1 Chronicles 6:78

KJV

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, [were given them] out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} by Jericho {H3405}, on the east side {H4217} of Jordan {H3383}, were given them out of the tribe {H4294} of Reuben {H7205}, Bezer {H1221} in the wilderness {H4057} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Jahzah {H3096} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

and beyond the Yarden at Yericho, on the east side of the Yarden, they were given, from the tribe of Re'uven: Betzer in the desert with the surrounding open land, Yahatz with the surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah,

American Standard Version

and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, were given them, out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:78 precisely details the allocation of two cities, Bezer and Jahzah, both located on the east side of the Jordan River within the tribal territory of Reuben, to the Merarite branch of the Levites. This verse is an integral part of a larger, meticulous enumeration of the forty-eight cities and their surrounding pasturelands designated for the Levites throughout Israel, powerfully illustrating God's faithful provision and the divinely ordained, structured organization of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly detailed administrative section of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the distribution of cities to the Levites (1 Chronicles 6:54-81). The broader chapter initiates with an extensive genealogy of Levi and his descendants, with a particular emphasis on the priestly lineage of Aaron. Subsequently, the narrative transitions to the practical arrangements for the Levites, who, distinct from the other tribes, were not granted a continuous territorial inheritance but were instead strategically dispersed among the other tribes to serve the tabernacle and later the temple. Verses 54-81 meticulously list these specific cities, organized by the three primary Levitical clans (Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites) and the respective tribes from which their cities were drawn. [1 Chronicles 6:78](/1_chronicles/6-78 "1 Chronicles 6:78 - Merarite Cities from Reuben") specifically addresses the Merarites' allocation from Reuben's land in the Transjordan region, underscoring the profound meticulousness with which these divine commands were fulfilled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct fulfillment of God's explicit command given through Moses, as recorded in passages like [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - God's Command for Levitical Cities") and subsequently detailed in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Allotment of Levitical Cities"). This unique arrangement ensured that the Levites, who were consecrated for sacred service, possessed dwelling places and a means of sustenance without being tied to a specific tribal land inheritance. Culturally, the term "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) did not refer to modern residential areas but rather to the essential pasturelands and common grounds immediately surrounding the cities. These areas were vital for the Levites' livestock and for communal use, providing the necessary economic support. The precise geographical marker "on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan" accurately situates these cities in the Transjordan plateau, a region distinct from the main land inheritance west of the Jordan, thereby emphasizing the widespread and strategic presence of the Levitical ministry across all Israelite territories.
* **Key Themes:** The passage, including [1 Chronicles 6:78](/1_chronicles/6-78 "1 Chronicles 6:78 - Cities for the Levites"), significantly contributes to several profound themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**. God, who decreed that the Levites would have no tribal inheritance because "the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance" ([Joshua 18:7](/joshua/18-7 "Joshua 18:7 - The Inheritance of the Priesthood")), meticulously provided for their physical needs through these cities and their pasturelands, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to those consecrated for His service. Secondly, it highlights **Order and Organization**. The precise enumeration of cities, tribes, and clans reflects God's profound desire for an ordered society and the careful administration of His covenant people. This detailed record underscores the paramount importance of structure and obedience in fulfilling divine mandates. Lastly, the specific mention of **Bezer** subtly introduces the theme of **Justice and Refuge**. Bezer was one of the three cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan ([Deuteronomy 4:43](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Bezer, a City of Refuge")), designated as safe havens for those who had accidentally killed someone, thereby preventing immediate blood vengeance and ensuring a fair legal process. This function reveals God's deep concern for both justice and mercy within His divine law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bezer (Hebrew, בֶּצֶר, _betser'_):** This name, derived from a root meaning "inaccessible spot," implies a place of defense or security. Its inclusion here is particularly significant because Bezer was designated as one of the six Cities of Refuge in Israel (three on each side of the Jordan), specifically for unintentional manslayers (e.g., [Joshua 20:8](/joshua/20-8 "Joshua 20:8 - Bezer as a City of Refuge")). Its name thus subtly alludes to its function as a place of safety and legal recourse, embodying God's provision for justice and mercy within the covenant community.
* **Jahzah (Hebrew, יַהְצָה, _yahats'_):** Also spelled Jahaz or Jaaz, this name is derived from an unused root meaning "to stamp," and is perhaps best understood as "threshing-floor." Jahzah was another Levitical city located within Reuben's territory. It is historically significant as the site of a decisive battle where Moses defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites ([Numbers 21:23](/numbers/21-23 "Numbers 21:23 - The Battle of Jahaz")). Its name potentially reflects its geographical characteristics or a historical event that occurred there.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, מִגְרָשׁ, _migrâsh'_):** This term does not denote residential areas outside a city in the modern sense. Instead, _migrâsh_ refers specifically to the common lands, pasturelands, and open spaces immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. These areas were crucial for the Levites' livestock, which provided a significant part of their livelihood, and for communal activities. The consistent mention of "with her suburbs" underscores the holistic and practical nature of God's provision for their sustenance, as they did not possess agricultural land of their own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan,"**: This opening phrase precisely locates the cities geographically. "The other side Jordan" (Transjordan) and "on the east side of Jordan" are somewhat redundant but serve to emphatically specify the region. "By Jericho" acts as a crucial landmark, indicating proximity to the significant city of Jericho, which was situated on the west side of the Jordan, directly opposite this Transjordan region. This detailed geographical orientation firmly grounds the narrative in a concrete historical and physical context.
* **"[were given them] out of the tribe of Reuben,"**: This clause identifies the specific tribal source of the allocated cities. The tribe of Reuben, whose inheritance was situated in the Transjordan region, contributed these cities from their allotted territory to the Levites, thereby fulfilling the divine command for the equitable distribution of Levitical cities among all the tribes of Israel.
* **"Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs,"**: This names the first city, Bezer, and specifies its location as "in the wilderness." This likely refers to the desert or steppe region east of the Jordan, indicating a less fertile or more rugged terrain. The crucial phrase "with her suburbs" clarifies that not only the city itself but also its essential surrounding pasturelands were given to the Levites, ensuring their means of livelihood and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the provision.
* **"and Jahzah with her suburbs,"**: This names the second city, Jahzah, also granted to the Levites from Reuben's territory. Like Bezer, it is accompanied by the vital phrase "with her suburbs," reiterating the provision of essential pasturelands alongside the dwelling place. This repetition highlights the thorough and comprehensive nature of the divine allocation, ensuring the Levites were fully equipped to perform their sacred duties.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in 1 Chronicles 6:78, and indeed throughout the broader passage detailing the Levitical city lists, is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. The detailed and repetitive cataloging of names and geographical locations serves to underscore the profound meticulousness of God's divine plan and the thoroughness with which it was executed by His people. The consistent phrase "with her suburbs" appearing across the list functions as a powerful form of **Repetition**, emphasizing the complete and practical provision made for the Levites' sustenance. Furthermore, the precise geographical markers ("on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan") demonstrate **Geographical Specificity**, grounding the narrative in concrete reality and reinforcing the historical accuracy and faithful fulfillment of God's commands. Finally, the mention of **Bezer** carries an **Implicit Allusion** to its profound function as a City of Refuge, adding a rich layer of theological depth beyond mere geography, subtly hinting at themes of divine justice, mercy, and protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:78, though seemingly a dry administrative detail, serves as a profound testament to God's faithfulness, meticulous planning, and unwavering care for His people, particularly those set apart for sacred service. The precise allocation of these cities, including their essential pasturelands, demonstrates God's commitment to sustaining the Levites who had no tribal land inheritance, ensuring their ability to fulfill their priestly and ministerial duties. This detail underscores the profound principle that God faithfully provides for those who dedicate their lives to His work, even in what might appear to be mundane logistical arrangements. The inclusion of Bezer, a City of Refuge, further enriches the theological landscape, subtly pointing to God's provision of safety, justice, and mercy within His covenant framework, offering a place of asylum and due process for the vulnerable.

* [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - Total Number of Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:36-37](/joshua/21-36-37 "Joshua 21:36-37 - Merarite Cities from Reuben and Gad")
* [Deuteronomy 4:41-43](/deuteronomy/4-41-43 "Deuteronomy 4:41-43 - Designation of Cities of Refuge East of Jordan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to reflect on the profound implications of God's character revealed in seemingly ordinary details. God is not only concerned with the grand narratives of salvation but also with the practical, day-to-day needs of His servants. The meticulous provision for the Levites, ensuring they had homes and sustenance, reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and comprehensive care. For us today, this can be a comforting assurance that as we dedicate our lives to His service, whether in vocational ministry or through our daily callings, God is intimately attentive to our needs. He provides the resources, the community, and the "suburbs" (the practical support) necessary for us to live and fulfill our purpose. Furthermore, the subtle presence of Bezer, a city of refuge, echoes God's enduring provision of refuge and safety for His people. In a world full of dangers and uncertainties, we can find our ultimate refuge in God, who offers protection, justice, and mercy to all who turn to Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God's detailed providence, to live orderly lives in response to His divine order, and to find our security and provision in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in [1 Chronicles 6:78](/1_chronicles/6-78 "1 Chronicles 6:78 - God's Provision for Levites") encourage you about His care for your own practical needs as you seek to serve Him?**
* **In what ways can you emulate God's order and intentionality in your personal life or service, recognizing that even seemingly small details matter to Him?**
* **Considering Bezer as a City of Refuge, how does the concept of finding "refuge" in God apply to your life today, especially in times of trouble or spiritual need?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the Levitical cities, and why were they spread out among the tribes?**

Answer: The Levitical cities served a dual and crucial purpose. Firstly, they were God's faithful provision for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a continuous tribal land inheritance because "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Inheritance of Levi")). These 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands ("suburbs"), provided them with essential dwelling places and sustenance. Secondly, by being strategically spread out among all the tribes of Israel, the Levites could effectively fulfill their designated role as spiritual instructors, judges, and administrators of God's law throughout the entire nation. This dispersion ensured that priestly and judicial oversight, as well as religious instruction, was readily accessible to all Israelites, thereby fostering spiritual unity and adherence to the covenant.

**What is the significance of Bezer being mentioned in [1 Chronicles 6:78](/1_chronicles/6-78 "1 Chronicles 6:78 - Bezer and Jahzah")?**

Answer: The mention of Bezer is highly significant because it was one of the six designated Cities of Refuge in Israel, and specifically one of the three located on the east side of the Jordan River ([Deuteronomy 4:43](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Bezer as a City of Refuge")). These cities provided asylum for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, allowing them to flee there and receive a fair trial before the congregation, thereby preventing immediate blood vengeance by the avenger of blood. Its inclusion in this list of Levitical cities highlights God's comprehensive provision not only for the Levites' dwelling but also for the establishment of justice and mercy within the Israelite legal system, underscoring His profound concern for the sanctity of life and due process.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 6:78](/1_chronicles/6-78 "1 Chronicles 6:78 - Merarite Cities from Reuben") meticulously details the physical provision for the Old Testament Levites, it subtly points forward to the ultimate and spiritual provision found in Jesus Christ. The Levites, dispersed throughout Israel, served as vital mediators and instructors of God's law, foreshadowing the universal and boundless reach of God's grace through Christ. Just as the Levites had no earthly inheritance but God Himself, believers in Christ find their true and eternal inheritance not in physical land but in God through His Son ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Moreover, the mention of Bezer, a city of refuge, offers a powerful type of Christ. The cities of refuge provided safety and a fair hearing for those who had accidentally shed blood, preventing unjust retribution. In a far greater and more profound sense, Jesus is our ultimate refuge, the one to whom we flee when condemned by sin. He offers complete forgiveness and protection from the just wrath of God, providing true and eternal asylum for all who trust in Him ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing to Lay Hold of Hope")). As our Great High Priest, Jesus fulfills and transcends the Levitical priesthood, not needing cities or physical sustenance, but offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, establishing a new covenant of grace where all believers are made priests unto God ([Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26-28 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - Jesus Our Perfect High Priest"); [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, this seemingly administrative verse ultimately directs our gaze to the comprehensive provision, divine order, and merciful refuge found in Christ.

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 20:8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 4:41

¶ Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

Deuteronomy 4:43

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

Joshua 21:36

And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:37

Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities.