1 Chronicles 6:59
Ashan, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh, together with their pasturelands.
Ashan
The name "Ashan" is derived from the Hebrew root "עָשָׁן" (ashan), meaning "smoke" or "smoky." This could imply a place that was known for its smoke, possibly from sacrifices or its geographical features. Ashan was a Levitical city in the territory of Judah, indicating its importance in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. The Levites, who were entrusted with religious duties, were given cities like Ashan to live in, ensuring they were spread throughout the land to teach and maintain the spiritual health of the nation. This highlights the importance of having dedicated spaces for worship and community life, a principle that remains relevant in Christian communities today.

Juttah
"Juttah" is a city in the hill country of Judah, and its name may be related to the Hebrew root "יָטָה" (yatah), meaning "to stretch out" or "to extend." This could symbolize the extension of God's promises and blessings to His people. Juttah is also mentioned in the context of being a Levitical city, emphasizing the role of the Levites in maintaining the spiritual integrity of the nation. The allocation of cities like Juttah to the Levites underscores the biblical principle of dedicating resources and spaces for the service of God, a practice that encourages believers to prioritize spiritual commitments in their own lives.

Beth Shemesh
The name "Beth Shemesh" translates to "House of the Sun" in Hebrew, from "בֵּית" (beth) meaning "house" and "שֶׁמֶשׁ" (shemesh) meaning "sun." This city was located on the border of Judah and Dan and was significant in several biblical narratives, including the return of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 6). The name itself suggests a place of light and revelation, which is fitting for a city associated with the presence of the Ark. Beth Shemesh serves as a reminder of God's guidance and the illumination He provides to His people. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the call for Christians to be a "light to the world" (Matthew 5:14), reflecting God's truth and love in their communities.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ashan
A town allocated to the tribe of Simeon, located in the southern part of Judah. It was one of the cities given to the Levites.

2. Juttah
A city in the hill country of Judah, also given to the Levites. It is mentioned in the context of the Levitical cities, which were designated for the priestly tribe.

3. Beth Shemesh
A city on the border of Judah, known for its role in the return of the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines. It was also a Levitical city.

4. Levites
The priestly tribe of Israel, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. They were given specific cities and pasturelands instead of a contiguous territory.

5. Pasturelands
These were the lands surrounding the Levitical cities, designated for the grazing of livestock, which was essential for the sustenance of the Levites.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those dedicated to His service. This reminds us that God provides for our needs when we commit our lives to Him.

The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
The cities mentioned were not just places of residence but centers of spiritual activity and heritage. We are called to maintain and cherish our spiritual heritage, ensuring it is passed down to future generations.

Community and Service
The Levites lived among the other tribes, serving as spiritual leaders and teachers. This highlights the importance of community and the role of spiritual leaders in guiding and nurturing faith within the community.

Stewardship of Resources
The pasturelands were essential for the Levites' sustenance, teaching us the importance of being good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allocation of cities to the Levites reflect God's provision for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual heritage is preserved and passed on to future generations, similar to the role of the Levitical cities?

3. How can we, like the Levites, serve as spiritual leaders and influencers within our communities?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical significance of places like Beth Shemesh in our own spiritual journey?

5. How can we practice good stewardship of the resources God has given us, as seen in the provision of pasturelands for the Levites?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 21
This chapter provides a detailed account of the cities given to the Levites, including Ashan, Juttah, and Beth Shemesh, highlighting the fulfillment of God's provision for the priestly tribe.

1 Samuel 6
The account of the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Beth Shemesh by the Philistines, illustrating the city's historical and religious significance.

Numbers 35
This passage outlines the command to give cities and pasturelands to the Levites, emphasizing God's provision and care for those serving in His temple.
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
Ashan, Beth, Bethshemesh, Beth-shemesh, Beth-she'mesh, Juttah, Lands, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, Pasturelands, Shemesh, Suburbs
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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