TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
K'demot with the surrounding open land and Mefa'at with the surrounding open land;
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 6 verses 54–81
54 ¶ Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.
55 And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.
56 But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
57 And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,
58 And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs,
59 And Ashan with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs:
60 And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.
61 And unto the sons of Kohath, which were left of the family of that tribe, were cities given out of the half tribe, namely, out of the half tribe of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities.
62 And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
63 Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
64 And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their suburbs.
65 And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by their names.
66 And the residue of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.
67 And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs,
68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,
69 And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs:
70 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.
71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:
72 And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,
73 And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:
74 And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs,
75 And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs:
76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.
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:
78 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,
79 Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:
80 And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
81 And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.
We have here an account of the Levites' cities. They are here called their castles (Ch1 6:54), not only because walled and fortified, and well guarded by the country (for it is the interest of every nation to protect its ministers), but because they and their possessions were, in a particular manner, the care of the divine providence: as God was their portion, so God was their protection; and a cottage will be a castle to those that abide under the shadow of the Almighty. This account is much the same with that which we had, Jos. 21. We need not be critical in comparing them (what good will it do us?) nor will it do any hurt to the credit of the holy scripture if the names of some of the places be not spelt just the same here as they were there. We know it is common for cities to have several names. Sarum and Salisbury, Salop and Shrewsbury, are more unlike than Hilen (Ch1 6:58) and Holon (Jos 21:15), Ashan (Ch1 6:59) and Ain (Jos 21:16), Alemeth (Ch1 6:60) and Almon (Jos 21:18); and time changes names. We are only to observe that in this appointment of cities for the Levites God took care, 1. For the accomplishment of dying Jacob's prediction concerning this tribe, that it should be scattered in Israel, Gen 49:7. 2. For the diffusing of the knowledge of himself and his law to all parts of the land of Israel. Every tribe had Levites' cities in it; and so every room was furnished with a candle, so that none could be ignorant of his duty but it was either his own fault or the Levites'. 3. For a comfortable maintenance for those that ministered in holy things. Besides their tithes and offerings, they had glebe-lands and cities of their own to dwell in. Some of the most considerable cities of Israel fell to the Levites' lot. Every tribe had benefit by the Levites, and therefore every tribe must contribute to their support. Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth, and do it cheerfully.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 54–81. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:79 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within the Chronicler's meticulous record of the Levitical inheritance. It specifically names Kedemoth and Mephaath, along with their associated pasture lands, as cities designated for the Merarite clan of the Levites. This detail underscores God's precise and comprehensive provision for His consecrated servants, highlighting the established divine order for the priestly tribe who were dispersed throughout Israel to serve the tabernacle and teach the Law.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of a sprawling and detailed account of the Levitical lineage and their allocated cities, spanning from 1 Chronicles 6:54 to 1 Chronicles 6:81. The broader chapter commences with a thorough genealogy of Levi through his three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—emphasizing their foundational role in Israel's worship and national identity. Following this extensive genealogical record, the text transitions to a comprehensive enumeration of the cities distributed to each Levitical family across the tribal territories. This meticulous listing, including the specific mention of Kedemoth and Mephaath in 1 Chronicles 6:79, serves to highlight the careful organization and divine provision for the Levites. Unlike the other tribes who received contiguous territorial inheritances, the Levites were strategically dispersed throughout the land to serve and instruct the entire nation. The consistent inclusion of "suburbs" (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash) with each city underscores the practical provision for their livelihood, enabling them to sustain themselves while fulfilling their sacred duties. The Chronicler's purpose in this detailed catalog is to affirm the historical accuracy of God's covenant faithfulness and the established order of worship, particularly after the Babylonian exile, reassuring the returning community of their heritage and divine plan.
Historical & Cultural Context: The allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct fulfillment of God's explicit command given through Moses, as meticulously detailed in Numbers 35:1-8. Distinct from the other tribes who received agricultural land, the Levites were consecrated for priestly and temple service, necessitating a unique form of sustenance and dwelling. They were granted specific cities and their surrounding "suburbs" (pasture lands) for their livestock, ensuring they could live among the people they served while maintaining their distinct, non-agricultural livelihood. Kedemoth was situated in the territory of Reuben, east of the Jordan River, and Mephaath in the territory of Gad, also east of the Jordan. These Transjordan locations strategically placed Merarite Levites to minister to those tribes, ensuring spiritual access and oversight across the entirety of Israel's settled land. This dispersion facilitated their crucial role as spiritual instructors, judges, and custodians of the Law, making them readily accessible to all Israelites and integrating spiritual guidance into the very fabric of daily life for the nation.
Key Themes: The meticulous listing found in 1 Chronicles 6:79, and indeed throughout the entire 1 Chronicles 6, contributes significantly to several overarching theological themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Provision and Order. God's detailed planning ensured that even those without a traditional land inheritance were fully provided for, highlighting His meticulous care for His servants and the structured nature of His covenant with Israel. This echoes the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in the complete fulfillment of the land distribution in Joshua 21:43-45. Secondly, it emphasizes The Unique Role of the Levites. Their dispersion across the land, as detailed in passages like Joshua 21, underscores their critical function as spiritual guides, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice, integrating spiritual oversight into the fabric of daily life for all tribes. Finally, the inclusion of such specific geographical details reinforces the theme of God's Faithfulness in Fulfilling His Promises. The Chronicler's careful documentation of these cities serves as a historical testament to the literal fulfillment of divine commands regarding the Levitical inheritance, affirming God's reliability and the enduring nature of His covenant with His people.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler's inclusion of 1 Chronicles 6:79, as an item within a much larger list, primarily employs the literary device of Catalog. This systematic enumeration of Levitical cities serves to establish the historical reality, divine order, and fulfillment of God's promises regarding the Levitical settlements. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" throughout this list, including in this specific verse, functions as Repetition, emphasizing the consistent and complete nature of the provision for the Levites, ensuring they had both dwelling places and a sustainable means of livelihood. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in naming specific cities and their associated lands demonstrates Precision and Verisimilitude. This careful documentation lends an authoritative and historically accurate tone to the Chronicler's account, underscoring the divine hand in the organization of Israel and the faithful execution of God's detailed commands.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:79, though seemingly a mere geographical listing, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His covenant people, particularly those set apart for sacred service. The provision of cities and pasture lands for the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, exemplifies God's unwavering faithfulness in sustaining His ministers and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the entire nation. Their dispersion throughout Israel meant that spiritual instruction and oversight were accessible to all tribes, fostering unity in worship and adherence to God's Law. This divine order highlights that God is not only concerned with grand narratives but also with the practical details of His people's lives and the structures necessary for their flourishing. It foreshadows a New Testament understanding of ministry, where those who serve the Lord are provided for, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their calling, as seen in the principle that "the laborer deserves his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18).
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 6:79 is a historical record of ancient city allocations, its underlying principles offer timeless lessons for contemporary believers. The meticulous provision for the Levites reminds us that God cares deeply for those who dedicate their lives to His service, whether in full-time ministry or through faithful service in their daily vocations. It encourages us to consider how we, as the body of Christ, can actively support and empower those who teach, lead, and serve in spiritual capacities, ensuring they are freed to fulfill their calling without undue burden. This support can take many forms, from financial provision to prayer, encouragement, and practical assistance. Furthermore, the divine order evident in these detailed lists inspires profound confidence in God's sovereign plan, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life. It teaches us that God is a God of order, purpose, and abundant provision, and that every detail, no matter how small, has a place in His grand design. This should encourage us to live with intentionality, trusting that God's hand is at work in all circumstances, providing for our needs as we seek to serve Him faithfully and participate in His ongoing work in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these specific cities mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:79, and what was their significance?
Answer: Kedemoth and Mephaath are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:79 because they were two of the specific cities designated by God for the Merarite clan of the Levites to inhabit, along with their surrounding pasture lands (suburbs). Their significance lies in several aspects. Firstly, they represent the fulfillment of God's command to Moses that the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, would be given cities to live in from among the other tribes (Numbers 35:1-8). Secondly, their location, particularly in the Transjordan region (territories of Reuben and Gad), demonstrates the strategic dispersion of the Levites throughout all of Israel. This ensured that spiritual instruction, legal arbitration, and oversight of worship were accessible to every tribe, fulfilling the Levites' crucial role as teachers of the Law and custodians of the covenant. The inclusion of "suburbs" (מִגְרָשׁ, migrâsh) was paramount, providing essential pasture land for their livestock, which was their primary means of sustenance. This provision allowed them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without needing to farm their own land, thereby ensuring their livelihood and their ability to serve the entire nation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:79 meticulously details the Old Testament provision for the Levitical priesthood, it subtly points forward to the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. The Levites, dispersed throughout Israel, served as mediators, teachers, and guardians of God's Law, preparing the way for the one who would perfectly fulfill these roles. Just as the Levitical cities provided a dwelling and sustenance for those dedicated to God's service, Christ embodies the ultimate "dwelling place" for humanity, offering true rest and spiritual nourishment. He is our true and eternal High Priest, not of the Aaronic order, but of the superior order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:11-17), who has entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing an eternal redemption through His own blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). The meticulous provision for the Levites foreshadows God's even greater provision for His New Covenant people, the Church. We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), dispersed throughout the world to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness. Our sustenance and true inheritance are not found in earthly cities or pasture lands, but in Christ Himself, who is our life, our wisdom, and our righteousness (Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's perfect order and provision, ensuring that all who are in Him are fully equipped and sustained for their mission in the world, empowered by the Spirit to bear witness to His saving grace (Acts 1:8).