1 Chronicles 6:55
They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands.
They were given
This phrase indicates a transfer of possession or inheritance. In the context of 1 Chronicles 6, it refers to the allocation of cities to the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties. The Hebrew root for "given" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give, bestow, or grant. This reflects God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to the Levites, ensuring they had a place to dwell and serve Him. It underscores the theme of divine providence and the importance of obedience to God's commands in distributing the land.

Hebron
Hebron is a significant city in biblical history, located in the land of Judah. It is one of the oldest cities in the region and holds a rich heritage, being associated with patriarchs like Abraham, who dwelt there. The Hebrew name "חֶבְרוֹן" (Chevron) can mean "association" or "alliance," reflecting its role as a place of community and covenant. Hebron was also a city of refuge, emphasizing its importance as a place of safety and justice. Its allocation to the Levites highlights the city's spiritual significance and its role in Israel's religious life.

in the land of Judah
Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and strength. The phrase "in the land of Judah" situates Hebron geographically and tribally, indicating its belonging to the territory of Judah. Historically, Judah was a prominent tribe, producing kings like David and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The land of Judah is often associated with praise and leadership, reflecting the tribe's role in guiding the nation spiritually and politically.

and its surrounding pasturelands
The inclusion of "surrounding pasturelands" indicates the provision of resources necessary for the Levites' sustenance. The Hebrew term for "pasturelands" is "מִגְרָשׁ" (migrash), referring to open lands used for grazing livestock. This allocation ensured that the Levites, who did not have a territorial inheritance like other tribes, could maintain their livelihood. It symbolizes God's care for His servants, providing for their physical needs as they fulfill their spiritual duties. The pasturelands also represent the abundance and generosity of God's provision, extending beyond mere survival to flourishing in His service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hebron
A significant city in the land of Judah, Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the region and holds historical and spiritual importance. It was given to the Levites as a city of refuge and a place for their dwelling and service.

2. The Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties and service to God. They were not given a specific territory like the other tribes but were instead allocated cities and surrounding pasturelands throughout Israel.

3. The Land of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, Judah was a prominent tribe known for its leadership and strength. The allocation of Hebron within Judah highlights the tribe's significance and the Levites' role within it.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
The allocation of Hebron to the Levites underscores the importance of maintaining a spiritual heritage and a place for worship and service to God.

God's Provision for His Servants
The Levites' receipt of cities and pasturelands demonstrates God's provision for those dedicated to His service, ensuring they have what they need to fulfill their roles.

The Role of Community in Faith
The integration of the Levites within the territories of other tribes highlights the importance of community and mutual support in the life of faith.

The Significance of Place in Worship
Hebron's allocation as a city of refuge and a Levitical city points to the significance of having dedicated places for worship and spiritual refuge.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allocation of Hebron to the Levites reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in our own communities today?

2. In what ways does the history of Hebron enhance our understanding of its significance in the biblical account?

3. How can the concept of cities of refuge inform our understanding of God's justice and mercy, and how can we create spaces of refuge in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the integration of the Levites into the territories of other tribes about the role of community in our spiritual lives?

5. How does the provision of pasturelands to the Levites illustrate the balance between spiritual and practical needs, and how can we apply this balance in our daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 21:11-13
This passage details the allocation of Hebron to the Levites, emphasizing its role as a city of refuge and its importance in the Levitical system.

Genesis 23:2
Hebron is mentioned as the place where Sarah died, highlighting its longstanding significance in biblical history.

Numbers 35:2-3
This passage outlines the command to give cities and pasturelands to the Levites, providing context for the allocation described in 1 Chronicles 6:55.
Religious CultureW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:32-81
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
Hebron, Judah, Lands, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, Pasturelands, Round, Suburbs, Surrounding, Thereof
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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