1 Chronicles 6:68
Jokmeam, Beth-horon,
Jokmeam
The name "Jokmeam" is derived from the Hebrew root "קָמָה" (qamah), which means "to rise" or "to stand up." This suggests a place of elevation or prominence. Historically, Jokmeam was a Levitical city within the territory of Ephraim, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:68. The Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel, set apart for religious duties and service to God. The allocation of Jokmeam to the Levites underscores the importance of providing for those dedicated to spiritual leadership and worship. This city, therefore, symbolizes a place of spiritual elevation and service, reminding believers of the call to rise in their own spiritual walk and dedication to God.

Beth-horon
"Beth-horon" translates to "house of the hollow" or "house of freedom" from the Hebrew "בֵּית חוֹרוֹן" (Beit Horon). It refers to two adjacent towns, Upper and Lower Beth-horon, strategically located on the ascent from the coastal plain to the hill country of Judah. These towns were significant in biblical history, serving as key military and trade routes. The mention of Beth-horon in this verse highlights its strategic importance and the protection it offered to the Israelites. Spiritually, Beth-horon represents the journey of faith, where believers navigate through life's challenges with God's guidance and protection. It serves as a reminder of the freedom found in following God's path and the strength He provides in times of trial.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jokmeam
A Levitical city given to the descendants of Aaron, located in the territory of Ephraim. It served as a place for the Levites to live and perform their priestly duties.

2. Pasturelands
These lands were designated for the Levites to use for their livestock, providing them with sustenance and means to support their families.

3. Tribe of Ephraim
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This tribe was known for its central location in the land of Israel and its significant role in the history of the nation.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
God ensures that those who serve Him, like the Levites, are provided for. This reflects His faithfulness and care for those dedicated to His work.

The Importance of Community Support
The allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites underscores the importance of community support for spiritual leaders. It reminds us to support those who minister to us.

Inheritance Beyond Material Wealth
The Levites' inheritance was not land but the Lord Himself. This teaches us to value spiritual inheritance over material possessions.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
The Levites were set apart for service, reminding us of the vital role spiritual leaders play in guiding and nurturing the faith community.

Faithfulness in Assigned Roles
Each tribe had a role in supporting the Levites, teaching us the importance of faithfulness in our God-given responsibilities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the provision of cities and pasturelands for the Levites reflect God's care for those who serve Him?

2. In what ways can we, as a community, support our spiritual leaders today, similar to how the Israelites supported the Levites?

3. What does the Levites' inheritance teach us about the value of spiritual versus material wealth?

4. How can we apply the principle of faithfulness in our roles within the church or community, as seen in the support given to the Levites?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How can this encourage you to trust Him more in your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 21:22
This verse also lists Jokmeam as a Levitical city, confirming its role and location within the tribe of Ephraim.

Numbers 35:1-8
These verses outline the provision of cities and pasturelands for the Levites, emphasizing God's care for those who serve Him.

Deuteronomy 18:1-2
This passage explains the inheritance of the Levites, highlighting their unique role and dependence on the Lord and the community for their sustenance.
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
Beth, Beth-horan, Bethhoron, Beth-horon, Beth-hor'on, Horon, Jokmeam, Jok'me-am, Lands, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, 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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