1 Chronicles 6:61
To the rest of the Kohathites, ten cities were allotted from the half-tribe of Manasseh.
To the rest of the Kohathites
The Kohathites were one of the four main divisions of the Levites, descendants of Kohath, the second son of Levi. In the Hebrew context, the Levites were set apart for religious duties, and the Kohathites had the special responsibility of caring for the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. This phrase indicates that the allocation of cities was not just for the priests but extended to the broader Kohathite family, emphasizing God's provision for all who served Him.

ten cities
The allocation of cities to the Levites, including the Kohathites, was a fulfillment of God's command to provide for those who served in the temple. The number "ten" often symbolizes completeness in the Bible, suggesting that the provision was sufficient and complete for their needs. This allocation ensured that the Levites were distributed throughout Israel, allowing them to perform their duties and teach the law to the people.

from half the tribe of Manasseh
Manasseh was one of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. The mention of "half the tribe" refers to the division of the tribe's inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. This allocation from Manasseh highlights the unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel in supporting the Levites, who had no inheritance of their own. It also reflects the broader theme of shared responsibility and community within the nation of Israel.

were given by lot
The use of lots in the distribution of land was a common practice in ancient Israel, seen as a way to discern God's will. This method ensured that the allocation was perceived as fair and divinely guided, removing human bias from the decision-making process. The casting of lots underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His active role in the lives of His people, providing for their needs and guiding their steps.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kohathites
A division of the Levites, descendants of Kohath, son of Levi. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects.

2. Half-Tribe of Manasseh
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Manasseh, the son of Joseph. The tribe was divided, with portions on both sides of the Jordan River.

3. Allotment of Cities
The distribution of cities to the Levites, including the Kohathites, as part of their inheritance since they did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities to the Kohathites demonstrates God's provision for those who serve Him. Even though the Levites did not receive a land inheritance, God ensured they had a place to live and serve.

The Importance of Obedience
The distribution of cities was in obedience to God's command. This teaches us the importance of following God's instructions and trusting His plan for our lives.

Community Support for Ministry
The other tribes provided for the Levites, illustrating the principle of supporting those dedicated to ministry. This can be applied today in how we support church leaders and workers.

Faithfulness in Service
The Kohathites had specific duties related to the sanctuary. Their faithfulness in these tasks is a reminder of the importance of being diligent and faithful in whatever role God has given us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the provision of cities for the Kohathites reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in our church communities today?

2. In what ways does the obedience of the Israelites in allotting cities to the Levites challenge us to be obedient to God's commands in our own lives?

3. How can the principle of community support for the Levites be applied to how we support our church leaders and ministries today?

4. What can we learn from the specific roles assigned to the Kohathites about the importance of each person's contribution to the body of Christ?

5. How does the concept of inheritance for the Levites, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:61, connect with the New Testament teaching on spiritual inheritance for believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 35
This chapter outlines the command given by God to Moses regarding the provision of cities for the Levites, emphasizing their role and the importance of their service.

Joshua 21
Details the fulfillment of the allotment of cities to the Levites, including the Kohathites, as part of the division of the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 18
Discusses the inheritance of the Levites, highlighting their unique role and the provision made for them by the other tribes.
Religious CultureW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:32-81
The Doctrinal Witness of the Refuge CitiesR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 6:57, 67
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abdon, Abiah, Abihu, Abijah, Abishua, Adaiah, Ahimaaz, Ahimoth, Ahitub, Alemeth, Amariah, Amasai, Amaziah, Amminadab, Amram, Amzi, Anathoth, Aner, Asaiah, Asaph, Asher, Assir, Azariah, Baaseiah, Bani, Benjamin, Berachiah, Berechiah, Bezer, Bukki, Caleb, Dan, David, Debir, Ebiasaph, Eleazar, Eliab, Eliel, Elkanah, Eshtemoa, Ethan, Ethni, Gad, Gershom, Gershomites, Gershon, Gibeon, Haggiah, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Iddo, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Izhar, Jahath, Jeaterai, Jehozadak, Jephunneh, Jeroham, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Kishi, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahath, Mahli, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Meraioth, Merari, Merarites, Michael, Miriam, Mushi, Nadab, Nahath, Naphtali, Nebuchadnezzar, Phinehas, Rehob, Reuben, Samuel, Saul, Seraiah, Shallum, Shamer, Shaul, Shemer, Shemuel, Shimea, Shimei, Simeon, Solomon, Tahath, Toah, Uriel, Uzza, Uzzah, Uzzi, Uzziah, Uzziel, Vashni, Zadok, Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zerah, Zerahiah, Zimmah, Zophai, Zuph
Places
Abdon, Aijalon, Alemeth, Anathoth, Anem, Aner, Ashan, Ashtaroth, Assyria, Bashan, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Bileam, Daberath, Debir, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammon, Hebron, Heshbon, Hilen, Hukok, Jahzah, Jattir, Jazer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokmeam, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kiriathaim, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mashal, Mephaath, Most Holy Place, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Tabor
Topics
Allotted, Cities, Clans, Dan, Decision, Descendants, Ephraim, Families, Family, Half, Half-tribe, Kohath, Ko'hathites, Kohath's, Lord's, Lot, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Namely, Rest, Sons, Ten, Towns, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:54-80

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
David's Choristers
'They stood in their office, according to their order.'--1 CHRON. vi. 32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for 'the service of song in the house of the Lord.' The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the 'tabernacle of the tent of meeting,' and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler's description of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean!
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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