1 Chronicles 6:81
Heshbon, and Jazer, together with their pasturelands.
Heshbon
Heshbon was an ancient city located east of the Jordan River, historically significant as the capital of Sihon, king of the Amorites. The name "Heshbon" is derived from the Hebrew root "חשבון" (ḥeshbôn), meaning "stronghold" or "calculation." This city represents a place of strategic importance and strength. In a spiritual context, Heshbon can symbolize the strongholds in our lives that need to be conquered through faith and reliance on God. Historically, its conquest by the Israelites under Moses (Numbers 21:25) signifies God's power to deliver His people and fulfill His promises.

Jazer
Jazer was another city east of the Jordan, known for its fertile land and vineyards. The Hebrew root "יעזר" (ya‘zēr) suggests "help" or "assistance." Jazer's mention alongside Heshbon highlights the provision and sustenance God offers His people. The city was allotted to the tribe of Gad and served as a reminder of God's faithfulness in providing for the needs of His people. Spiritually, Jazer can be seen as a symbol of divine help and the abundance that comes from living in obedience to God's will.

together with their pasturelands
The phrase "together with their pasturelands" emphasizes the completeness of God's provision. The Hebrew word for "pasturelands" is "מגרש" (migrash), which refers to open lands surrounding a city, used for grazing livestock. This indicates not only the physical sustenance provided by God but also the spiritual nourishment available to His people. The inclusion of pasturelands signifies God's care for every aspect of life, ensuring that His people have all they need to thrive. In a broader sense, it reflects the abundant life promised to believers who trust in God's provision and guidance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Heshbon
A significant city in the territory of Reuben, originally a Moabite city. It was known for its strategic location and fertile lands.

2. Jazer
Another city in the territory of Reuben, known for its vineyards and agricultural productivity. It was also a Levitical city, meaning it was designated for the Levites, who were responsible for religious duties in Israel.

3. Pasturelands
These refer to the lands surrounding the cities that were used for grazing livestock. They were essential for the sustenance of the Levites and their families.
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. Just as the Levites were provided for, believers today can trust in God's provision for their needs.

The Importance of Community Support
The Levites relied on the surrounding community for their sustenance, highlighting the importance of supporting those in ministry. Christians are encouraged to support their church leaders and workers.

Stewardship of Resources
The mention of pasturelands underscores the importance of managing resources wisely. Believers are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them, whether it be land, finances, or talents.

Historical Continuity and Faithfulness
The cities of Heshbon and Jazer remind us of God's faithfulness throughout history. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can strengthen our faith in His promises today.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites teach us about God's provision for those who serve Him?

2. How can we, as a church community, better support those who are in full-time ministry or service?

3. In what ways can we practice good stewardship of the resources God has given us, both individually and collectively?

4. How does understanding the historical context of Heshbon and Jazer enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness to His people?

5. Can you think of a time when reflecting on God's past faithfulness helped you trust Him in a current situation? How can this practice be applied in your daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:25-26
These verses provide historical context about the conquest of Heshbon by the Israelites under Moses, highlighting its importance as a former Moabite city.

Joshua 21:39
This verse lists Jazer as one of the cities given to the Merarite Levites, emphasizing its role as a Levitical city.

Deuteronomy 3:10
This passage mentions the capture of Jazer and other cities, illustrating the expansion of Israelite territory.
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
Heshbon, Jaazer, Jazer, Lands, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, Pasturelands, 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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