1 Chronicles 6:77

Unto the rest of the children of Merari [were given] out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

Unto the rest {H3498} of the children {H1121} of Merari {H4847} were given out of the tribe {H4294} of Zebulun {H2074}, Rimmon {H7417} with her suburbs {H4054}, Tabor {H8396} with her suburbs {H4054}:

To the rest [of the L'vi'im], the descendants of M'rari, were given, from the tribe of Z'vulun: Rimmono with the surrounding open land and Tavor with the surrounding open land;

The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands.

Unto the rest of the Levites, the sons of Merari, were given, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs;

Commentary

Context

1 Chronicles 6 provides an extensive genealogy of the Levites, detailing their priestly and musical roles, and specifically listing the cities allotted to them throughout Israel. This verse is part of a larger section (1 Chronicles 6:54-81) that meticulously records the cities given to the three main Levitical families: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites. The allocation of cities to the Levites was a divine mandate, as they did not receive a territorial land inheritance like the other tribes, but instead served the tabernacle and later the temple. This specific verse concerns the Merarite branch of the Levites, detailing two cities, Rimmon and Tabor, from the territory of Zebulun. It reflects the fulfillment of the divine command found in Numbers 35:7, which stipulated that 48 cities with their suburbs should be given to the Levites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Order: The detailed listing of cities underscores God's meticulous care in providing for the Levites, ensuring they had places to live while fulfilling their sacred duties. This organized allocation demonstrates God's sovereign plan for His people and the structured nature of ancient Israelite society.
  • Fulfillment of Command: This passage confirms the faithful execution of God's earlier commands regarding the Levitical inheritance, as recorded in Numbers 35:2 and further elaborated upon in Joshua 21:2. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions.
  • The Role of the Levites: While not directly stated in this verse, the allocation of these cities facilitated the Levites' unique role as spiritual leaders, teachers of the law, and guardians of the tabernacle/temple throughout the various tribes of Israel. This dispersion allowed them to serve the entire nation.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Rimmon" and "Tabor" are geographical place names. "Rimmon" (Hebrew: ืจึดืžึผื•ึนืŸ, Rimmon) means "pomegranate," and "Tabor" (Hebrew: ืชึธึผื‘ื•ึนืจ, Tavor) refers to Mount Tabor, a prominent mountain in Galilee, suggesting the cities were near or associated with these features. The term "suburbs" (ืžึดื’ึฐืจึธืฉื, migrash) refers to the pasture lands surrounding the cities, vital for their livestock and for agricultural purposes, ensuring the Levites had a means of sustenance.

Significance and Application

While a seemingly dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 6:77, like the entire section on Levitical cities, offers profound insights into God's character and His interaction with His people:

  • God's Faithfulness: It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises and meticulously provides for those who serve Him. Just as He provided for the Levites, He promises to care for His people today, demonstrating His ability to meet all needs (Philippians 4:19).
  • Order and Purpose: The precise allocation highlights God's preference for order and purpose in His kingdom. Every part of His plan, even seemingly minor details like city assignments, has significance and contributes to a larger divine design.
  • Interconnectedness of the Community: The Levites were dispersed among all tribes, emphasizing the idea that spiritual leadership and teaching should be accessible throughout the community. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the whole and is strategically placed (1 Corinthians 12:27).

This verse, though part of a historical record, speaks to God's enduring commitment to His covenant and His people, demonstrating His meticulous provision and orderly administration throughout history.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 21:34

    And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs,

  • Joshua 21:35

    Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities.
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