So the people of Israel gave the Levites the cities with their pasturelands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 6:64
What does 1 Chronicles 6:64 mean?
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1 Chronicles 6:64
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Did you notice that the people of Israel are the ones doing the giving here, not just the priests? This shows that the Levites' ministry was supported by the whole community, highlighting a shared responsibility for worship and service in ancient Israel.
So the people of Israel gave the Levites the cities with their pasturelands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a larger section detailing how the Levites, who were responsible for the tabernacle and temple service, were finally given their rightful inheritance of cities throughout Israel. After years of wandering and receiving only scattered portions, this passage marks a significant moment of fulfillment for the Levites, showing God's people finally settling into their assigned roles and territories as described in the Law. The verses immediately following describe specific Levitical families and the cities allotted to them, solidifying this new organizational structure.
God’s plan for worship and service wasn't just theoretical; it required practical, tangible support. How did Israel understand their role in this?
In 1 Chronicles, we see a detailed account of how God's people were to organize themselves for worship. A key part of this was ensuring the Levites, who were set apart for God's service, had what they needed to function.
A Shared Responsibility
This wasn't a burden placed on one person or tribe. The text states, 'So the people of Israel gave...' This highlights a communal effort. The Levites' ministry was essential for all of Israel, and therefore, supporting them was a responsibility shared by everyone.
Cities and Pasturelands
What was given wasn't just a few coins. They gave 'cities with their pasturelands.' This was substantial support, providing homes, resources, and the means for the Levites and their families to live and serve without being overly burdened by secular work. It was a recognition that their sacred calling deserved dedicated provision.
Generosity isn't just a one-time act; it shapes communities and honors God's work for generations. What does this verse reveal about lasting impact?
The act of giving cities and pasturelands to the Levites wasn't merely about meeting immediate needs. It was about establishing a system that would sustain God's worship and service throughout Israel's history.
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Establishing God's Order
By faithfully giving these resources, the people of Israel were actively participating in establishing and maintaining the structure God had ordained. This allowed for consistent teaching, worship, and service to continue without interruption.
A Foundation for Service
This provision ensured that the Levites could dedicate themselves wholly to their tasks: teaching the Law, leading worship, and serving in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). Their ability to focus on spiritual matters was directly linked to the tangible support provided by the community.
Understand the original words
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 highlights the ongoing re-establishment of Levitical cities and their support systems, even as the people faced the devastating Babylonian exile. It underscores the importance of maintaining God's ordained structures for worship and service, regardless of challenging historical circumstances.
c. 1400 BC
Israel enters the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, the land promised to Abraham. This marked the beginning of settling the land and establishing a new society.
c. 1300-1000 BC
Tribal land distribution
Joshua and the elders distributed the land among the twelve tribes according to God's instructions. This process laid the groundwork for future tribal territories and responsibilities.
c. 1000 BC
David establishes Jerusalem
King David conquered Jerusalem and made it the capital of Israel, intending it to be a central place for worship and administration.
c. 970 BC
Solomon builds the Temple
David's son, Solomon, fulfilled his father's dream by building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This cemented Jerusalem's role as the religious heart of the nation.
c. 930 BC
Kingdom divides
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division had significant political and religious implications.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian conquest of Northern Kingdom
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and ending its existence as a distinct entity. This served as a stark warning to Judah.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Babylonian conquest of Judah
The Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiled a large portion of the population. This event profoundly shaped Jewish identity and practice.
This passage lays out God's direct instructions for allotting cities and pasturelands to the Levites, showing the divine origin and detailed plan behind the practice described in 1 Chronicles.
Joshua 21:1-7This chapter recounts the actual execution of God's command, detailing how the land was divided among the Levites by lot, reinforcing the significance of these cities in the life of Israel.
Nehemiah 13:10-11This passage highlights the importance of ensuring the Levites had their allotted provisions and land, showing that when these were neglected, worship and service suffered.
Matthew 10:9-10Jesus instructs his disciples to depend on the hospitality and provision of those they minister to, a principle mirrored in the Levites receiving land and sustenance from the people they served.
Did you notice that the people of Israel are the ones doing the giving here, not just the priests? This shows that the Levites' ministry was supported by the whole community, highlighting a shared responsibility for worship and service in ancient Israel.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing how the Levites, who were responsible for the tabernacle and temple service, were finally given their rightful inheritance of cities throughout Israel. After years of wandering and receiving only scattered portions, this passage marks a significant moment of fulfillment for the Levites, showing God's people finally settling into their assigned roles and territories as described in the Law. The verses immediately following describe specific Levitical families and the cities allotted to them, solidifying this new organizational structure.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing how the Levites, who were responsible for the tabernacle and temple service, were finally given their rightful inheritance of cities throughout Israel. After years of wandering and receiving only scattered portions, this passage marks a significant moment of fulfillment for the Levites, showing God's people finally settling into their assigned roles and territories as described in the Law. The verses immediately following describe specific Levitical families and the cities allotted to them, solidifying this new organizational structure.
"So the people of Israel gave the Levites the cities with their pasturelands." — Did you notice that the people of Israel are the ones doing the giving here, not just the priests? This shows that the Levites' ministry was supported by the whole community, highlighting a shared…
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Last reviewed October 2026