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 concise yet significant verse within a larger genealogical and topographical record, meticulously detailing two cities, Kedesh and Daberath, along with their surrounding pasturelands, allotted to the Levites from the territory of the tribe of Issachar. This specific enumeration underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises regarding the provision and strategic placement of the Levitical families throughout Israel, ensuring their capacity to serve as spiritual guides and administrators of divine law across the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 6, specifically within a section (verses 54-81) that meticulously lists the cities designated for the priestly and Levitical families. Following a comprehensive genealogy of the Levites and their roles, this list serves as a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient commands given to Moses. The Chronicler emphasizes the precise fulfillment of the divine mandate that the Levites, unlike the other tribes, would not receive a territorial inheritance but would instead be dispersed among all the tribes, residing in specific cities with pasture lands. This arrangement facilitated their unique role in teaching the law, administering justice, and performing liturgical duties at the central sanctuary, whether the Tabernacle or the future Temple. The inclusion of these lists, though seemingly dry, is crucial for the Chronicler's purpose of establishing the legitimacy and continuity of Israel's divinely ordained institutions, particularly the priesthood and the Levitical service, for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 6:72 and parallel passages, reflects a unique aspect of ancient Israelite society and divine governance. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern priestly classes who often had their own dedicated temple lands, the Levites were strategically distributed throughout the twelve tribes. This dispersion, mandated by God, was not a sign of deprivation but of divine wisdom, enabling them to serve as spiritual and judicial anchors in every region. Their presence ensured that the Mosaic Law was taught, disputes were settled according to divine statutes, and the people had access to spiritual instruction and oversight. The mention of "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) is culturally significant, indicating not just dwelling places but also essential pasturelands for their livestock, which were their primary means of sustenance, as they were not to engage in agriculture like the other tribes (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Priests' and Levites' Portion")). This arrangement highlights God's comprehensive provision for those dedicated to His service.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration of Levitical cities, including Kedesh and Daberath from Issachar, significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness** and **Covenant Fulfillment**. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes how God precisely fulfills His promises, even down to the specific geographical locations and the provision of sustenance for His servants, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. Secondly, this passage highlights God's **Order and Provision** for His people. The structured allocation of cities ensured that the Levites, who were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the nation, were not only provided for but also strategically positioned to minister effectively across the land. This divine organization speaks to God's meticulous care in establishing a functional and spiritually robust society. Finally, the passage underscores the **Central Role of the Levites** in ancient Israel. They were not merely temple functionaries but vital spiritual educators, judges, and 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
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash_):** This term refers to the common lands or pasture grounds immediately surrounding the walled cities. These areas were crucial for the Levites' livestock and for communal use, distinguishing them from cultivated fields or vineyards which typically belonged to private citizens. The inclusion of "suburbs" emphasizes the complete and practical provision made for the Levites, encompassing both dwelling places and the 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 clause specifies the tribal territory from which the following cities were drawn. It indicates the precise geographical source of these Levitical allotments, reinforcing the systematic and comprehensive nature of the land distribution as ordained by God. The tribe of Issachar was known for its understanding of the times and its strategic location in the fertile Jezreel Valley.
* **"Kedesh with her suburbs,":** "Kedesh" (קֶדֶשׁ, _Qedesh_) means "holy place" or "sanctuary." While a common name for several cities, its designation as a Levitical city, especially one with a name suggesting holiness, reinforces the Levites' sacred duties. The phrase "with her suburbs" (וּמִגְרָשֶׁהָ, _u-migrasheha_) explicitly includes the essential pasturelands, ensuring the Levites' economic viability and ability to sustain themselves while fulfilling their spiritual responsibilities.
* **"Daberath with her suburbs,":** "Daberath" (דָּבְרַת, _Daberath_) is another city located within Issachar's territory. Its name might be related to "pasture" or "word." Like Kedesh, it is explicitly noted with its "suburbs," reiterating the consistent divine provision for all Levitical cities. The repetition of "with her suburbs" across both cities emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine command and its faithful execution, ensuring that the Levites' physical needs were met in addition to their dwelling places.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 6:72 and the surrounding lists to convey his theological message. **Enumeration** is the most prominent device, as the entire section is a meticulous listing of cities. This detailed cataloging 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. Furthermore, **Repetition** is 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.

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

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:28-29](/joshua/21-28 "Joshua 21:28-29 - Parallel List of Levitical Cities from Issachar")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "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 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 and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God is a God of order, provision, and faithfulness, who orchestrates even the seemingly mundane aspects of life to fulfill His grand purposes. For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's commitment to provide for those whom He calls into service. Just as the Levites were sustained so they could dedicate themselves to spiritual ministry, God continues to provide for those who serve Him, often through the support and resources of the wider community of faith. This principle encourages us to trust in God's provision, to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the work He has given us, and to participate in supporting those who are called to full-time ministry, understanding that their well-being contributes to the spiritual health of the entire body of Christ. It also challenges us to consider how we, like the Levites, are called to be dispersed in our communities, living out our faith and bearing witness to God's truth wherever we are.

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

### 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 reasons. Firstly, they demonstrate God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises, particularly the command to provide for the Levites who had no tribal land inheritance (cf. [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")). For the post-exilic community, for whom Chronicles was written, these lists served as a tangible assurance of God's faithfulness despite their past failures and exile. Secondly, they establish the legitimacy and continuity of Israel's divinely ordained institutions, especially the priesthood and the Levitical service, by tracing their historical and geographical foundations. Finally, the dispersion of the Levites throughout the land, as these lists confirm, highlights their strategic role in teaching the law, administering justice, and providing spiritual guidance to all tribes, ensuring that God's presence and instruction were accessible nationwide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:72 details the earthly provision for the Levitical priesthood, it subtly points towards the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. The Levites, dispersed throughout Israel, served as mediators, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice, foreshadowing the one who would perfectly embody 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 sacrifice for sins, entering not an earthly tabernacle but heaven itself ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The meticulous provision for the Levites—cities and suburbs—speaks to God's care for those who serve Him, a care supremely manifested in His provision of salvation and eternal life through Christ. Just as the Levites were strategically placed to bring God's word to the people, so too is the church, the body of Christ, now dispersed throughout the world as His witnesses ([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. The earthly cities of refuge and provision for the Levites find their ultimate reality in Christ, who is our true refuge and the 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,