1 Chronicles 6:80

KJV

And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Gad {H1410}; Ramoth {H7216} in Gilead {H1568} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Mahanaim {H4266} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

and from the tribe of Gad: Ramot in Gil'ad with the surrounding open land, Machanayim with the surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim,

American Standard Version

and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, and Mahanaim with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:80 is a precise record within the extensive genealogies and Levitical city allocations, specifically detailing two cities, Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim, along with their surrounding pasture lands, assigned to the Merarite branch of the Levites from the territory originally belonging to the tribe of Gad. This verse underscores God's meticulous provision and divine order in establishing the infrastructure for the Levites to fulfill their unique spiritual and administrative roles throughout Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles is a meticulous and comprehensive genealogical record, primarily focusing on the lineage of the priestly and Levitical families. It begins by tracing the descendants of Levi (verses 1-30), highlighting the priestly line through Aaron and the three major Levitical clans: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Following this extensive lineage, the chapter transitions to an equally detailed account of the cities assigned to these Levitical families across the twelve tribes of Israel (verses 39-81). This shift from lineage to practical provision demonstrates God's intentionality in not only establishing the spiritual leadership but also ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement. Verse 80, specifically, concludes the list of cities designated for the Merarites, drawing from the territory of Gad, thereby completing a segment of the larger narrative of Levitical settlement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Levites were unique among the tribes of Israel because they did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land, unlike the other tribes (as mandated in [Numbers 18:23-24](/numbers/18-23 "Numbers 18:23-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded that they be given forty-eight cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with common lands for their livestock. This divine arrangement, detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge") and fully implemented in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"), ensured that the Levites, who were responsible for teaching God's law, administering justice, and overseeing the tabernacle/temple service, were accessible to all Israelites. The cities mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:80, Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim, were strategically located in Transjordan, east of the Jordan River, serving as important administrative and religious centers in that region.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader account of Levitical cities, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Order**, showcasing God's meticulous care for His servants. By assigning specific cities and pasture lands, God ensured the Levites could fulfill their spiritual duties without being burdened by agricultural labor, demonstrating a divine blueprint for the administration of Israel. Secondly, the allocation of these cities signifies the **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**. This act directly fulfilled God's earlier instructions regarding the Levites' unique role and inheritance, underscoring His faithfulness to His word and His covenant relationship with Israel, as first outlined in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities"). Lastly, the **Strategic Placement** of these cities is a key theme. The Levites were distributed throughout the land, making them readily available to all tribes for spiritual instruction, judicial matters, and the maintenance of the Mosaic Law. Ramoth in Gilead, for example, was designated as one of the [cities of refuge](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Ramoth in Gilead as a City of Refuge"), emphasizing its critical role in Israelite society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrasheha'_):** This term refers to the common lands, pasture grounds, or open spaces surrounding the walled city. These areas were designated for the Levites' livestock, as they were not given agricultural fields for farming. The inclusion of "with her suburbs" in the description of each city underscores the practical and comprehensive nature of God's provision for the Levites' livelihood, ensuring their economic stability while they focused on their sacred duties. It highlights the meticulous detail in God's instructions for their sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Gad;":** This initial clause specifies the tribal territory from which these cities were allocated. The tribe of Gad, one of the Transjordanian tribes, provided these locations as part of the overall distribution plan for the Levites, demonstrating the inter-tribal cooperation and adherence to God's command.
* **"Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs,":** Ramoth in Gilead was a significant city located in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It was a prominent fortress and, notably, one of the six [cities of refuge](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Ramoth as a City of Refuge") (three on each side of the Jordan) where those who accidentally killed someone could flee for safety from the avenger of blood. Its strategic importance is further highlighted in later Israelite history, particularly during the divided monarchy, where it was a frequently contested site, as seen in the conflicts involving King Ahab ([1 Kings 22:3](/1_kings/22-3 "1 Kings 22:3 - Battle for Ramoth-Gilead")). The mention of "her suburbs" reiterates the provision of pasture lands for the Levites residing there.
* **"and Mahanaim with her suburbs,":** Mahanaim, meaning "two camps" or "two companies," is another historically significant city in Transjordan. It is famously remembered as the place where Jacob encountered angels upon his return to Canaan ([Genesis 32:2](/genesis/32-2 "Genesis 32:2 - Jacob's Encounter at Mahanaim")). Later, it served as the capital for Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, during the early days of David's reign ([2 Samuel 2:8-9](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-9 - Mahanaim as Ish-bosheth's Capital")), and subsequently became a refuge for King David himself during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 17:24](/2_samuel/17-24 "2 Samuel 17:24 - David's Refuge in Mahanaim")). Like Ramoth, the inclusion of "her suburbs" emphasizes the comprehensive provision for the Levites' economic needs.

#### Literary Devices
The listing of cities in 1 Chronicles 6:80, within the broader context of chapter 6, primarily employs **Cataloging** or **Listing**, a common literary device in genealogical and administrative texts within the Old Testament. This meticulous enumeration serves to establish historical accuracy, legal legitimacy, and the fulfillment of divine commands. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" throughout the descriptions of the Levitical cities, including in this verse, functions as **Repetition**, emphasizing the consistent and comprehensive nature of God's provision for the Levites' livelihood beyond just the city walls. Furthermore, the entire section on Levitical cities acts as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, demonstrating the practical outworking and completion of earlier divine mandates given in the Pentateuch (e.g., Numbers 35) and recorded in historical books (e.g., Joshua 21). This detailed account reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:80, though seemingly a dry list of geographical locations, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's meticulous care, divine order, and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The allocation of specific cities to the Levites, who were dedicated to the Lord's service, demonstrates that God provides for those He calls, ensuring they have the necessary resources to fulfill their unique vocations. This provision highlights a divine principle: God does not call without equipping, nor does He commission without sustaining. The precise details of these allocations underscore the intentionality of God's plan for His people, where every element, no matter how seemingly mundane, contributes to the overall structure and spiritual health of the nation. It illustrates how divine instruction translates into tangible reality, establishing a stable and ordered society centered on the worship and instruction of Yahweh.

* [Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities for the Levites")
* [Joshua 21:41](/joshua/21-41 "Joshua 21:41 - Total Number of Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 4:43](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Ramoth in Gilead as a City of Refuge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Levitical cities in 1 Chronicles 6:80, far from being mere historical trivia, offers enduring lessons on God's character and His relationship with His people. It reminds us that God is a God of order, intentionality, and meticulous provision. Just as He carefully planned for the Levites' sustenance and strategic placement to facilitate spiritual instruction throughout Israel, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives and callings today. This verse encourages us to trust in His comprehensive care, knowing that He will provide for our needs as we dedicate ourselves to His service. It also challenges us to appreciate the importance of structure and intentionality in our own lives and in the church, recognizing that even seemingly small details can contribute to the larger unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The stability and permanence of God's promises, evident in the fulfillment of these allocations, invite us to rest in His faithfulness, even amidst changing circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites encourage us regarding His care for our own needs and callings in contemporary life?**
* **In what ways can we recognize and appreciate God's divine order and intentionality in seemingly mundane details of our lives or the community of faith?**
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promises in the allocation of these cities strengthen our faith in His faithfulness today, particularly when facing uncertainties?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific cities, Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim, highlighted?**

Answer: These cities are highlighted because they were part of the specific allocation of cities to the Merarite branch of the Levites from the tribal territory of Gad. While the chapter lists many Levitical cities, these two were particularly significant historically and strategically. Ramoth in Gilead was a major fortress and a designated [city of refuge](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Ramoth as a City of Refuge"), and Mahanaim held deep historical roots, being a place of encounter for Jacob ([Genesis 32:2](/genesis/32-2 "Genesis 32:2 - Jacob's Encounter at Mahanaim")) and a temporary capital for Israelite kings ([2 Samuel 2:8-9](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-9 - Mahanaim as Ish-bosheth's Capital")). Their inclusion underscores the precise fulfillment of God's command for the Levites to be scattered throughout the land in significant centers.

**What is the significance of the phrase "with her suburbs" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "with her suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrasheha*) is highly significant because it refers to the common lands or pasture grounds surrounding the walled cities. Since the Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance for farming, these "suburbs" were crucial for them to graze their livestock, which was a primary source of their livelihood. This detail emphasizes God's comprehensive and practical provision for the Levites, ensuring their economic stability so they could fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual duties without being burdened by agricultural labor. It highlights the meticulous nature of God's plan for their sustenance, as mandated in [Numbers 35:1-5](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-5 - Description of Levitical City Suburbs").

**Why does 1 Chronicles dedicate so much space to genealogies and lists of cities?**

Answer: The extensive focus on genealogies and lists of cities in 1 Chronicles, including this verse, served several critical purposes for the post-exilic community for whom the book was primarily written. It established the legitimate continuity of the priestly and Levitical lines, essential for the proper functioning of the temple worship upon their return. It also affirmed God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that despite the exile, His plans for Israel's identity, land, and spiritual structure remained intact. Furthermore, these lists reinforced the national identity and heritage of Israel, connecting the present community back to their divinely ordained past and providing a blueprint for the re-establishment of a functioning, God-centered society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:80 details the meticulous provision for the Old Covenant Levites, its underlying themes point profoundly to Christ. The Levites, scattered throughout Israel, served as mediators, instructors, and guardians of God's law, foreshadowing the ultimate and perfect mediation found in Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a single, perfect sacrifice for sins once for all ([Hebrews 7:24-27](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-27 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). The divine provision for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance for service, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's promise to provide for His New Covenant people as they carry out His Great Commission. Just as the Levites were strategically placed to bring God's word to the tribes, so too are Christ's followers sent out into the entire world, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to teach and make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Moreover, the "cities of refuge" like Ramoth in Gilead, where the innocent could find safety, point to Christ as our ultimate refuge and shelter, the one to whom we can flee for eternal safety and salvation from the consequences of sin ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - God's Unchangeable Purpose")). The meticulous order and faithfulness seen in the allocation of these cities ultimately reveal the perfect, divine plan of God, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises 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

Genesis 32:2

And when Jacob saw them, he said, This [is] God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

2 Kings 9:1

¶ And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead:

2 Samuel 17:27

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

2 Samuel 19:32

Now Barzillai was a very aged man, [even] fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he [was] a very great man.

2 Samuel 17:24

Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.

1 Chronicles 6:73

And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:

1 Kings 22:3

And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?