1 Chronicles 6:79

KJV

Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:

KJV (with Strong's)

Kedemoth {H6932} also with her suburbs {H4054}, and Mephaath {H4158} with her suburbs {H4054}:

Complete Jewish Bible

K'demot with the surrounding open land and Mefa'at with the surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

Kedemoth, and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

and Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs;

Commentary

### 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](/1_chronicles/6-54 "1 Chronicles 6:54 - Levitical Cities Begin") to [1 Chronicles 6:81](/1_chronicles/6-81 "1 Chronicles 6:81 - Conclusion of Levitical Cities"). 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](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities"), 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](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Levitical Cities"). 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](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities"), and indeed throughout the entire [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Levitical Genealogies and Cities"), 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](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithfulness in Giving Rest and Land"). Secondly, it emphasizes **The Unique Role of the Levites**. Their dispersion across the land, as detailed in passages like [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Cities of the Levites"), 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
* **Kedemoth (Hebrew, _Qᵉdêmôwth'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be in front," this name signifies "beginnings" or "ancient/eastern places." Kedemoth was a city located in the territory of Reuben, east of the Jordan River. Its mention here emphasizes the geographical breadth of the Levitical dispersion, extending even to the Transjordan region. The name itself might subtly evoke the ancient nature of God's covenant and the foundational role of the Levites.
* **Mephaath (Hebrew, _Môwphaʻath'_):** From a root meaning "to shine," this name means "illuminative" or "splendor." Mephaath was a city situated in the territory of Gad, also east of the Jordan. Like Kedemoth, its designation as a Levitical city underscores the strategic placement of the Levites throughout all tribal lands. The name "illuminative" may subtly point to the Levites' role in bringing the light of God's Law and truth to the people.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This term is crucial for understanding the Levitical inheritance. It refers not to residential extensions in the modern sense, but specifically to the open country and pasture lands immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. These lands, typically extending 1,000 cubits (about 1,500 feet) from the city wall, were essential for the Levites' livestock, providing a direct means of sustenance since they did not receive agricultural land like the other tribes. This provision highlights the practical and comprehensive nature of God's care for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their livelihood while enabling their sacred duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Kedemoth also with her suburbs":** This clause precisely identifies Kedemoth, a city situated within the territory of Reuben, as one of the designated dwelling places for the Merarite clan of the Levites. The crucial phrase "with her suburbs" explicitly includes the surrounding pasture lands (_migrâsh_), which were vital for the Levites' sustenance through their livestock. This detail underscores the complete and practical provision made for them by divine decree, recognizing their unique role and lack of agricultural inheritance.
* **"and Mephaath with her suburbs":** Similarly, this clause names Mephaath, a city located in the territory of Gad, as another Levitical city. The repetition of "with her suburbs" for Mephaath, mirroring the provision for Kedemoth, emphasizes the consistent and comprehensive nature of the divine allocation for the Levites. This ensures their ability to live and function adequately while fulfilling their sacred duties of teaching and service across the various tribal lands, particularly in the Transjordan region.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's inclusion of [1 Chronicles 6:79](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities"), 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](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities"), 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](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - The Laborer Deserves His Wages")).

* [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:37](/joshua/21-37 "Joshua 21:37 - Merarite Cities Listed")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Priests and Levites Have No Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While [1 Chronicles 6:79](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities") 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
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in [1 Chronicles 6:79](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities") challenge or affirm your understanding of His care for His people today?**
* **In what ways can we, as a community of faith, practically support those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service, mirroring the ancient provision for the Levites?**
* **What "suburbs" or practical provisions do you believe God has given you to enable your service to Him in your current context, and how can you steward them for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific cities mentioned in [1 Chronicles 6:79](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities"), and what was their significance?**

Answer: Kedemoth and Mephaath are mentioned in [1 Chronicles 6:79](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities") 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](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Levitical Cities")). 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](/1_chronicles/6-79 "1 Chronicles 6:79 - Merarite Cities") 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](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - Christ a Priest Like Melchizedek")), who has entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing an eternal redemption through His own blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), 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](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life"); [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). 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](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")).

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.