1 Chronicles 6:64

And the children of Israel gave to the Levites [these] cities with their suburbs.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} gave {H5414} to the Levites {H3881} these cities {H5892} with their suburbs {H4054}.

So the people of Isra'el gave the L'vi'im these cities with the surrounding open land.

So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands.

And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:64 concludes a lengthy section detailing the specific cities allocated to the Levites throughout the land of Israel. This verse serves as a concise summary, affirming that the children of Israel faithfully executed God's command by providing these essential cities and their surrounding pasturelands to the tribe of Levi.

Context

The sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles is primarily a genealogical record, but it dedicates a significant portion (verses 54-81) to listing the cities given to the various families of the Levites: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance because their primary role was to serve in the tabernacle (and later, the temple) and to teach God's law throughout the nation. This arrangement was explicitly commanded by God through Moses, as recorded in Numbers 35:2-8, and later fulfilled during the time of Joshua, detailed in Joshua 21. Thus, 1 Chronicles 6:64 confirms the historical fulfillment of this divine instruction, emphasizing the covenant faithfulness of the Israelites in providing for those dedicated to spiritual service.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Faithfulness: This verse highlights God's meticulous plan for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and ability to fulfill their sacred duties even without a traditional land inheritance. It also underscores the faithfulness of the Israelites in obeying God's specific instructions.
  • Obedience to God's Command: The act of "giving" these cities demonstrates Israel's obedience to the Mosaic Law concerning the care and provision for the Levites. This was not an optional act but a direct command from the Lord.
  • Scattered Ministry: By receiving cities scattered among all the tribes, the Levites were strategically positioned to minister to the entire nation. They served as spiritual teachers, judges, and guardians of the law, making God's presence and instruction accessible across the land.
  • The Unique Role of the Levites: The Levites were set apart for sacred service, and their inheritance was the Lord Himself (Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:9). The cities and suburbs were a practical means to support this unique, non-land-owning, spiritual calling.

Linguistic Insights

The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrashim) refers to the common lands or pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities. These were crucial for the Levites, who, like other Israelites, kept livestock. It signifies that the provision was not just for housing within the city walls but also for the agricultural and pastoral needs of their households, ensuring their complete self-sufficiency and ability to focus on their ministry.

Practical Application

The provision for the Levites in ancient Israel offers a timeless principle about supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry and teaching. Just as God ordained a means for the Levites to live and serve, so too does the New Testament speak to the importance of providing for those who labor in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6). This verse reminds us of the importance of stewardship, obedience to God's commands, and the practical support necessary for spiritual work to flourish within a community.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 21:41 (4 votes)

    All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel [were] forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

  • Joshua 21:42 (4 votes)

    These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus [were] all these cities.

  • Joshua 21:3 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

  • Numbers 35:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,

  • Numbers 35:8 (2 votes)

    And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel: from [them that have] many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.