1 Chronicles 6:80
And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim,
from the tribe of Gad
The tribe of Gad was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Historically, the tribe of Gad settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its fertile land and strategic military position. The Gadites were known for their bravery and warrior spirit, as seen in their support of King David (1 Chronicles 12:8-15). The Hebrew root for Gad, "גָּד" (Gad), can mean "fortune" or "troop," reflecting both the tribe's prosperity and martial prowess.

they received
This phrase indicates the allocation of land or cities to the Levites from the other tribes of Israel. The Levites, being the priestly tribe, did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes but were instead given specific cities and surrounding pasturelands throughout Israel. This distribution ensured that the Levites could perform their religious duties and teach the Law across the nation. The act of receiving these cities underscores the communal and covenantal nature of Israelite society, where each tribe contributed to the spiritual welfare of the nation.

Ramoth in Gilead
Ramoth in Gilead was a city of refuge and a Levitical city, located in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew name "רָמוֹת" (Ramoth) means "heights," indicating its elevated position, which was typical for cities of refuge, providing a strategic advantage and a place of safety. Gilead was known for its balm, a healing ointment, symbolizing the city's role as a place of refuge and healing for those seeking asylum. Ramoth's designation as a city of refuge highlights God's provision for justice and mercy within the legal system of ancient Israel.

Mahanaim
Mahanaim, meaning "two camps" in Hebrew, was another Levitical city in the territory of Gad. It holds historical significance as the place where Jacob encountered angels of God (Genesis 32:1-2) and named it Mahanaim, recognizing the divine presence. Later, it became a royal city during King David's reign, serving as a refuge for David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:24-27). The dual meaning of "two camps" reflects the intersection of the divine and human realms, a place where God's presence and protection were manifest. Mahanaim's inclusion as a Levitical city underscores the spiritual heritage and divine encounters associated with the location.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tribe of Gad
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah. The tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

2. Ramoth in Gilead
A city of refuge located in the territory of Gad. It was a significant Levitical city and played a role in various biblical events, including being a site of refuge and a battleground.

3. Mahanaim
A city in the territory of Gad, known for its historical and spiritual significance. It was a place where Jacob encountered angels and later became a Levitical city.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His People
The allocation of cities to the Levites, including those from the tribe of Gad, demonstrates God's provision and care for those who serve Him. It reminds us of His faithfulness in providing for our needs.

Significance of Cities of Refuge
Ramoth in Gilead as a city of refuge illustrates God's justice and mercy. It serves as a reminder of the refuge we find in Christ, our ultimate place of safety and forgiveness.

Spiritual Encounters and Their Impact
Mahanaim's history as a place of divine encounter encourages us to seek and recognize God's presence in our lives. It challenges us to be open to spiritual experiences that can strengthen our faith.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of these cities in the context of the Levites' inheritance underscores the importance of spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allocation of cities to the Levites reflect God's provision and care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways does the concept of a city of refuge, as seen in Ramoth in Gilead, parallel the refuge we find in Christ today?

3. What can we learn from Jacob's encounter with angels at Mahanaim about recognizing and responding to God's presence in our daily lives?

4. How does the historical and spiritual significance of places like Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim inspire us to value our spiritual heritage and legacy?

5. How can we ensure that our communities and churches serve as places of refuge and spiritual encounter for those seeking God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 21:38
This verse lists the cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Gad, including Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim, highlighting the continuity of God's provision for the Levites.

Deuteronomy 4:43
Ramoth in Gilead is mentioned as one of the cities of refuge, emphasizing its role in providing safety and justice according to God's law.

Genesis 32:1-2
Mahanaim is where Jacob saw the angels of God, marking it as a place of divine encounter and protection.
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
Gad, Gilead, Lands, Mahanaim, Mahana'im, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, Ramoth, Received, Suburbs, 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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