1 Chronicles 6:77

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:77 precisely details the allocation of two cities, Rimmon and Tabor, along with their surrounding pasture lands, from the tribe of Zebulun to the remaining families of the Merarite Levites. This verse is a meticulous record within a larger genealogical and geographical section, underscoring God's faithful provision for the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance, and highlighting the divine order and fulfillment of ancient commands regarding their settlement and sustenance throughout Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 6, a chapter primarily dedicated to the extensive genealogies and roles of the Levites. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 meticulously lists the cities allotted to the three major Levitical families: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites. Verse 77 falls within the section detailing the Merarite allocation, following the cities given to the Kohathites (1 Chronicles 6:54-60) and Gershonites (1 Chronicles 6:61-71). The Chronicler's emphasis on these detailed lists serves to affirm the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' settlement, demonstrating divine faithfulness and the established order within the covenant community. This careful enumeration reinforces the legitimacy of the Levitical priesthood and their dispersed role throughout the tribes of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levites, unlike the other Israelite tribes, did not receive a territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan (Numbers 18:23-24). Instead, God commanded that they be given specific cities with surrounding pasture lands ("suburbs") from the inheritances of the other tribes (Numbers 35:1-8; Joshua 21:1-42). This arrangement served multiple purposes: it provided for the Levites' sustenance, as the "suburbs" were essential for their livestock; it ensured their dispersion among all the tribes, allowing them to fulfill their roles as spiritual teachers, judges, and guardians of the Law across the entire nation; and it included the establishment of cities of refuge among them. The mention of Rimmon and Tabor, located in the territory of Zebulun, illustrates this inter-tribal cooperation and the practical implementation of God's divine mandate for the Levites' livelihood and ministry.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detailing in 1 Chronicles 6:77 contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**. God, who promised to provide for the Levites despite their lack of land inheritance, faithfully ensures their dwelling places and means of sustenance, demonstrating His meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, a theme echoed in passages like [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Fulfillment of Divine Command**. The allocation of these cities directly corresponds to the instructions given in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge") and the subsequent distribution recorded in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"). This emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word and the historical accuracy of His covenant promises. Finally, it underscores the **Strategic Role of the Levites**. Their dispersion throughout the tribes, facilitated by these city allocations, enabled them to serve as spiritual anchors, teaching the Law and maintaining the purity of worship across all Israel, thereby fostering unity and spiritual health within the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merari (Hebrew, _M'rari'_):** Merari was one of the three sons of Levi (along with Gershon and Kohath), from whom the three main branches of the Levites descended. The "children of Merari" refer to the descendants and families belonging to this particular Levitical clan, whose primary duty involved the care and transport of the Tabernacle's heavier components, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and sockets (Numbers 3:36-37). The mention of "the rest of the children of Merari" indicates the completion of the allocation for this specific family group.
* **Rimmon (Hebrew, _Rimmon'_):** Meaning "pomegranate," Rimmon was a city located in the territory of Zebulun. While the name itself refers to a fruit, its significance here is purely geographical, identifying one of the specific cities allotted to the Merarite Levites. Its inclusion in this list confirms the precise fulfillment of the divine command for Levitical settlement.
* **Tabor (Hebrew, _Tavor'_):** Tabor refers to a prominent mountain in Galilee, Mount Tabor, which served as a significant landmark. The city named Tabor was likely situated near or associated with this mountain, also within the tribal territory of Zebulun. Like Rimmon, its inclusion here is geographical, marking another point of Levitical presence and ministry.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash'_):** This term refers to the open pasture lands surrounding the Levitical cities. These "suburbs" were not for building houses but were specifically designated for the Levites' livestock and for general agricultural use. This provision was crucial because the Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance, ensuring they had the necessary means of sustenance to fulfill their sacred duties without being tied to extensive farming. The repetition of "with her suburbs" for both cities emphasizes the completeness of God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto the rest of the children of Merari":** This phrase identifies the recipients of the cities. It specifically points to the remaining families or clans within the Merarite division of the Levites, indicating that previous allocations had already been made to other Merarite groups or to the Kohathite and Gershonite families. This highlights the comprehensive and systematic nature of the Levitical city distribution.
* **"[were given] out of the tribe of Zebulun":** This clause specifies the source of the cities. It underscores the cooperative effort among the tribes of Israel in fulfilling God's command to provide for the Levites. The tribe of Zebulun, like others, contributed a portion of its inherited territory for the Levites' dwelling, demonstrating their participation in the divine plan and the unity of the nation under God's covenant.
* **"Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:":** This final clause lists the specific cities and their associated pasture lands. The mention of "suburbs" is critical, as it signifies the practical provision for the Levites' livelihood—their livestock and sustenance—given that they had no agricultural land inheritance. The detailed naming of these cities, Rimmon and Tabor, from the territory of Zebulun, provides a precise historical record of the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical settlements.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation in 1 Chronicles 6:77, and indeed throughout this extensive list of Levitical cities, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloguing**. This meticulous listing of cities and their tribal origins serves to establish a comprehensive and authoritative record, affirming the historical accuracy and divine fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' settlement. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" for both Rimmon and Tabor is not merely stylistic; it emphasizes the completeness and practical nature of God's provision for the Levites, ensuring they had both dwelling places and means of sustenance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Historical Record**, diligently documenting the implementation of a significant aspect of Israel's covenant life and demonstrating the Chronicler's concern for order, lineage, and the faithful execution of divine mandates.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 6:77 may appear as a dry geographical entry, it is profoundly theological. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant promises. The detailed provision for the Levites, who were set apart for sacred service and received no land inheritance, exemplifies God's sovereign care for those dedicated to Him. This precision speaks to the divine preference for order and purpose in His kingdom, where even seemingly minor details contribute to a larger, intricate design. It underscores that God's plan is not vague but exact, ensuring that His servants are equipped and sustained to fulfill their unique roles within the community. This verse, therefore, is a quiet but powerful affirmation of God's reliability and His ability to meet every need for those who trust and serve Him.

* [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - Total Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:2](/joshua/21-2 "Joshua 21:2 - Request for Levitical Cities")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Abundant Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly mundane list of cities in 1 Chronicles 6:77 carries profound spiritual weight, inviting us to reflect on God's character and our own walk of faith. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and faithful provision, even in the "small print" of life. Just as He precisely allocated cities and their essential "suburbs" to ensure the Levites could fulfill their sacred duties, He cares for every aspect of our lives, providing for our needs so that we can serve Him effectively. This verse encourages us to trust in His comprehensive care, knowing that He oversees every detail of our existence and equips us for the calling He has placed upon us. It also highlights the importance of order and intentionality in our spiritual lives and communities, recognizing that God's plans are purposeful and designed for the flourishing of His people and the spread of His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in seemingly small details encourage you in your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, embody the "dispersed" ministry of the Levites, bringing spiritual influence and the knowledge of God to our various spheres of life and communities?**
* **What "suburbs" (practical provisions, resources, or support systems) has God given you to sustain your service and calling, and how are you stewarding them?**

### FAQ

**Why is this detailed list important in the Bible?**

Answer: This detailed list, like others in Chronicles, is important for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, specifically His command in [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - Total Levitical Cities") and its fulfillment in [Joshua 21:2](/joshua/21-2 "Joshua 21:2 - Request for Levitical Cities") regarding the Levitical cities. It serves as a historical record affirming that God's word is reliable and His plans are carried out precisely. Secondly, it highlights God's meticulous provision for His servants; the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, were fully provided for, ensuring they could focus on their sacred duties. Lastly, it underscores the orderly and structured nature of God's covenant people, with spiritual leadership strategically dispersed throughout all the tribes to foster unity and spiritual health across the nation.

**What was the significance of "suburbs" for the Levites?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: מִגְרָשׁ, _migrash_) were the open pasture lands surrounding the Levitical cities, specifically designated for their livestock. Their significance was immense because the Levites did not receive a territorial land inheritance for agriculture like the other tribes. These suburbs provided the essential means of sustenance for their animals, which were crucial for their livelihood. This divine provision ensured that the Levites, who were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, would not be burdened by the need to farm extensive lands, allowing them to fully dedicate themselves to their priestly, teaching, and judicial responsibilities. It was a complete provision for their practical needs, enabling their spiritual function.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:77, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement throughout Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levites, dispersed among the tribes, served as spiritual guides and mediators, foreshadowing the universal accessibility of God's presence and truth through Christ. He is the ultimate provision, the true [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), who sustains His people not with physical pastures but with eternal life. Just as the Levites had no earthly inheritance but were sustained by God, believers in Christ find their true inheritance not in this world but in the [heavenly kingdom](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints in Light"), sustained by God's grace and the indwelling Spirit. Moreover, the dispersion of the Levites prefigures the New Testament reality of the church, where every believer is a [priest](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") in Christ, strategically placed throughout the world to bear witness to His saving power and spread the gospel to [all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's perfect and ordered plan of redemption.

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 21:34

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.