves and their livestock while fulfilling their spiritual responsibilities without distraction.
* **"Daberath with her suburbs,":** Following Kedesh, "Daberath" is named as another Levitical city located within Issachar's territory. Its name, possibly related to "pasture" or "word," further highlights the practical and spiritual dimensions of the Levites' role. The repetition of "with her suburbs" attached to Daberath, just as with Kedesh, serves to emphatically confirm the consistent and comprehensive divine provision for all Levitical cities. This reiteration underscores the thoroughness of God's plan and its faithful execution, ensuring that the Levites' physical needs were met in addition to their dwelling places, allowing them to focus on their sacred calling.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 6:72 and the surrounding lists to convey his profound theological message. **Enumeration** is the most prominent device, as the entire section is a meticulous cataloging of cities. This detailed listing serves to highlight God's precise fulfillment of His promises and the divine order established for Israel. The very act of listing conveys a sense of historical accuracy, divine oversight, and the tangible reality of God's covenant faithfulness, reassuring the post-exilic community of God's unchanging character. Furthermore, **Repetition** is powerfully evident in the recurring phrase "with her suburbs" attached to each city. This repetition is not mere redundancy; it functions as an emphatic confirmation of the complete and adequate provision made for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and ability to fulfill their duties without distraction. It underscores the thoroughness of God's plan and the meticulous care taken in its implementation, emphasizing that divine provision is comprehensive and practical.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:72, though a seemingly minor detail within an extensive catalog, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care, unwavering faithfulness, and steadfast commitment to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that divine order is not an abstract concept but manifests in tangible, geographical arrangements, ensuring the proper functioning of His people and the comprehensive provision for those dedicated to His service. This verse highlights that God's plan is holistic, accounting for both the spiritual and practical needs of His servants, thereby enabling them to focus wholeheartedly on their sacred duties. The strategic dispersion of the Levites throughout the land, made possible by the allocation of these cities, ensured that spiritual instruction, judicial fairness, and access to God's law were readily available to all tribes, fostering national unity and spiritual health under God's sovereign rule.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:28-29](/joshua/21-28-29 "Joshua 21:28-29 - Parallel List of Levitical Cities from Issachar")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Priests' and Levites' Portion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of Levitical cities in 1 Chronicles 6:72 invites us to reflect deeply on the profound implications of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His people. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and a sense of being overlooked, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, sovereign provision, and absolute faithfulness, who orchestrates even the seemingly mundane aspects of life to fulfill His grand, redemptive purposes. For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful affirmation of God's commitment to provide for those whom He calls into service. Just as the Levites were comprehensively sustained so they could dedicate themselves fully to spiritual ministry, God continues to provide for those who serve Him, often through the generous support and resources of the wider community of faith. This enduring principle encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's provision, to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the unique work He has given each of us, and to actively participate in supporting those who are called to full-time ministry, understanding that their well-being directly contributes to the spiritual health and flourishing of the entire body of Christ. It also challenges us to consider how we, as modern-day followers of Christ, are called to be "dispersed" in our communities, living out our faith authentically and bearing witness to God's truth and love wherever we are, serving as spiritual anchors in our spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:72 deepen your trust in His provision for your own life and calling?**
* **In what practical ways can the modern church emulate the strategic dispersion of the Levites, ensuring that spiritual truth and guidance are accessible throughout diverse communities?**
* **What is your personal role in supporting and sustaining those who are dedicated to full-time ministry, reflecting the ancient principle of provision for God's servants?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness in fulfilling ancient, specific promises, as vividly demonstrated in this verse, strengthen your confidence in His promises for your future and for the world?**

### FAQ

**Why are these detailed lists of cities important in a book like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: These detailed lists, including 1 Chronicles 6:72, are crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, they serve as undeniable evidence of God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises, particularly the divine command to provide for the Levites who, unlike other tribes, received no contiguous tribal land inheritance (cf. [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")). For the post-exilic community, for whom Chronicles was primarily written, these lists offered tangible assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness despite their past failures and the trauma of exile. Secondly, they meticulously establish the legitimacy and historical continuity of Israel's divinely ordained institutions, especially the priesthood and the Levitical service, by tracing their foundational geographical and historical roots. Finally, the strategic dispersion of the Levites throughout the land, as these lists confirm, highlights their vital role in teaching the Mosaic Law, administering justice, and providing essential spiritual guidance to all tribes, thereby ensuring that God's presence, instruction, and moral order were accessible nationwide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:72 meticulously details the earthly provision for the Levitical priesthood, it subtly yet powerfully points towards the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. The Levites, strategically dispersed throughout Israel, served as vital mediators, diligent teachers of the Law, and righteous administrators of justice, thereby foreshadowing the one who would perfectly embody and transcend all these roles. Jesus is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a single, perfect, and eternal sacrifice for sins, entering not an earthly tabernacle but heaven itself, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The meticulous provision for the Levites—their cities and essential suburbs—speaks to God's profound care for those who serve Him, a care supremely manifested in His provision of salvation, spiritual sustenance, and eternal life through Christ. Just as the Levites were strategically placed to bring God's word and presence to the people, so too is the church, the body of Christ, now dispersed throughout the world as His witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). We, as believers, are a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. The earthly cities of refuge and provision for the Levites find their ultimate reality and fulfillment in Christ, who is our true refuge, our eternal dwelling place, and the inexhaustible source of all spiritual sustenance ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), ensuring that all who are in Him are perfectly provided for in every spiritual and eternal sense.

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

Judges 4:9

And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

Joshua 21:28

And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:29

Jarmuth with her suburbs, Engannim with her suburbs; four cities.

Joshua 21:32

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

Joshua 19:37

And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,