1 Chronicles 6:76

KJV

And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Naphtali {H5321}; Kedesh {H6943} in Galilee {H1551} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Hammon {H2540} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Kirjathaim {H7156} with her suburbs {H4054}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and from the tribe of Naftali: Kedesh in the Galil with the surrounding open land, Hamon with the surrounding open land and Kiryatayim with the surrounding open land.

Berean Standard Bible

And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, and Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:76 meticulously records the allocation of three specific cities—Kedesh, Hammon, and Kirjathaim—from the tribal territory of Naphtali to the Merarite branch of the Levites, along with their essential surrounding pasturelands. This seemingly straightforward enumeration is deeply significant, highlighting God's precise and faithful provision for His consecrated servants, ensuring their sustenance and strategic dispersion throughout Israel to facilitate their vital spiritual, judicial, and administrative duties. It powerfully underscores the divine order, the meticulous fulfillment of ancient covenant promises, and the enduring importance of the Levites' unique inheritance in the life of the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a lengthy and detailed genealogical and geographical section of 1 Chronicles 6, specifically within the comprehensive enumeration of cities allotted to the various Levitical families from [1 Chronicles 6:54-81](/1_chronicles/6-54-81 "1 Chronicles 6:54-81 - The Cities Allotted to the Levites"). The Chronicler's painstaking inclusion of these lists serves a crucial purpose for his post-exilic audience: to firmly establish the legitimacy, continuity, and divine mandate of the Levitical priesthood and its service. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were uniquely designated by God to receive no continuous territorial inheritance; instead, they were divinely ordained to receive specific cities with their surrounding pasturelands, strategically scattered among all the other tribes. This detailed arrangement, meticulously recorded here, powerfully reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theological theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and the paramount importance of proper worship, order, and spiritual governance within the restored community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 6:76 and the surrounding passages, represents a direct and historical fulfillment of God's explicit command given to Moses in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Command for Levitical Cities") and subsequently implemented during the conquest and division of the land under Joshua, as comprehensively documented in [Joshua 21:1-42](/joshua/21-1-42 "Joshua 21:1-42 - The Allotment of Levitical Cities"). The Levites, being set apart for sacred duties related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple, were intentionally freed from the burden of agricultural labor for their sustenance. Consequently, these "cities of refuge" and their accompanying "suburbs" (pasturelands) provided their dwelling and the means of livelihood through their livestock. Their strategic dispersion across all tribal territories was not arbitrary; it ensured their accessibility to the entire nation, enabling them to effectively fulfill their multifaceted roles as teachers of the Law, judges, and administrators of divine worship, as anticipated in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Teaching Role of the Levites"). The specific mention of "Galilee" for Kedesh situates these cities in the northern reaches of Israel, underscoring the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the Levitical presence throughout the entire land.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in 1 Chronicles 6:76, though seemingly prosaic, profoundly contributes to several foundational themes within the broader book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Provision and Order**, demonstrating God's precise, systematic, and unwavering faithfulness in caring for those consecrated to His service. The detailed enumeration of cities and their essential "suburbs" highlights God's practical and systematic approach to ensuring the Levites' sustenance and their unhindered ability to fulfill their sacred duties. Secondly, it emphasizes **Levitical Service and Dispersion**, illustrating how the strategic placement of these spiritual leaders throughout the land was instrumental in facilitating the teaching of God's law, the impartial administration of justice, and the consistent maintenance of worship practices across all tribes. This dispersion was absolutely crucial for the spiritual health, unity, and covenant fidelity of the entire nation. Lastly, the verse powerfully reinforces the **Historical Accuracy and Fulfillment of God's Promises**, as the Chronicler's detailed record-keeping validates the historical reality of the land's division and the precise execution of God's commands regarding the Levites' unique inheritance, thereby affirming the unimpeachable reliability of God's word and His enduring covenant with Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Galilee (Hebrew, _Gâlîyl'_):** This term, meaning "circle" or "circuit," refers to the northern region of Palestine, specifically the area where the tribe of Naphtali was located. The inclusion of "in Galilee" for Kedesh is a geographical marker that grounds the narrative in a specific, identifiable location, affirming the historical reality of these allocations. It highlights the widespread distribution of the Levitical cities, ensuring their presence even in the northernmost parts of Israel.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This term is absolutely crucial for understanding the practical provision for the Levites. It does not denote residential areas outside a city as understood in modern usage, but rather the common lands, pasturelands, and open spaces immediately surrounding the walled city. These areas were essential for the Levites to graze their livestock, which served as a primary source of their livelihood, since they were explicitly not given agricultural land for cultivation. The consistent inclusion of "with her suburbs" for each city emphasizes the completeness and practical nature of this divine provision, ensuring the Levites' economic viability.
* **Kedesh (Hebrew, _Qedesh'_):** Meaning "holy" or "sanctuary," Kedesh was a highly significant city within the territory of Naphtali, specifically designated as one of the six cities of refuge (as seen in [Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Kedesh as a City of Refuge")). Its name itself reflects its sacred function as a place of asylum for unintentional manslayers, underscoring the Levites' critical role in administering justice and upholding the sanctity of life within the framework of the Mosaic Law. Its inclusion here highlights the dual purpose of these Levitical cities: not merely places of residence, but also vital centers of legal, spiritual, and administrative importance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Naphtali;":** This introductory clause precisely identifies the specific tribal territory from which the subsequent cities are allocated. It underscores the systematic, organized, and comprehensive nature of the Levitical assignments, ensuring that every tribe contributed to and benefited from the strategic presence of the Levites within their borders. The tribe of Naphtali was situated in the northern region of Israel, specifically in Galilee.
* **"Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs,":** This phrase specifies the first city, Kedesh, confirming its precise geographical location within the region of Galilee. The crucial addition of "with her suburbs" explicitly includes the surrounding pasturelands, which were absolutely vital for the Levites' sustenance through their livestock. Kedesh's profound significance as a city of refuge adds a deeper layer of meaning beyond mere residence, indicating a pivotal center of legal, spiritual, and administrative importance.
* **"and Hammon with her suburbs,":** Hammon is listed as the second city from Naphtali specifically allotted to the Levites. Like Kedesh, it is accompanied by the indispensable phrase "with her suburbs," reiterating the consistent and complete provision of pasturelands alongside the dwelling places. This repetition powerfully underscores the comprehensive, meticulous, and practical nature of God's unwavering care for His consecrated servants.
* **"and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.":** The third and final city mentioned in this verse from the tribe of Naphtali is Kirjathaim. The identical phrasing "with her suburbs" consistently reinforces the established pattern of divine provision and highlights the uniform nature of the Levitical inheritance across all their allocated cities. The unwavering inclusion of these essential pasturelands was absolutely fundamental to the Levites' ability to live, thrive, and fully perform their sacred duties without the necessity of engaging in agricultural labor.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 6:76 masterfully employs several literary devices to achieve its profound theological and historical purposes. **Cataloging** is the most prominent device, as the verse is an integral part of an extensive and meticulous list of Levitical cities. This precise **Enumeration** serves to establish historical veracity, demonstrate the precise fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' inheritance, and provide a comprehensive record for the post-exilic community. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" for each city is a clear example of **Repetition**, which functions powerfully to emphasize the completeness, consistency, and practical nature of the divine provision for the Levites' livelihood. Furthermore, the **Geographical Specificity** ("in Galilee," "tribe of Naphtali") firmly grounds the narrative in concrete historical reality, affirming the Chronicler's unwavering commitment to accurate record-keeping and the tangible manifestation of God's covenant promises within the physical land of Israel. These devices collectively underscore the divine order, the meticulous care God exercised in establishing the essential infrastructure for worship and spiritual guidance, and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:76, though seemingly a dry and unembellished list of names, is profoundly saturated with theological significance. It speaks volumes about God's meticulous care, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the divine ordering of His people for His sovereign purposes. The precise provision of specific cities and their essential "suburbs" for the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance like the other tribes, powerfully illustrates God's deep commitment to sustaining and equipping those consecrated to His sacred service. This divinely ordained arrangement ensured that the Levites could dedicate themselves fully and unhindered to their spiritual duties without the burden of agricultural labor. Moreover, their strategic dispersion throughout all the tribes meant that God's law, His divine principles, and the practices of worship were consistently accessible to all Israelites, fostering national unity and spiritual health under God's covenant. This verse, therefore, stands as a powerful testament to God's detailed providence, His profound wisdom in structuring His kingdom, and His unwavering commitment to equipping His servants for their vital roles in the spiritual life and well-being of the community.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Divine Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:1-42](/joshua/21-1-42 "Joshua 21:1-42 - The Fulfillment of Levitical City Allotment")
* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - God's Chosen Place of Worship and Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 6:76, far from being an archaic curiosity, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the practical details of His people's lives and ministries, orchestrating their placement and providing for their sustenance with precise intentionality. Just as God strategically positioned the Levites throughout Israel to be vital centers of spiritual influence, teaching, and worship, so too does He sovereignly position believers today within their communities, workplaces, families, and various spheres of influence. This verse profoundly encourages us to recognize God's sovereign hand in our own "placement" and to trust implicitly in His faithful provision for whatever He calls us to do. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the seemingly mundane or logistical aspects of our lives are part of His grand, overarching design, and that our "suburbs"—the practical means of our sustenance, support, and resources—are divinely appointed to enable our service to Him. The Chronicler's emphasis on divine order and the meticulous fulfillment of God's promises should inspire us to live with intentionality, recognizing that our lives, when fully submitted to God, contribute powerfully to His larger, perfect plan for His church and the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling, even in seemingly small or practical details?**
* **In what ways can we, like the dispersed Levites, seek to be strategically positioned to serve and be a spiritual influence within our communities, workplaces, and various spheres of influence?**
* **What "suburbs" or practical provisions does God use to sustain those who serve Him today, and how can we be more mindful and grateful for His ongoing, faithful care in our own lives?**

### FAQ

**Why does 1 Chronicles include such detailed lists of cities and genealogies?**

Answer: The detailed lists of cities and genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve several crucial and interconnected purposes for the Chronicler's original audience, who were the post-exilic Israelites. Firstly, they provided an indispensable sense of **continuity and identity**, meticulously connecting the returned exiles to their ancient heritage and demonstrating their legitimate claim to the land and their tribal affiliations. Secondly, they powerfully emphasized **divine faithfulness**, showing how God meticulously fulfilled His promises, such as the precise allocation of land and the comprehensive provision for the Levites, first outlined in foundational books like [Numbers](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities") and [Joshua](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Allotment of Levitical Cities"). Thirdly, these lists profoundly underscored the **importance of order and proper worship**, detailing the divinely ordained structure of the priesthood and the temple service, which was absolutely vital for the spiritual restoration and well-being of the community. Finally, they served as an authoritative **historical record**, validating the past and providing a clear blueprint for the future, thereby reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theological message that unwavering obedience to God's covenant leads to abundant blessing and national flourishing.

**What was the significance of the "suburbs" mentioned for the Levitical cities?**

Answer: The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrâsh*) for the Levitical cities was of immense practical, economic, and theological significance. Unlike modern suburbs, these were not residential areas but rather the **open pasturelands and common grounds immediately surrounding the walled cities**. Their profound significance lay in the fact that the Levites, by explicit divine decree, did not receive a tribal land inheritance for agriculture, as clearly stated in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance"). Instead, their livelihood was divinely ordained to come from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. The *migrâshîm* were absolutely essential for them to **graze their livestock**, which provided them with a vital source of food, milk, and other necessities, thereby ensuring their sustenance and economic viability. This meticulous provision allowed the Levites to **dedicate themselves fully and unhindered to their sacred duties** of teaching the Law, administering justice, and serving in the Tabernacle/Temple, without the need to cultivate land. It stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care, comprehensive provision, and unwavering faithfulness for those consecrated to His service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:76 meticulously details the Old Testament provision for the Levitical priesthood, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual resonance in Jesus Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated. The meticulous allocation of cities and essential "suburbs" for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and enabling their sacred service, powerfully foreshadows God's perfect and complete provision for His people in Christ. Jesus, as our ultimate and eternal [High Priest, according to the order of Melchizedek](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Jesus, High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek"), transcends and fulfills the earthly Levitical system, offering a [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") that perfectly atones for sin and eternally consecrates us as holy. In the New Covenant, all believers are made part of a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"), no longer confined to specific geographical locations or dependent on physical "suburbs" for sustenance. Instead, our ultimate provision, sustenance, and empowerment come directly from Christ Himself, who is our [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and our source of [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, Living Water"). The dispersion of the Levites throughout Israel to teach the law and administer justice finds its profound echo in the Great Commission, where Christ sends His disciples [into all the world](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") to make disciples, establishing His spiritual "cities" (the Church) not in physical locations but in the transformed hearts of believers, sustained by His Holy Spirit and His infallible word. Thus, the Old Testament pattern of divine order and meticulous provision for sacred service culminates perfectly in Christ, who flawlessly fulfills the priestly role and empowers His redeemed people for global spiritual service, sustained by His inexhaustible grace.

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 21:32

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,

Judges 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

Joshua 12:22

The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.