1 Chronicles 6:74

KJV

And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Asher {H836}; Mashal {H4913} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Abdon {H5658} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

and from the tribe of Asher: Mashal with the surrounding open land, 'Avdon with the surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Asher they were given Mashal, Abdon,

American Standard Version

and out of the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, and Abdon with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:74 serves as a precise administrative record within the extensive Levitical genealogies and city allocations. This verse specifically identifies Mashal and Abdon, two cities located within the tribal territory of Asher, which were designated as dwelling places for the Gershonite branch of the Levites, complete with their essential surrounding pasturelands. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous provision and the faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the spiritual order and sustenance of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the Chronicler's detailed account of Israel's tribal and priestly organization, specifically within [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - The Genealogies of Levi and the Levitical Cities"). Following a comprehensive tracing of Levi's descendants, particularly the lineage of Aaron and the high priests (from [1 Chronicles 6:1](/1_chronicles/6-1 "1 Chronicles 6:1 - Sons of Levi") to [1 Chronicles 6:53](/1_chronicles/6-53 "1 Chronicles 6:53 - Aaron's Descendants")), the text shifts to the practical implementation of the divine command concerning the allocation of cities to the priestly and Levitical families (starting at [1 Chronicles 6:54](/1_chronicles/6-54 "1 Chronicles 6:54 - Cities for Aaron's Descendants")). Verses [1 Chronicles 6:71-76](/1_chronicles/6-71-76 "1 Chronicles 6:71-76 - Cities for the Gershonites") specifically enumerate the cities assigned to the Gershonite clan of Levites. Therefore, [1 Chronicles 6:74](/1_chronicles/6-74 "1 Chronicles 6:74 - Mashal and Abdon for the Gershonites") is not an isolated detail but a precise component of a comprehensive administrative record, meticulously demonstrating the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the tribal distribution and the Levites' unique and vital role in the spiritual life of the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a continuous territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, by divine command given through Moses (as recorded in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")), they were allotted 48 cities scattered among all the other tribes, along with their surrounding pasturelands. This unique arrangement served several crucial purposes: it prevented the Levites from becoming a land-owning, politically powerful tribe, ensured their dependence on God's provision, and crucially, facilitated their dispersed ministry throughout the nation. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) mentioned here were not residential extensions in the modern sense but essential common pasturelands for their livestock, vital for their sustenance given their lack of agricultural land. The tribe of Asher, to whom Mashal and Abdon belonged, was located in the northern coastal plain of Canaan, bordering Phoenicia. The placement of Levitical cities within Asher's territory would have ensured a spiritual presence and the availability of Mosaic Law instruction in this geographically significant region, which often had strong ties to surrounding pagan cultures.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of Levitical cities, including those in [1 Chronicles 6:74](/1_chronicles/6-74 "1 Chronicles 6:74 - Mashal and Abdon for the Gershonites"), underscores several profound themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Order**, demonstrating God's precise organization and faithful care for those set apart for His service, ensuring their livelihood and capacity for ministry. Secondly, it showcases the **Fulfillment of Law and Covenant**, as these allocations directly correspond to the commands given in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge") and their subsequent implementation in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Allotment of Levitical Cities"), affirming God's faithfulness to His promises. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Levitical Role and Dispersal**, ensuring that spiritual instruction, legal arbitration, and oversight of the Mosaic Law were accessible across the entire nation, not just in a central sanctuary. The Levites served as teachers, judges, and caretakers of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, and their presence in all tribal territories facilitated this vital function. Finally, the detailed geographical and tribal information reinforces the **Historical Accuracy and Veracity** of the biblical narrative, affirming God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to extend" or "to stretch out," refers to a branch or staff, and figuratively, to a tribe or clan. In [1 Chronicles 6:74](/1_chronicles/6-74 "1 Chronicles 6:74 - Mashal and Abdon for the Gershonites"), it specifically designates one of the twelve divisions of Israel, the "tribe of Asher." The use of _maṭṭeh_ here underscores the organized, familial, and divinely ordained structure of the Israelite nation, within which the Levitical cities were carefully integrated.
* **Asher (Hebrew, _ʼÂshêr'_):** Meaning "happy" or "blessed," Asher was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the progenitor of the tribe bearing his name. His territory was located in the fertile northern coastal plain of Canaan, known for its rich agricultural produce. The mention of Asher's tribe in this verse specifies the geographical context for Mashal and Abdon, highlighting how the Levitical cities were distributed even in the prosperous and strategically important regions of the Promised Land, ensuring spiritual presence across the entire nation.
* **Mashal (Hebrew, _Mâshâl'_):** This is the name of a specific city located within the territory of the tribe of Asher. Also known as Mishal in other biblical texts (e.g., [Joshua 19:26](/joshua/19-26 "Joshua 19:26 - Mashal in Asher's Territory")), its inclusion here confirms its status as one of the cities designated for the Gershonite Levites. Its mention underscores the precise geographical distribution of the Levitical settlements as recorded in the historical accounts, demonstrating the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands.
* **Abdon (Hebrew, _ʻAbdôwn'_):** Another city situated in the territory of Asher, Abdon is also mentioned in [Joshua 19:28](/joshua/19-28 "Joshua 19:28 - Abdon in Asher's Territory") and explicitly listed as a Gershonite city in [Joshua 21:30](/joshua/21-30 "Joshua 21:30 - Abdon as a Gershonite City"). The name "Abdon" derives from a root meaning "to serve," which is profoundly fitting for a city inhabited by those dedicated to the service of God and the nation, further emphasizing the Levites' unique role.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This crucial term refers to the common pasturelands, open areas, and grazing grounds surrounding the walled city. Unlike the modern understanding of "suburbs" as residential extensions, _migrâsh_ were essential for the Levites' livelihood, as they did not receive agricultural land for farming. These lands sustained their livestock, which was a primary source of their income and sustenance. The consistent mention of "suburbs" alongside each city highlights the completeness of God's provision and the practical wisdom behind the Levitical land allocation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Asher":** This opening clause immediately establishes the geographical and tribal context for the cities that follow. It specifies that these particular Levitical cities were carved out of the territory originally allotted to the tribe of Asher, demonstrating the inter-tribal nature of the Levitical distribution and God's overarching plan for the spiritual administration of the entire nation.
* **"Mashal with her suburbs":** This identifies the first of the two cities from Asher's territory designated for the Levites. The phrase "with her suburbs" is critical, emphasizing that the provision was not just the city proper but also the surrounding pasturelands necessary for the Levites to sustain themselves and their families through their livestock, given their unique landless status. This detail highlights the comprehensive and practical nature of God's provision.
* **"and Abdon with her suburbs":** The second city from Asher's territory is named, again explicitly including its "suburbs." The repetition of "with her suburbs" reinforces the comprehensive nature of the divine provision and highlights the consistent pattern of allocation for all Levitical cities, ensuring their economic viability and enabling their full-time dedication to sacred duties. This reiteration underscores the thoroughness of the divine plan and its faithful execution.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 6:74](/1_chronicles/6-74 "1 Chronicles 6:74 - Mashal and Abdon for the Gershonites"), and indeed throughout the lengthy lists of Levitical cities in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - The Genealogies of Levi and the Levitical Cities") and [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Allotment of Levitical Cities"), is **Enumeration**. The text systematically lists each city and its associated tribe, providing a detailed catalog. This meticulous **Precision** and **Detail** serve to underscore the historical accuracy and the thoroughness with which God's commands were fulfilled. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, emphasizing the consistent and complete nature of the provision for each Levitical city. This seemingly dry listing also conveys a profound sense of **Order** and **Structure**, reflecting the divine blueprint for the nation of Israel and the careful administration of its spiritual infrastructure. The very act of recording these details highlights the Chronicler's intent to demonstrate God's faithfulness, His covenant keeping, and the establishment of a well-ordered society under His sovereign hand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 6:74](/1_chronicles/6-74 "1 Chronicles 6:74 - Mashal and Abdon for the Gershonites"), though brief, is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment to His covenant people and those dedicated to His service. It illustrates the divine principle of providing for those who minister, ensuring their sustenance so they can fully devote themselves to spiritual duties without distraction. The dispersion of the Levites, with cities like Mashal and Abdon serving as spiritual outposts, underscores God's desire for His Law and instruction to permeate all corners of the nation, making spiritual guidance accessible to every tribe. This systematic allocation reflects a divine order that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the entire community, demonstrating that God cares deeply about the details of His people's lives and the structures that support their relationship with Him, ensuring that His truth is both preserved and propagated.

* [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:41](/joshua/21-41 "Fulfillment of Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Levitical Teaching Role")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While [1 Chronicles 6:74](/1_chronicles/6-74 "1 Chronicles 6:74 - Mashal and Abdon for the Gershonites") might initially appear as a mere geographical footnote, its inclusion in the inspired text invites us to reflect on profound spiritual truths. It reminds us that God is a God of incredible detail, whose plans are meticulously laid out and faithfully executed, even in what might seem like the most mundane administrative records. This verse encourages us to recognize God's hand in the seemingly small, ordinary aspects of life, revealing His overarching purpose and care, and affirming that no detail is too insignificant for His divine attention. Furthermore, the provision for the Levites serves as a timeless principle for the church today: those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry should be supported by the community they serve, enabling them to focus on their divine calling without undue worldly anxieties. It also challenges us to consider how spiritual resources and teaching are distributed within our own communities, ensuring that the light of God's truth reaches all, fostering spiritual growth and accessibility for every believer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites, as seen in this verse, deepen your understanding of His care for His people today?**
* **In what ways do you see the principle of decentralized spiritual instruction and care being lived out in the church or your community today?**
* **What "mundane" or detailed aspects of your own life might God be using to fulfill a larger, divine purpose, even if it's not immediately apparent?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Levites given cities instead of a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites were unique among the tribes of Israel because "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Lord as Levi's Inheritance")). Unlike the other tribes who received continuous tracts of land for agriculture and settlement, the Levites were set apart for sacred service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their primary role involved priestly duties, teaching the Law, and judging disputes throughout Israel. To enable them to fulfill this full-time spiritual calling without being burdened by agricultural labor, God commanded that they be given 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands ("suburbs"), scattered among all the other tribes. This arrangement ensured their sustenance, prevented them from accumulating political power through land ownership, and strategically dispersed spiritual leadership and instruction throughout the entire nation, making the knowledge of God's Law accessible to everyone, as detailed in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities") and fulfilled in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Allotment of Levitical Cities"). This unique distribution underscored their spiritual, rather than material, inheritance and their essential role in the religious and judicial life of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament Levitical system, with its meticulous provision and dispersed ministry, serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ and the New Covenant. The Levites, set apart for service and dependent on God's provision through the offerings of the people, point to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who perfectly fulfilled all priestly duties (as described in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26-28 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). While the Levites were dispersed to bring the Law to Israel, Christ's sacrifice on the cross inaugurated a new covenant where God's Spirit is poured out on all believers, making them a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) with direct access to God and empowering them for ministry. The Old Testament provision for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and ability to minister, ultimately points to God's complete and eternal provision for us in Christ, who is our true inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness in Christ")). The dispersion of the Levites throughout Israel finds its ultimate fulfillment in the global mission of the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to carry the good news of Christ to every nation, fulfilling the Great Commission given in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") and demonstrated by the outpouring of the Spirit in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"). In Christ, the need for a geographically confined priesthood is transcended, as all believers are called to be ministers of reconciliation, spreading the knowledge of God throughout the world.

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 19:26

And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

Joshua 21:30

And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,