1 Chronicles 6:62-65
To the Gershomites according to their clans were allotted thirteen cities out of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Manasseh in Bashan. To the Merarites according to their clans were allotted twelve cities out of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. So the people of Israel gave the Levites the cities with their pasturelands. They gave by lot out of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin these cities that are mentioned by name.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is the intentionality of the distribution, even for the Gershomites, who were Levites tasked with ministry. Despite their specific role, their allotted cities weren't just a random scattering but were carefully chosen from distinct tribes, showing God's organized plan for His people's lives and service. This wasn't just about them; it was about how their service intersected with and blessed the whole community.
This passage continues the detailed genealogies and lists of responsibilities for the Levites, who were tasked with serving in and around the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It specifically details which families within the Gershomite division of the Levites received their assigned cities for dwelling, showing how God's provision extended to all his servants as they organized for worship and service. This allotment sets the stage for understanding the Levites' territorial presence throughout Israel.
When you think of the Levites, maybe you picture them in the temple, leading worship or carrying the Ark. But their role was so much broader, touching the daily lives and infrastructure of Israel.
The Levites, and specifically the Gershomites in this passage, were a vital tribe responsible for the upkeep and functioning of God's tabernacle and later, the temple.
Beyond the Sanctuary
Their duties extended far beyond the immediate sanctuary:
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Chronicles 6:62-65 is available in the Sola app.
This verse shows them receiving their inheritance – not land for farming or military might like other tribes, but cities to live in as they fulfilled their unique service to God and the people.
The name 'Gershom' means 'a sojourner there.' It's a name that echoes their ancestors' wandering, but here we see their settled, appointed work.
Gershom was one of Moses' sons, born during his exile in Midian. The family carried a legacy of living among 'strangers' and serving in contexts outside their ancestral homeland.
From Exile to Inheritance
This heritage brings a unique perspective to their role:
This verse marks a moment where their lineage, marked by wandering, finds its appointed place and purpose within the organized structure of Israel, serving God through specific responsibilities.
Understand the original words
gēršôm · Hebrew Proper Noun
Descendants of Gershom, the eldest son of Levi; they were assigned specific duties regarding the transport of the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle.
mĕrārî · Hebrew Proper Noun
Descendants of Merari, a son of Levi; they were responsible for the structural components of the Tabernacle, including the frames, bars, pillars, and bases.
lēwî · Hebrew Proper Noun
The tribe set apart by God for priestly and sanctuary service; they received no land inheritance like the other tribes but were given cities to dwell in throughout Israel.
migrāš · Hebrew Noun
Areas of land surrounding the Levitical cities, set apart for the grazing of their livestock, ensuring the Levites had the means to sustain themselves while performing their duties.
This verse reflects a later re-organization or documentation of Levite (Gershomite) land allocations, likely occurring after the northern tribes were dispersed by the Assyrians. It shows how Levitical families maintained their heritage and assigned cities even amidst significant geopolitical upheaval.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Conquer Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquered the land of Canaan. This conquest set the stage for the division and allotment of the land among the twelve tribes.
c. 1350 BC
Land Allotment to Tribes
The land of Canaan was divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel. Specific territories were assigned to each tribe, including areas that would later be re-allotted.
c. 1070 BC
Gershomites' Levite Role Established
The Gershomites, descendants of Gershom, were a division within the Levite tribe, tasked with priestly and sanctuary duties. Their roles and settlements evolved over time, often being dispersed among other tribes.
c. 1000 BC - 975 BC
Reign of King David
King David reorganized the Levites and their service, including the Gershomites. This period saw a renewed focus on temple worship and structure, which influenced Levite responsibilities.
c. 975 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
Solomon continued his father David's work, building the First Temple in Jerusalem. This monumental task required extensive organization of Levites, including the Gershomites, for service.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division impacted the administration and location of Levite families.
c. 730 BC— this verse
Assyrian Captivity Begins
The Northern Kingdom, including parts of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh, was conquered by the Assyrian Empire. This led to the exile of many Israelites and a disruption of tribal territories and Levitical assignments.
This passage lists the cities given to the Gershomites, providing a parallel account and showing the specific locations within the mentioned tribes.
Numbers 3:23This verse describes the Gershomite clan's duties, which helps us understand the context and significance of the land allotted to them in 1 Chronicles.
Joshua 14:1This chapter details the inheritance of the land for the remaining tribes, offering a broader picture of how the Levites, including the Gershomites, received their cities within the larger distribution.
Deuteronomy 18:1-2This passage outlines the Lord as the inheritance of the Levites, which illuminates why their 'allotment' of cities was specifically designated for their service and livelihood.
What's striking here is the intentionality of the distribution, even for the Gershomites, who were Levites tasked with ministry. Despite their specific role, their allotted cities weren't just a random scattering but were carefully chosen from distinct tribes, showing God's organized plan for His people's lives and service. This wasn't just about them; it was about how their service intersected with and blessed the whole community.
This passage continues the detailed genealogies and lists of responsibilities for the Levites, who were tasked with serving in and around the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It specifically details which families within the Gershomite division of the Levites received their assigned cities for dwelling, showing how God's provision extended to all his servants as they organized for worship and service. This allotment sets the stage for understanding the Levites' territorial presence throughout Israel.
This passage continues the detailed genealogies and lists of responsibilities for the Levites, who were tasked with serving in and around the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It specifically details which families within the Gershomite division of the Levites received their assigned cities for dwelling, showing how God's provision extended to all his servants as they organized for worship and service. This allotment sets the stage for understanding the Levites' territorial presence throughout Israel.
"To the Gershomites according to their clans were allotted thirteen cities out of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Manasseh in Bashan. To the Merarites according to their clans were allotted twelve cities out of the tribes of Reu…" — What's striking here is the intentionality of the distribution, even for the Gershomites, who were Levites tasked with ministry. Despite their specific role, their allotted cities weren't just a rand…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
