1 Chronicles 6:68

And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

And Jokmeam {H3361} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Bethhoron {H1032} with her suburbs {H4054},

Yokme'am with the surrounding open land, Beit-Horon with the surrounding open land,

Jokmeam, Beth-horon,

and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth-horon with its suburbs,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:68 is a specific entry within a detailed list of cities allotted to the Levites, particularly the Kohathite families, in the ancient kingdom of Israel. This verse, like many others in this chapter, serves as a record of God's meticulous provision and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Context of 1 Chronicles 6:68

Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is primarily dedicated to the genealogies of the Levites and a comprehensive list of the cities assigned to them throughout Israel. These cities were not for exclusive Levitical habitation but were designated areas, often with surrounding pasturelands, from which the Levites could draw their livelihood and fulfill their religious duties. The allocation of these cities was commanded by God in Numbers 35:1-8 and further detailed in Joshua 21. 1 Chronicles 6:68 specifically names Jokmeam and Bethhoron, along with their suburbs, as cities given to the Kohathites. The Kohathites were a prominent Levitical clan responsible for carrying the most sacred articles of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant (Numbers 4:4).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Provision: This verse underscores God's meticulous planning and faithfulness in providing for those dedicated to His service. The precise enumeration of cities demonstrates divine order in the administration of the nation.
  • Fulfillment of Covenant: The listing of these Levitical cities is a direct fulfillment of God's instructions given to Moses, ensuring the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, had places to dwell and serve the people.
  • Geographical and Historical Record: For the original audience, these lists were vital for understanding tribal boundaries, historical settlements, and the proper functioning of the Levitical system, which was central to Israel's spiritual life.

Linguistic Insights and Significance

The names of the cities themselves offer some insight:

  • Jokmeam: The name (Hebrew: ื™ึธืงึฐืžึฐืขึธื, Yoqme'am) likely means "let the people rise up" or "a gathering of the people." Its exact location is debated but was situated in the territory of Ephraim.
  • Bethhoron: Meaning "house of the hollow" or "house of the cavern" (Hebrew: ื‘ึตึผื™ืช ื—ื•ึนืจื•ึนืŸ, Beit Choron), this refers to two towns, Upper and Lower Bethhoron, strategically located on an important pass leading from the coastal plain to the central hill country. These cities were significant for their military and trade routes, highlighting the Levites' presence even in strategically important areas.

Practical Application and Reflection

While a seemingly dry list of names, 1 Chronicles 6:68, within its broader context, reminds us of several enduring principles:

  • God's Attention to Detail: Even seemingly minor details in God's plan are significant. His precision in recording these cities speaks to His thoroughness and commitment to His promises.
  • Support for Ministry: The provision of cities for the Levites emphasizes the biblical principle of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service (1 Corinthians 9:14).
  • The Value of History and Records: The chronicler's detailed account underlines the importance of maintaining accurate records, not just for historical purposes but also for understanding the continuity of God's work through generations.

This verse, though specific to ancient Israel, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in providing for His people and His detailed oversight of their lives and service.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 13:18 (2 votes)

    And another company turned the way [to] Bethhoron: and another company turned [to] the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

  • Joshua 16:5 (2 votes)

    ยถ And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

  • Joshua 21:22 (2 votes)

    And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.

  • Joshua 10:11 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

  • 1 Kings 4:12 (2 votes)

    Baana the son of Ahilud; [to him pertained] Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which [is] by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, [even] unto [the place that is] beyond Jokneam: