1 Chronicles 6:76

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:76 is part of a detailed genealogical and geographical record within the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically listing cities allocated to the Levites.

Context

This verse appears in a lengthy section (1 Chronicles 6:54-81) that meticulously enumerates the cities given to the various families of the Levites throughout the tribes of Israel. The Levites, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a continuous territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan. Instead, God ordained that they would receive specific cities with their surrounding pasturelands scattered among all the other tribes, ensuring their presence and service across the nation. Verse 76 specifically identifies three such cities—Kedesh, Hammon, and Kirjathaim—from the territory of the tribe of Naphtali that were allotted to the Merarite branch of the Levites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Order: The precise listing of these cities underscores God's meticulous planning and provision for the Levites. Having no land inheritance of their own, these cities and their "suburbs" (pasturelands) were their designated dwelling places and means of sustenance, ensuring they could fulfill their sacred duties. This reflects God's faithfulness in caring for those dedicated to His service.
  • Levitical Service and Dispersion: The distribution of Levitical cities across all tribal territories meant that the Levites, who were responsible for teaching God's law, maintaining the Tabernacle/Temple, and officiating in various religious duties, were accessible to all Israelites. This dispersion facilitated their role as spiritual guides and administrators of divine worship throughout the land, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 33:10.
  • Historical Accuracy and Fulfillment: The Chronicler’s detailed record-keeping highlights the historical reality of the division of the land and the fulfillment of God’s commands regarding the Levites’ inheritance, as first outlined in books like Numbers (Numbers 35:1-8) and Joshua (Joshua 21:1-42).

Linguistic Insights

The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrashim, מִגְרָשִׁים) is significant. It does not refer to residential suburbs as we understand them today, but rather to the common lands, pastures, and open spaces immediately surrounding the walled city. These areas were crucial for the Levites to graze their livestock, which provided for their livelihood since they were not given agricultural land for cultivation. This emphasis on "suburbs" highlights the practical provision for their sustenance.

Reflection and Application

While seemingly a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 6:76 reminds us of God's intricate care for His people and His purposes. It teaches us about the importance of order, provision, and the strategic placement of those who serve in ministry. Just as God provided specific places for the Levites to live and carry out their duties, He continues to provide for and strategically position those who serve Him today, ensuring His work can be carried out effectively. The meticulousness of this record encourages us to trust in God's detailed plans for our lives and His church.

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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.
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