1 Chronicles 6:75

KJV

And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hukok {H2712} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Rehob {H7340} with her suburbs {H4054}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Hukok with the surrounding open land and Rechov with the surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

Hukok, and Rehob, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

and Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:75, a concise verse within the extensive Levitical genealogies and city allocations, precisely identifies Hukok and Rehob, along with their surrounding pasturelands, as cities designated for the Gershonite clan of Levites within the territory of Asher. This seemingly minor detail underscores God's meticulous order, faithful provision for His chosen servants, and the fulfillment of ancient covenant promises regarding the sustenance and strategic placement of the Levites throughout Israel to serve as spiritual instructors and administrators of the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed section of 1 Chronicles 6 (specifically verses 54-81) that meticulously lists the cities allotted to the three main Levitical families: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a contiguous tribal land inheritance; instead, they were dispersed throughout the nation, receiving specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands. This particular verse falls within the list of cities designated for the Gershonites, specifically those from the territory of the tribe of Asher, following the pattern established in earlier sections of the chapter which detail the lineage of Levi and the roles of his descendants. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies and land allocations serves to validate the post-exilic community's identity, their priestly lineage, and the continuity of God's covenant promises, even after the disruptions of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Levites held a unique position in ancient Israel, consecrated for service to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their primary role was spiritual: maintaining the sanctuary, assisting the priests, teaching the Law, and judging disputes. Because they were dedicated to God's service, they were not expected to engage in large-scale agriculture like the other tribes. Therefore, God commanded that they be given cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with common pasturelands (Hebrew: _migrash_) for their livestock. These "suburbs" were not urban residential areas but open fields essential for their sustenance. This arrangement ensured their livelihood while strategically positioning them to minister to the entire nation, acting as spiritual hubs and centers of instruction across the land. The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, would have emphasized these details to remind the returning exiles of God's faithfulness and the enduring importance of the Levitical priesthood.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities for the Levites, including Hukok and Rehob, highlights several profound themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Provision**, showcasing God's intricate planning and His unwavering faithfulness in providing for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their livelihood and strategic placement. Secondly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Promise**, as these allocations directly correspond to commands given through Moses, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant with Israel and His people (see [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Cities for the Levites")). Thirdly, the **Importance of Detail** in seemingly mundane lists reveals God's sovereignty and His comprehensive attention to every aspect of His plan, affirming that even the most minute biblical records carry theological weight and contribute to the grand narrative of God's redemptive work. This precision reinforces the idea that God's covenant faithfulness extends to practical, tangible provisions for His people, as also seen in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Cities of the Levites")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hukok (Hebrew, _ḥuqqôq'_):** This city is mentioned in [Joshua 19:34](/joshua/19-34 "Joshua 19:34 - Border of Naphtali") as part of the border of Naphtali, though 1 Chronicles 6:75 places it as a Gershonite city within Asher. This apparent discrepancy is resolved by understanding that tribal boundaries could be fluid, or cities could be transferred, or simply that the Levitical cities were *within* the territory of other tribes, not necessarily *of* them exclusively. The name itself might relate to "engraved" or "decreed," perhaps reflecting its established status.
* **Rehob (Hebrew, _rəḥōḇ'_):** Meaning "broad place" or "street," Rehob is another city listed as part of the Asherite territory in [Joshua 19:28](/joshua/19-28 "Joshua 19:28 - Cities of Asher"). Its inclusion here as a Levitical city emphasizes the dispersion of the Levites throughout the land, fulfilling their mandate to serve the entire nation rather than being concentrated in one region.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrāš'_):** This is a crucial term. As noted in the KJV, "suburbs" can be misleading in modern English. The Hebrew _migrash_ refers specifically to the common pasturelands, open fields, and uncultivated areas immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Pasturelands") details the precise dimensions of these _migrash_ areas (1,000 cubits from the city wall in each direction, totaling 2,000 cubits when considering the city as the center). These lands were vital for the Levites' sustenance, as they pastured their livestock there, differentiating them from the agricultural lands of other tribes. The term highlights God's practical and detailed provision for their livelihood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hukok with her suburbs":** This phrase identifies the city of Hukok as one of the designated dwelling places for the Gershonite Levites. The accompanying "suburbs" (Hebrew _migrash_) explicitly indicates the surrounding pasturelands and common areas that were inextricably linked to the city, providing the Levites with the means to sustain themselves through their livestock, as they did not receive large tracts of agricultural land like the other tribes. This provision was essential for their ability to dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual duties.
* **"and Rehob with her suburbs":** Similarly, this clause names Rehob as another city granted to the Gershonite Levites, also accompanied by its vital pasturelands. The repetition of "with her suburbs" emphasizes the consistent and comprehensive nature of God's provision for all Levitical cities. It underscores that the cities were not merely residential centers but complete provisions for living, including the necessary economic support for a people set apart for sacred service. The pairing of these two cities within the same verse reinforces the systematic and thorough allocation process.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Cataloging** or **Listing**, a common feature in genealogical and administrative texts within the Pentateuch and the Historical Books, particularly in Chronicles. This device serves to meticulously record and validate the divine order and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding land distribution. The **Repetition** of "with her suburbs" (or _migrash_) for both Hukok and Rehob is significant. It is not mere redundancy but a deliberate emphasis on the complete nature of the provision for the Levites—not just a place to live, but the necessary economic support (pasturelands) to sustain their livelihood, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties. This repetition highlights God's thoroughness and attention to detail in His covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:75, though a seemingly simple geographical listing, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's divine order extends to the most practical aspects of His people's lives, ensuring that those set apart for His service are adequately provided for. The dispersion of the Levites, facilitated by these cities and their pasturelands, allowed them to fulfill their unique role as spiritual guides and teachers throughout the nation, emphasizing God's desire for His Law and presence to be accessible to all tribes. This detailed provision for the Levites foreshadows God's ongoing commitment to sustain those who dedicate their lives to His work, whether in ancient Israel or in the contemporary church.

* [Joshua 21:27](/joshua/21-27 "Joshua 21:27-31 - Cities of the Gershonites") - Provides a parallel list of Gershonite cities, confirming the historical and divine basis for these allocations.
* [Numbers 35:1](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites and Their Pasturelands") - Details the divine command and rationale for setting aside cities and their pasturelands for the Levites.
* [Deuteronomy 12:12](/deuteronomy/12-12 "Deuteronomy 12:12 - Rejoicing with the Levite") - Highlights the importance of including the Levite in the community's celebrations and provisions, underscoring their dependence on the other tribes and God's provision through them.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief verse, nestled within a long list of names and places, serves as a powerful testament to God's character as a God of order, precision, and faithful provision. It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane details of Scripture, profound theological truths are embedded. Just as God meticulously planned for the sustenance and strategic placement of the Levites, ensuring they could fulfill their sacred calling, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives and ministries. This should instill in us a deep trust in His comprehensive care, knowing that He provides for those He calls to serve Him, often in ways that are practical and specific to our needs. It encourages us to find purpose and meaning in every aspect of our lives, recognizing that even our daily provisions are part of His divine blueprint. Furthermore, it challenges us to appreciate the entire canon of Scripture, understanding that every word, even lists of ancient cities, contributes to revealing God's unchanging nature and His covenant faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:75 encourage you in your own calling or service today?**
* **In what ways might you be overlooking God's detailed care in your daily life, similar to how one might overlook the significance of a verse like this?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the value God places on those who are set apart for His service, and how might we better support those in ministry today?**
* **How can understanding the historical context of "suburbs" (migrash) deepen your appreciation for God's practical provision for His people?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of cities important in the Bible?**

Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in 1 Chronicles 6:75, are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they demonstrate God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises, particularly the land distribution to the tribes of Israel and the specific provision for the Levites (as commanded in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites")). Secondly, they validate the historical and geographical accuracy of the biblical narrative, connecting the biblical account to real places. Thirdly, for the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, these lists served to re-establish the identity, lineage, and rightful inheritance of the returning exiles, reinforcing their connection to God's ancient covenant and His enduring faithfulness. They underscore God's divine order and His attention to every detail of His plan for His people.

**What was the significance of the "suburbs" (migrash) for the Levites?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew _migrash_) were critically significant for the Levites. Unlike other tribes who received large tracts of agricultural land, the Levites were consecrated for spiritual service and did not engage in extensive farming. The _migrash_ refers to the common pasturelands and open spaces immediately surrounding their cities, designated for their livestock. [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Pasturelands") specifies the dimensions of these areas, ensuring sufficient space for their animals. This provision was essential for their livelihood, as their livestock provided food, milk, and hides. By providing these _migrash_ lands, God ensured the Levites' practical sustenance, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their priestly and teaching duties without being burdened by the need to cultivate vast farmlands. It's a powerful example of God's practical and comprehensive provision for those who serve Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:75 details the physical provision for the Old Testament Levites, it points to a deeper, spiritual fulfillment in Christ. The Levites, dispersed throughout Israel and sustained by divine provision, foreshadowed the New Covenant reality where God's people, the church, are similarly dispersed throughout the world, sustained by the ultimate provision of Christ. Jesus, as our Great High Priest (as seen in [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, the Great High Priest")), fulfills and transcends the Levitical priesthood. He is the one who provides for His "household" (the church) not with physical pasturelands, but with spiritual sustenance, living water, and the bread of life (as He declares in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The meticulous care God showed in allocating cities and pasturelands to the Levites is magnified in Christ's comprehensive provision for His disciples, enabling them to fulfill their mission as a "royal priesthood" (as described in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), teaching and proclaiming the gospel throughout the world, relying not on earthly inheritance but on the inexhaustible riches of His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit (as promised in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in Christ, who perfectly provides for His people to carry out His redemptive purposes.

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 21:31

Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.