1 Chronicles 6:69
Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon, together with their pasturelands.
Aijalon
The name "Aijalon" is derived from the Hebrew root "אַיָּלוֹן" (Ayyalon), which means "place of deer" or "gazelle." This city was located in the territory of the tribe of Dan, although it was also associated with the tribe of Benjamin. Aijalon holds historical significance as a site of several biblical battles, including the famous battle where Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12). This city represents a place of divine intervention and victory, reminding believers of God's power to alter the natural order for the sake of His people.

and its pasturelands
The mention of "pasturelands" indicates the agricultural and pastoral nature of the region. In ancient Israel, pasturelands were vital for sustaining livestock, which were essential for the economy and daily life. The Hebrew word for pasturelands, "מִגְרָשׁ" (migrash), suggests open spaces designated for grazing. This phrase underscores God's provision for His people, ensuring that their physical needs are met. It also symbolizes spiritual nourishment, as believers are likened to sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd.

Gath-rimmon
"Gath-rimmon" combines two Hebrew words: "גַּת" (Gath), meaning "winepress," and "רִמּוֹן" (Rimmon), meaning "pomegranate." This Levitical city was allocated to the tribe of Dan and later to the Levites. The imagery of a winepress and pomegranate evokes themes of abundance and fruitfulness. In biblical symbolism, the winepress often represents judgment or blessing, while the pomegranate signifies prosperity and fertility. Gath-rimmon serves as a reminder of the blessings that flow from faithful service to God and the fruitful life that results from living in His will.

and its pasturelands
Reiterating the importance of "pasturelands," this phrase emphasizes the provision and sustenance that God offers to His people. The repetition highlights the abundance and care that God provides, ensuring that His people have all they need to thrive. It also reflects the spiritual truth that God is the ultimate provider, sustaining His people both physically and spiritually. The pastoral imagery invites believers to trust in God's provision and to find rest and nourishment in His presence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aijalon
Aijalon is a city allocated to the Levites within the territory of the tribe of Dan. It holds historical significance as a site of battles and divine intervention, notably in the time of Joshua.

2. Gath Rimmon
Another Levitical city, Gath Rimmon is located in the territory of Dan. It served as a place for the Levites to reside and perform their priestly duties.

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

4. Pasturelands
These lands were provided to the Levites for their livestock, ensuring their sustenance and ability to focus on their spiritual responsibilities.
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 who serve Him. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we dedicate our lives to His service.

The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
The Levites' role and their cities symbolize the importance of maintaining a spiritual heritage. We are called to uphold and pass on our faith to future generations.

Community and Service
The distribution of Levitical cities among the tribes illustrates the integration of spiritual service within the community. It encourages us to serve God within our communities, contributing to their spiritual and physical well-being.

Faithfulness in Assigned Roles
The Levites were faithful in their roles despite not having a large territory. This teaches us to be faithful in whatever role God assigns us, trusting in His provision and purpose.
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 we are maintaining and passing on our spiritual heritage to future generations?

3. How can we integrate our spiritual service within our communities, similar to the Levites' role among the tribes of Israel?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Levites' faithfulness in their assigned roles, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives and callings?

5. How do the connections between 1 Chronicles 6:69 and other scriptures, such as Joshua 21 and Numbers 35, enhance our understanding of God's faithfulness and provision?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 21
This chapter provides a parallel account of the allocation of cities to the Levites, including Aijalon and Gath Rimmon, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to the Levites.

Numbers 35
This passage outlines the command to give cities and pasturelands to the Levites, highlighting God's provision for those dedicated to His service.

1 Chronicles 6:54-81
This broader passage lists the Levitical cities, providing context for the specific mention of Aijalon and Gath Rimmon.
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
Aijalon, Ai'jalon, Ajalon, Gath, Gathrimmon, Gath-rimmon, Gath-rim'mon, Lands, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, Pasturelands, Rimmon, 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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