1 Chronicles 6:62-80

What does 1 Chronicles 6:62-80 mean?

It's easy to overlook how specific the genealogies are, but notice this verse names four different tribes—Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh—as the sources for the Gershomites' land. This highlights that the Levites, while a distinct tribe, weren't isolated; their inheritance was interwoven with the other tribes across different parts of the land.

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. And some of the clans of the sons of Kohath had cities of their territory out of the tribe of Ephraim. They were given the cities of refuge: Shechem with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, Jokmeam with its pasturelands, Beth-horon with its pasturelands, Aijalon with its pasturelands, Gath-rimmon with its pasturelands, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its pasturelands, and Bileam with its pasturelands, for the rest of the clans of the Kohathites. To the Gershomites were given out of the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan with its pasturelands and Ashtaroth with its pasturelands; and out of the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands, Ramoth with its pasturelands, and Anem with its pasturelands; out of the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its pasturelands, Abdon with its pasturelands, Hukok with its pasturelands, and Rehob with its pasturelands; and out of the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with its pasturelands, Hammon with its pasturelands, and Kiriathaim with its pasturelands. To the rest of the Merarites were allotted out of the tribe of Zebulun: Rimmono with its pasturelands, Tabor with its pasturelands, and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, out of the tribe of Reuben: Bezer in the wilderness with its pasturelands, Jahzah with its pasturelands, Kedemoth with its pasturelands, and Mephaath with its pasturelands; and out of the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead with its pasturelands, Mahanaim with its pasturelands,

English Standard Version (ESV)

What 1 Chronicles 6:62-80 means

The Chronicler is meticulously detailing the Levitical families and the cities assigned to them for their service in the sanctuary, explaining how these assignments were distributed among the various tribes of Israel. This specific passage follows the listing of other Levitical clans, and it sets the stage for further assignments before moving on to the genealogies of the priests. Understanding these allotments helps us grasp how God’s people were organized and provided for, ensuring the Levites could carry out their crucial roles.

The Gershomites' Legacy and Assignment

Ever wonder what happened to descendants of certain biblical figures? The Gershomites were descendants of Gershom, Moses' son. This verse reveals their specific inheritance, connecting them to the greater Levitical service.

A Grandson's Inheritance

This verse highlights a specific branch of the Levites: the Gershomites, descendants of Gershom, Moses' firstborn son (Exodus 2:22). While Moses himself was a Levite, his sons weren't explicitly called to the Levitical priesthood in the same way. However, their descendants, the Gershomites, were clearly recognized and assigned roles within the Levite community.

Landed Levites

The Levites were unique among the tribes of Israel because they were not given a territorial inheritance. Instead, they were allotted cities scattered throughout the other tribes' territories to serve God and minister to the people. Here, the Gershomites received a significant portion: thirteen cities spread across the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh. This wasn't just a random assignment; it was a strategic placement to ensure their service reached various parts of the land.

The Vital Role of Levite Cities

Why would a tribe without land be given so many cities? These weren't just places to live; they were centers of spiritual life and learning for all Israel.

Cities of Service, Not Conquest

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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. And some of the clans of the sons of Kohath had cities of their territory out of the tribe of Ephraim. They were given the cities of refuge: Shechem with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, Jokmeam with its pasturelands, Beth-horon with its pasturelands, Aijalon with its pasturelands, Gath-rimmon with its pasturelands, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its pasturelands, and Bileam with its pasturelands, for the rest of the clans of the Kohathites. To the Gershomites were given out of the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan with its pasturelands and Ashtaroth with its pasturelands; and out of the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands, Ramoth with its pasturelands, and Anem with its pasturelands; out of the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its pasturelands, Abdon with its pasturelands, Hukok with its pasturelands, and Rehob with its pasturelands; and out of the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with its pasturelands, Hammon with its pasturelands, and Kiriathaim with its pasturelands. To the rest of the Merarites were allotted out of the tribe of Zebulun: Rimmono with its pasturelands, Tabor with its pasturelands, and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, out of the tribe of Reuben: Bezer in the wilderness with its pasturelands, Jahzah with its pasturelands, Kedemoth with its pasturelands, and Mephaath with its pasturelands; and out of the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead with its pasturelands, Mahanaim with its pasturelands,

English Standard Version (ESV)

What 1 Chronicles 6:62-80 means

The original words in 1 Chronicles 6:62-80

Gershomitesגֵּרְשׁוֹם

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.

Meraritesמְרָרִי

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.

Levitesלֵוִי

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.

pasturelandsמִגְרָשׁ

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.

clansמִשְׁפָּחָה

mishpachah · Hebrew Noun

Extended family groups or lineages, often derived from a common ancestor, serving as the fundamental social and administrative units in ancient Israel.

sons of Kohathקְהָתִי

Qhathi · Hebrew Noun

A specific subset of the tribe of Levi, descended from Kohath, son of Levi, tasked with the most holy duties regarding the Tabernacle and its contents.

territoryגְּבוּל

gebul · Hebrew Noun

Fixed, demarcated portions of land allotted to a tribe or group as their inherited possession by God's decree.

cities of refugeמִקְלָט

miqlat · Hebrew Noun

Designated locations established by divine law where a person who unintentionally committed manslaughter could flee to find safety from the avenger of blood.

pasturelandsמִגְרָשׁ

migrash · Hebrew Noun

Open land surrounding Levitical cities, dedicated to the grazing of livestock and essential for the sustenance of the Levites living in those urban centers.

Gershomitesגֵּרְשׁוֹם

Gereshonim · Hebrew Proper Noun (Gentilic)

The Gershomites were one of the three major divisions of the Levites, descendants of Gershon, the firstborn of Levi. Their primary responsibilities involved the transportation and care of the curtains, hangings, and screens of the Tabernacle during the wilderness journeys.

pasturelandsמִגְרָשׁ

migrash · Hebrew Noun

In the context of the Levites' allocation of land, 'pasturelands' (or 'open lands') refer to the peripheral areas around the cities designated for Levite habitation. These lands were specifically intended for the grazing of their livestock, ensuring the Levites could sustain themselves while living among the other tribes.

tribeשֵׁבֶט

shebet · Hebrew Noun

The concept of a 'tribe' (matteh or shebet) in biblical usage refers to one of the twelve divisions of Israel, tracing their lineage back to the sons of Jacob. Each tribe functioned as a distinct socio-political and genealogical unit within the covenant community, holding responsibility for specific territories and roles within the nation.

tribeמַטֶּה

maṭṭeh · Hebrew Noun

In the Old Testament, this refers to the twelve genealogical divisions of the people of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. It signifies the covenantal structure and inheritance of God's people in the Promised Land.

pasturelandsמִגְרָשׁ

migrāš · Hebrew Noun

Commonly translated as 'open land' or 'suburbs,' this refers to the grazing lands surrounding Levitical cities. These areas were designated for the sustenance of the Levites' livestock and were integral to the provision of the priestly tribe.

Kedeshקֶדֶשׁ

Qedesh · Hebrew Noun

A Levitical city, the name literally means 'sanctuary' or 'holy place.' It functioned as a place set apart, often serving as a city of refuge, emphasizing the holiness and protection associated with the Lord's presence.

Jordanיַרְדֵּן

Yarden · Hebrew Proper Noun

The primary river of Israel, serving as both a geographical boundary and a spiritual marker in the history of redemption. Crossing the Jordan represents transition, inheritance, and the entry into the blessings of God’s covenant.

wildernessמִדְבָּר

midbār · Hebrew Noun

An uncultivated area characterized by lack of infrastructure and human habitation. In the Bible, it is often a place of testing, spiritual formation, and divine provision, where God demonstrates His faithfulness apart from human dependence.