Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 6

Introduction

First Chronicles Chapter 6

1 Chronicles 6:1-47

1 Chronicles 6:1 "The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari."

The name "Levi" means joined. Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah. He is the father of the Levitical tribe, that would be separated out for service to the LORD. Gershon is sometimes called Gershom. He was the founder of the Gershonites. Levi had a daughter named Jochebed who was mother of Moses, Miriam, and Aaron. Kohath was the father of Amram who was the father of Moses. Amram was the nephew of Jochebed, whom he married. Kohath founded the Kohathites. Merari was the founder of the Merarites. We must take special note of the Levites, because they will be called to the service of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 6:2 "And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel."

Kohath, it seemed, was born before the twelve sons of Jacob went into Egypt. He was about twenty years younger than Joseph. Later on the Kohathites will be called to carry the ark and the sacred vessels. His sons were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Amram was the most prominent of the sons, because of his children, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Izhar was the father of the Izharites. Hebron was father of the Hebronites. Uzziel is best known as being Aaron’s uncle. He founded the Uzzielites.

1 Chronicles 6:3 "And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar."

Aaron, Moses, and Miriam were Levites on their mother’s side and on their father’s side. Aaron was the first high priest in the tabernacle. His sons were anointed as priests to work in the tabernacle. Nadab and Abihu carried strange fire into the tabernacle, and the fire of God killed them. The strange fire, many believe, was the fact they were intoxicated while serving in the tabernacle. Eleazer became high priest after Aaron, because his two older brothers were killed by God. Ithamar was in charge of the curtains, the hangings, pillars, cords, and boards. He actually oversaw the moving of the tabernacle from place to place. The priesthood had to come through Eleazar and Ithamar, because Nadab and Abihu had no descendents.

1 Chronicles 6:4 "Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua,"

Eleazar’s wife’s father’s name was Putiel. Phinehas was high priest for 19 years. Phinehas’ action pertaining to the revolting sins of the people stayed the plague, and God promised him the priesthood would remain in his family forever. He ran a javelin through Cozbi and Zimri to stay the plague. Abishua became the fourth high priest in his father’s stead.

1 Chronicles 6:5 "And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,"

1 Chronicles 6:6 "And Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth,"

1 Chronicles 6:7 "Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,"

All of the people listed in the verses above, were descended from Aaron through Eleazar and Phinehas. After Uzzi, the position of high priest would go to Eli of the descendants of Ithamar. It is not explained how this came about.

1 Chronicles 6:8 "And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,"

There are two Ahitubs mentioned. One is in the lineage of Ithamar, and one in the lineage of Eleazar. I am not sure that this is not in some way speaking of the same person. Zadok seemed to be connected in both lineages, as well.

1 Chronicles 6:9 "And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,"

Ahimaaz seemed to, also, be connected with both lines. Azariah is in the lineage from Eleazar. Johanan, also, is in the lineage of Eleazar.

1 Chronicles 6:10 "And Johanan begat Azariah, (he [it is] that executed the priest’s office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)"

Johanan and Azariah were priests during the reigns of Abijah and Asa. "Johanan" means God is gracious.

1 Chronicles 6:11 "And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,"

Amariah was high priest in the reign of Jehoshaphat. We discussed that Ahitub seemed to be in two lineages. In this case, it seems to be speaking of the lineage through Eleazar.

1 Chronicles 6:12 "And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,"

There seem to be several people mentioned between Zadok and Shallum. Zadok is his great-great-grandfather.

1 Chronicles 6:13 "And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,"

Hilkiah and Azariah were popular names, and given several times in these lineages. The Hilkiah, mentioned here, was high priest in the time of Josiah.

1 Chronicles 6:14 "And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak,"

1 Chronicles 6:15 "And Jehozadak went [into captivity], when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar."

Seraiah, here, was high priest during the reign of Zedekiah. "Seraiah" means Jehovah has prevailed. He was sent as a prisoner to Nebuchadnezzar, who killed him. Jehozadak was carried to Babylon prisoner. It is not known whether he ever acted as high priest, or not. He, probably, died in Babylon. Joshua is mentioned in Haggai as the high priest after the exile.

1 Chronicles 6:16 "The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari."

This is repeating the first verse of this lesson. Gershom, Kohath, and Merari were the beginning of the three divisions of the Levitical tribe. All are to serve the LORD in some capacity.

1 Chronicles 6:17 "And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei."

1 Chronicles 6:18 "And the sons of Kohath [were], Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel."

1 Chronicles 6:19 "The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these [are] the families of the Levites according to their fathers."

In the chapter, we have been primarily dealing with the descendents of Kohath, who were the priests and high priests. Merari was, probably, born just before the migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt. He was the head of the third division of the Levites.

1 Chronicles 6:20 "Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,"

1 Chronicles 6:21 "Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son."

This goes back to pick up the lineage of Gershom. Another name for Libni is Laadan. He was father of the Libnites. His brother was Shimi, the father of the Shimites. Zimmah is, probably, the same as Shimei. Joah, probably, is the one who assisted Hezekiah in the restoration of the temple worship. He is called Ethan in verse 42. Iddo is, also, called Adaiah. "Zerah" means dawning, rising, or shining. Jeaterai is the same as Ethni.

1 Chronicles 6:22 "The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,"

Amminidab is not mentioned in the list of the four sons of Kohath earlier in this lesson. Many scholars believe that Amminidab is the same as Izhar. Korah is, probably, the same one that was with Dathan and Abiram against Moses, because he was not called to the priesthood. "Assir" means prisoner. Nothing else is known of him.

1 Chronicles 6:23 "Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,"

In Exodus, the three men mentioned, in the verse above, are brothers. In this verse, it appears they are son, grandson, and great-grandson of the first Assir.

1 Chronicles 6:24 "Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son."

1 Chronicles 6:25 "And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth."

1 Chronicles 6:26 "[As for] Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,"

1 Chronicles 6:27 "Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son."

1 Chronicles 6:28 "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."

Tahath was a Koathite. His descendants would lead to Samuel. Uriel and Zephaniah seem to be the same person. Uzziah was born about 1300 B.C. Shaul was the founder of the Shaulites. There is very little known of the rest of these all the way to Samuel. This Samuel is the son of Hannah. She prayed for a son, and loaned him to the LORD all the days of his life. Eli raised him in the service of the LORD. We read in 1 Samuel 8:1-2, that Samuel’s first son was named Joel. It appears, then, that Joel and Vashni are the same person. "Vashni" means strong. "Joel" means Jehovah is God. One of the names could have been a title. Verse 1 of 1 Samuel chapter 8 says, that Samuel made his sons judges. They were evil judges, and God gave the people king Saul to judge them, instead of judges.

1 Chronicles 6:29 "The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,"

1 Chronicles 6:30 "Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son."

Merari’s son, Mushi, is not mentioned here. Those listed above are of his son, Merari. In verses 44 through 47, we will read of them.

1 Chronicles 6:31 "And these [are they] whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest."

1 Chronicles 6:32 "And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and [then] they waited on their office according to their order."

This answers the question of whether we should have a choir in our churches, or not. We see that in the Levitical tribe {ministers in the things of the LORD}, there were set aside people who ministered in song. I have always believed that really beautiful hymns prepare the soul to receive the message of the preacher. This singing was praise unto the LORD for the presence of the LORD. God inhabits the praises of His people.

1 Chronicles 6:33 "And these [are] they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,"

1 Chronicles 6:34 "The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,"

1 Chronicles 6:35 "The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,"

1 Chronicles 6:36 "The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,"

1 Chronicles 6:37 "The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,"

1 Chronicles 6:38 "The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel."

Let me stop for a moment here in the giving of these names, and say that their ministry in the assembly was in song and music. Some played the instruments and some sang. We should enter God’s house with thanksgiving in our hearts. Notice, that the music was their call from God. The most welcome sound coming from our churches, as we enter the door, should be soft, spiritual music.

1 Chronicles 6:39 "And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, [even] Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,"

1 Chronicles 6:40 "The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,"

1 Chronicles 6:41 "The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,"

1 Chronicles 6:42 "The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,"

1 Chronicles 6:43 "The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi."

1 Chronicles 6:44 "And their brethren the sons of Merari [stood] on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,"

1 Chronicles 6:45 "The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,"

1 Chronicles 6:46 "The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,"

1 Chronicles 6:47 "The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi."

In all of these names of people involved in the music and the singing in the church, we find many of the names that are mentioned in the Psalms of David. David addressed many of his Psalms to these very singers. In the next lesson, we will deal with the family of the priests. God calls each person to minister in his own calling. We must bear in mind that all of the Levites served God in some capacity. Each had their own expertise. It seemed, that in particular, the family of Merari was musically inclined.

1 Chronicles 6:1-47 Questions

1. Who were the sons of Levi?

2. What does "Levi" mean?

3. Who was the mother of Moses?

4. Who was the father of Moses?

5. What relation was Moses’s father to Moses’ mother, besides being husband and wife?

6. Who were the sons of Kohath?

7. What will be the service of the Kohathites to the LORD?

8. Who were the children of Amram?

9. Who was the first high priest in the tabernacle?

10. What happened to Nadab and Abihu?

11. Who became high priest after Aaron?

12. Who was the son of Eleazar?

13. How long was he high priest?

14. What is Phinehas remembered for, especially?

15. After Uzzi, who would become high priest?

16. Who was he descended from?

17. Hilkiah was high priest in the time of _________.

18. What happened to Seraiah?

19. What happened to Jehozadak?

20. What was the call of the LORD on the descendents of Kokath?

21. Another name for Libni is _______.

22. Who assisted Hezekiah in restoring worship in the temple?

23. What do many scholars belive about Amminidab?

24. Why did Korah join with Dathan and Abiram against Moses?

25. Tahath’s descendents led to _________.

26. Who was Samuel?

27. Who seems to be the same person as Vashni?

28. What does "Vashni" mean?

29. What does "Joel" mean?

30. What kind of sons were Samuel’s?

31. Which Scriptures answer the question of whether there should be a choir in the church, or not?

32. What has the author always believed about beautiful hymns?

33. We should enter God’s house with ___________ in our heart.

34. Where else, in the Bible, are these singers’ names mentioned?

1 Chronicles 6:48-81

1 Chronicles 6:48 "Their brethren also the Levites [were] appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God."

We have just finished studying about the Levitical tribe, who had been called into the ministry of music and singing. Just as in a modern church, there are ministers called to do a specific thing, there are those of the Levitical tribe called to do specific things. All are chosen of God for their specific ministry. The tabernacle was a very complicated operation. Every little thing had to be observed. There could be no changes made by the people ministering. They were to function in their roles exactly the way the LORD would have them to.

1 Chronicles 6:49 "But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, [and were appointed] for all the work of the [place] most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded."

Aaron, and his descendents, were to be the priests and high priest of the LORD. Their task was of a very serious nature. The high priest was to represent the people to God, and represent God to the people. The great high priest of all believers is the Lord Jesus Christ. He represents us to God, and He represents God to us. The office of high priest was the most important calling. Jesus fulfills that for us. He is the head of the church. We read in Leviticus, the detailed instructions on how each of the functions of their ministry was to be carried out. The following Scripture is just one of many. Leviticus 1:8 "And the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that [is] on the fire which [is] upon the altar:" We see that the high priest, in this case, Aaron was the only one to enter the most holy place. The priests could minister in other areas in the tabernacle.

1 Chronicles 6:50 "And these [are] the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,"

The two first sons of Aaron were killed by the LORD, when they offered strange fire. They are omitted in the verse above. Eleazar was the next high priest after Aaron. Phinehas was the third high priest. We spoke more of him in the previous lesson. Abishua became the fourth high priest in Israel. "Abishua" means father of salvation.

1 Chronicles 6:51 "Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,"

1 Chronicles 6:52 "Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,"

1 Chronicles 6:53 "Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son." After Uzzi, Eli becomes high priest.

In Zadok, the high priesthood would come back to the lineage of Phinehas.

1 Chronicles 6:54 "Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot."

The Levites’ inheritance was the LORD. They received cities to dwell in. They were called Levitical cities. In Numbers chapter 35 verses 1 through 8, we see this in detail. Turn there and read of their dwelling places. "Castles" is taken from a word that means fortress, habitation, or palace. Castle, then, is not speaking of a place of luxury. It is speaking of a nice place to live. The Levites were well cared for by their people they ministered to.

1 Chronicles 6:55 "And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it."

Hebron is a town in the mountains of Judah. It was located between Beersheba and Jerusalem. The suburbs were for their gardens and their animals.

1 Chronicles 6:56 "But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh."

Caleb’s father, Jephunneh, was a Kenezite. This is the same Caleb who brought back the good report, when he searched out the promised land. Moses gave him this land for his faith in God, when ten of the spies doubted. This was a choice area.

1 Chronicles 6:57 "And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, [namely], Hebron, [the city] of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,"

The tabernacle’s final resting place would be Jerusalem. It would be appropriate for those who would work directly in service in the tabernacle to live in and near Jerusalem. Hebron is located 20 miles out of Jerusalem. The city of refuge was a place for those, who had accidentally killed someone, to go. Libnah is, also, located near Jerusalem. It became a Levitical city, when it was taken by Joshua. Jattir was visited often by king David. Eshtemoa is located south of Hebron. Ishbah was said to be the father of Eshtemoa.

1 Chronicles 6:58 "And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs,"

Hilen is, probably, the same as Holon. Debir was a highland city of Judah, 12 miles southwest of Hebron. The Canaanites called it Kiriathsepher.

1 Chronicles 6:59 "And Ashan with her suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with her suburbs:"

Ashan is referred to by Ain, as well. It, probably, lay north-west of Beer-sheba. Beth-shemesh was where the ark was returned to Israel. It is, also, the place where thousands were killed for looking into the ark. It was located in a valley on the north boundary of Judah.

1 Chronicles 6:60 "And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities."

The cities, in the verses prior to this one, were from Judah. Now, we are dealing with the cities in the area of Benjamin. Geba is north of Jerusalem. Alemeth is not mentioned further. Anathoth was a city of refuge, as well as being a Levitical city. It is the birthplace of Jeremiah. It was overlooking the Jordan and the north part of the Dead Sea. It was 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem. The thirteen cities of the Levites were surrounding Jerusalem, where the priests and high priest served the LORD.

1 Chronicles 6:61 "And unto the sons of Kohath, [which were] left of the family of that tribe, [were cities given] out of the half tribe, [namely, out of] the half [tribe] of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities."

Not all of the family of Kohath were priests and high priest. This is speaking of the rest of the family, who were not ministering on a daily basis as high priest, or priests. It was not as necessary for them to be extremely close to Jerusalem. Ten cities out of the half tribe of Manasseh were given to the families of Kohath.

1 Chronicles 6:62 "And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities."

These were still Levites, and they did not get land inheritance. They served the LORD, but not in the same capacity as Aaron’s family. Gershom’s inheritance of 13 cities was located in the land allotted to Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the other half tribe of Manasseh.

1 Chronicles 6:63 "Unto the sons of Merari [were given] by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities."

There is a little addition in this verse. The city each family received to live in was chosen by lot. This is still speaking of Levites. We learned earlier, that many of these Levites were singers and musicians for the LORD. The cities in the land belonging to Reuben and Gad were east of the Jordan. Zebulun was west of the Jordan. The families of Merari received 12 cities.

1 Chronicles 6:64 "And the children of Israel gave to the Levites [these] cities with their suburbs."

1 Chronicles 6:65 "And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by [their] names."

1 Chronicles 6:66 "And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim."

Those who had not been allotted a city in the other tribes’ land would have cities in Ephraim. This is speaking of the scattered remnant.

1 Chronicles 6:67 "And they gave unto them, [of] the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; [they gave] also Gezer with her suburbs,"

1 Chronicles 6:68 "And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs,"

1 Chronicles 6:69 "And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with her suburbs:"

1 Chronicles 6:70 "And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath."

The cities of refuge had to be scattered through the land of the 12 tribes, because they had to be in easy running distance for the manslayer. This was a place of safety for one who had accidentally killed someone to run, until they could have a trial. All of the cities listed above, were on the western side of the Jordan River.

1 Chronicles 6:71 "Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:"

Golan, and Ashtaroth, were both of the half tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan. Bezer of the tribe of Reuben and Ramoth a city of Gad were, also, places of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan. There was said to be but three, so perhaps, two of the cities given are actually one city. It appears, that other Scriptures do not mention Ashtaroth. Deuteronomy 4:43 "[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites."

1 Chronicles 6:72 "And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,"

1 Chronicles 6:73 "And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:"

This Kedesh is, possibly, the same as Kishon in Joshua 21:28. Daberath was west of mount Tabor. In Joshua, Ramoth is called Jarmuth. Anem is, probably, the same as Engannim. They are all from the tribe of Issachar.

1 Chronicles 6:74 "And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs,"

1 Chronicles 6:75 "And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs:"

Mashal is the same as Mishal. Abdon is the same in Joshua. Hukok is the same as Helkath, and Rehob is the same as Joshua.

1 Chronicles 6:76 "And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs."

Hammon is the same as Hammoth-dor in Joshua. Kirjathaim seems to be the same as Kartan.

1 Chronicles 6:77 "Unto the rest of the children of Merari [were given] out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:"

Joshua 21:34 "And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs," Joshua 21:35 "Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities."

1 Chronicles 6:78 "And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, [were given them] out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,"

1 Chronicles 6:79 "Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:"

Bezer, we mentioned earlier in this lesson. These other cities are in addition to the three cities mentioned in Deuteronomy. There was only one city of refuge from the tribe of Reuben mentioned in Deuteronomy.

1 Chronicles 6:80 "And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,"

1 Chronicles 6:81 "And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs."

Ramoth is the only one of these cities mentioned in Deuteronomy.

1 Chronicles 6:48-81 Questions

1. How does verse 1 relate to our modern churches?

2. What tribe were all who ministered in the tabernacle from?

3. What family was chosen out of the Levites to offer offerings upon the altar?

4. They were to be the ________ and _______ _________ in the tabernacle.

5. Who is the great High Priest?

6. Quote Leviticus 1:8.

7. Who were Aaron’s sons?

8. What happened to the first two sons of Aaron?

9. What does "Abishua mean?

10. After Uzzi, who became high priest?

11. What was the inheritance of the Levites?

12. Where can we find out more about the dwelling places of the Levites?

13. Hebron is a town in the mountains of _________.

14. Who was Caleb?

15. What was Hebron, besides a Levitical city?

16. Where would be the final resting place of the tabernacle?

17. Where is Hebron located?

18. A city of refuge was used for what?

19. What were the cities of Benjamin, which became Levitical cities?

20. Who is 1 Chronicles 6:61 speaking of?

21. How were the cities, they were to live in, decided?

22. Why was it necessary for the cities of refuge to be scattered among the tribes?

23. How many cities of refuge were to be on the east side of Jordan?

24. Quote Joshua 21:34.

Verses 1-15

1Ch 6:1-15

1 Chronicles 6:1-15

"The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. And the sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the children of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Eleazar begat Phinehus, Phinehus begat Abishua, and Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi, and Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth, Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, and Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz, and Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan, and Johanan begat Azariah (he it is that executed the priest’s office in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem), and Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, and Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum, and Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah, And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak; and Jehozadak went into captivity, when Jehovah carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:1. Levi was the 3rd son of Jacob. He was eliminated from the blood line for the same reason as was his brother Simeon, which was murder. (Genesis 49:6). This applied to him personally, however, and did not affect the standing of his descendants in their work for the Lord. The tribe that sprang from him was honored by being chosen as the one to have entire charge of the religious services of the tabernacle. And the three sons of Levi were assigned their respective parts of the service. That is the reason the three are named in this one verse.

1 Chronicles 6:2. Special importance was attached to one of the sons of Levi, named Kohath. And his son Amram became peculiarly important in that he was the father of the two brothers who will be named next, and who became the outstanding men in connection with the religious activities of the nation.

1 Chronicles 6:3. Amram had two sons and a daughter. The two sons became famous in the history of Israel, each for a special cause. Aaron was the first high priest, and father of the entire priestly line throughout the life of the nation. Moses was the lawgiver, and the man who was inspired to write the first five books of the Bible. Since Aaron was exclusively the founder of the priestly group of God’s people, his four sons are named in this verse.

1 Chronicles 6:4-15. All of the sons of Aaron were eligible for the priesthood and served whenever needed. But the high priesthood normally descended through the oldest son, unless some circumstance made a switch to another necessary. This paragraph cites the line of high priests to the Babylonian captivity. The account starts with Eleazer, although he was not the firstborn son of Aaron. The reason is that the two brothers older than he were slain for their sin about the strange fire. (Leviticus 10:1-2.) The priesthood was then passed to the next oldest brother because neither of them had left any children. (Numbers 3:4.)

Verses 16-30

1Ch 6:16-30

1 Chronicles 6:16-30

"The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni, and Shimei. And the sons of Kohath were Antram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. The sons of Merari: Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the familes of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses. Of Gerhom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. And the sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth. As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son, Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. And the sons of Samuel: the first-born, Joel, and the second Abijah. The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libna his son, Shimei his son, Samuel his son, Uzzah his son, Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:16. This chapter starts with the names of Levi’s three sons. That is for the purpose of introducing the priestly and legal lines of Aaron and Moses. Now the same three sons are mentioned to introduce some of the other special work.

1 Chronicles 6:17-30. The three sons, Ger. shorn (also spelled Gershon), Kohath and Merari, had families, and the work of these groups was assigned to them. A list of these registrations is hereby given, which was put into the records in order to settle any misunderstanding that might arise concerning the work in the future.

Verses 31-48

1ch 6:31-48

1 Chronicles 6:31-48

"And these are they that David set over the service of song in the house of Jehovah, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of Jehovah in Jerusalem: and they waited on their office according to their order. And these are they that waited, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, the son lzhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Maichijah, the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. And on their left hand their brethren the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. And their brethren the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:31. Since the preceding para. graph extends to the captivity, it would include the period of David’s work. After the ark had rest refers to the time when David had brought the ark to Jerusalem and placed it in the tent pitched for it. (2 Samuel 6:1-17.)

1 Chronicles 6:32. The tabernacle was the building that Moses erected at Sinai, and the house of the Lord was the temple that Solomon built to be used instead of the tabernacle. Not being descended from Kohath, these people had no work in the priesthood. They were therefore employed in this sere vice according to David’s appointment. According to their order means according to the directions that David gave them. Each of the men served as he was bidden, so that order was maintained in the service.

1 Chronicles 6:33-38. The group of the Ko hathites was eligible for the priestly service. However, since their service in that capacity was not always needed, they could be employed otherwise. In the present instance we see they were engaged in the song service. Furthermore, the descendants of Kohath were in the priestly group, yet some of them might be disqualified for that service because lacking in some personal requirements. (Leviticus 21:1-8.) But while disqualified for that service, they could be useful in other forms of service about the Lord’s institution.

1 Chronicles 6:39-47. Stood . . . left hand. This was arranged for the purpose of maintaining good order in the service. God has always manifested a desire for order and not confusion. Paul taught this principle in 1 Corinthians 14:33.

1 Chronicles 6:48. There were many services pertaining to the tabernacle in general, that did not require the special qualifications of a priest, and yet which should be done by the specially chosen tribe. Also, by the ones who did have the priestly qualifications previously, but had lived past the age limit. There was plenty of useful work to be done and they were to have the privilege of doing so. (Deuteronomy 18:6-8.)

Verses 49-53

1Ch 6:49-53

1 Chronicles 6:49-53

"But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of burnt-offering, and upon the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. And these are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:49. The teaching of this verse cannot be considered with too much care. It is not generally understood that the priesthood was the exclusive right and office of Aaron and his lineal descendants. Hence it should be remembered that while all priests were Levites, not all Levites were priests.

1 Chronicles 6:50-53. This paragraph has to do with the line of high priests only, and they descended from Aaron through Eleazer, who was next oldest after the two who were dead.

Verses 54-60

1Ch 6:54-60

1 Chronicles 6:54-60

"Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot), to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it; but the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs, and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs, and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with its suburbs; and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, and Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:54. These refers to places yet to be named in the following verses. Castles refers to walled towns or cities. The tribe of Levi was not to have a general allotment of land as did the others, but was to be given cities throughout the whole land. Read carefully Numbers 35:1-15 for particulars concerning this subject of the Levitical possessions. Among the cities to be given the Levites were 6 used as refuge for the slayer, and 3 of them will be named in this chapter. Coasts means borders or territories regardless of whether land or water is under consideration.

1 Chronicles 6:55. Hebron was one of the cities of refuge given to the Levites. See my comments at Numbers 35:4-5 on the meaning of "suburbs."

1 Chronicles 6:56. Caleb had made a special request for this territory, and Moses gave it to him in recognition of his faithfulness in wholly following the Lord. (Joshua 14:6-14.)

Verses 61-65

1Ch 6:61-65

1 Chronicles 6:61-65

"And unto the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities. And the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Ashur, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs. And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:57-81. It will be just as well to comment on this group of verses as a whole. On the west side of the Jordan River there were cities selected from the various families of the tribe of Levi, three of which were cities of refuge. They were Hebron (1 Chronicles 6:57), Gezer (1 Chronicles 6:67) and Golan (1 Chronicles 6:71). These several cities were scattered throughout the land in general, hence were taken from the different tribes. This long paragraph is a list of the various cities given to the Levites, showing from whose possessions they had been appropriated.

Verses 66-70

1Ch 6:66-70

1 Chronicles 6:66-70

"And some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim. And they gave unto them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs, and Jokmeam with its uburbs, and Beth-boron with its suburbs, and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs; and out of the half-tribe of Mansasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:57-81. It will be just as well to comment on this group of verses as a whole. On the west side of the Jordan River there were cities selected from the various families of the tribe of Levi, three of which were cities of refuge. They were Hebron (1 Chronicles 6:57), Gezer (1 Chronicles 6:67) and Golan (1 Chronicles 6:71). These several cities were scattered throughout the land in general, hence were taken from the different tribes. This long paragraph is a list of the various cities given to the Levites, showing from whose possessions they had been appropriated.

Verses 71-76

1Ch 6:71-76

1 Chronicles 6:71-76

"Unto the sons of Gershom were given, out of the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs; and out of the tribe of lssachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs, and out of the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, and Abdon with its suburbs, and Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, and Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:57-81. It will be just as well to comment on this group of verses as a whole. On the west side of the Jordan River there were cities selected from the various families of the tribe of Levi, three of which were cities of refuge. They were Hebron (1 Chronicles 6:57), Gezer (1 Chronicles 6:67) and Golan (1 Chronicles 6:71). These several cities were scattered throughout the land in general, hence were taken from the different tribes. This long paragraph is a list of the various cities given to the Levites, showing from whose possessions they had been appropriated.

Verses 77-81

1Ch 6:77-81

1 Chronicles 6:77-81

"Unto the rest of the Levites, the sons of Merari, were given, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs; and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, were given them, out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah, and Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs; and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, and Mahanaim with its suburbs, and Heshbon with its suburbs, and Jazer with its suburbs."

By far the greater space was devoted to the genealogies of the Levites. "The reason for this, of course, was the importance of the priestly tribe in the religious life of Israel."

An amazing feature of these is the use of the same names over and over from generation to generation. The time covered by these genealogies reaches all the way back to Israel (Jacob); and many of the names encountered here remind us of historical events centered around those names throughout the Old Testament. My comments on some of those occurrences are in Exodus 6; 1 Samuel 1,1 Samuel 8, and in Joshua 21.

"Nadab and Abihu" (1 Chronicles 6:3). Their offering strange fire before Jehovah and their untimely death are recorded in Leviticus 20:1-2, and in Numbers 3:4. They left no children.

A most significant fact that appears in this chapter is that all of the services of the tabernacle are presented as reaching all the way back to the Exodus; and the Chronicler tells us that their ceremonies were observed, "According to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded." (1 Chronicles 6:49). Elmslie, speaking of this verse, declared it to be "emphatically stated." The sacred author of Chronicles had evidently never heard of that fairy tale regarding that "D" Document allegedly discovered by Hilkiah in the days of Josiah. What is stated here could never have been written if that `discovery’ had been anything other than the Pentateuch (every single word of it).

"All their cities were thirteen" (1 Chronicles 6:60). "Eleven of these are given here, and the other two are supplied in Joshua 21."

The importance of these genealogies for the returning Israelites from their captivity in Babylon was stressed by Simmons: "It was important for them to realize that their captivity had been only an interruption of their religious and national life. These genealogies gave them a most significant link with their past. They created a continuity between the pre-exilic and post-exilic Israel."

E.M. Zerr:

1 Chronicles 6:57-81. It will be just as well to comment on this group of verses as a whole. On the west side of the Jordan River there were cities selected from the various families of the tribe of Levi, three of which were cities of refuge. They were Hebron (1 Chronicles 6:57), Gezer (1 Chronicles 6:67) and Golan (1 Chronicles 6:71). These several cities were scattered throughout the land in general, hence were taken from the different tribes. This long paragraph is a list of the various cities given to the Levites, showing from whose possessions they had been appropriated.