1 chronicles 6:67 - They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs,
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What does "1 chronicles 6:67" mean?
This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles chapter 6 that details the distribution of cities among the Levites, specifically the Gershomites (a clan within the Levites). Let's break down what it means:
"They gave to them..." This refers to the tribes of Israel, who were following the instructions given by God to Moses and Joshua regarding the allotment of cities to the Levites. The Levites did not receive a specific territory or inheritance like the other tribes, but instead were given cities scattered throughout the land to live in.
"...the cities of refuge..." This is a crucial element. Cities of refuge were designated places where someone who had accidentally killed another person could flee and be safe from the victim's relatives seeking revenge (blood vengeance). These cities offered a trial and protection until the matter was settled.
"Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs..." This specifies one particular city, Shechem, located in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. It was designated as a city of refuge and was given to the Gershomite Levites. The phrase "with its suburbs" indicates that the Levites were also given the surrounding land to use for farming, grazing, and other necessary activities to support themselves.
"Gezer also with its suburbs..." This mentions another city, Gezer, also given to the Gershomites along with its surrounding land. Gezer, while not explicitly stated in this verse to be a city of refuge, was likely also designated as such, since other passages confirm that cities given to the Levites included cities of refuge.
In summary, the verse means that the tribes of Israel, as part of their obligation to provide for the Levites, gave the Gershomite clan of Levites the city of Shechem (a city of refuge) and the city of Gezer, along with the land surrounding these cities (the suburbs), to live in and support themselves.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Divine Mandate: The verse demonstrates the Israelites fulfilling God's instructions regarding the provision for the Levites, who were dedicated to religious service and did not have a traditional tribal inheritance.
Protection for the Accidental Manslayer: It highlights the importance of the cities of refuge in providing a system of justice and protection for those who accidentally caused a death, preventing blood feuds and maintaining order in society.
Levitical Cities: This passage is part of a larger list that outlines the cities given to the Levites, indicating their widespread presence and influence throughout the land of Israel.
Historical Record: It provides a historical record of the distribution of land and cities after the Israelite conquest of Canaan.
Genealogical and Tribal Connections: The detailed listing of cities and tribal affiliations provides insights into the relationships and boundaries between different tribes and Levite clans.
1 chronicles 6:67 - They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs,
What does "1 chronicles 6:67" mean?
This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles chapter 6 that details the distribution of cities among the Levites, specifically the Gershomites (a clan within the Levites). Let's break down what it means:
"They gave to them..." This refers to the tribes of Israel, who were following the instructions given by God to Moses and Joshua regarding the allotment of cities to the Levites. The Levites did not receive a specific territory or inheritance like the other tribes, but instead were given cities scattered throughout the land to live in.
"...the cities of refuge..." This is a crucial element. Cities of refuge were designated places where someone who had accidentally killed another person could flee and be safe from the victim's relatives seeking revenge (blood vengeance). These cities offered a trial and protection until the matter was settled.
"Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs..." This specifies one particular city, Shechem, located in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. It was designated as a city of refuge and was given to the Gershomite Levites. The phrase "with its suburbs" indicates that the Levites were also given the surrounding land to use for farming, grazing, and other necessary activities to support themselves.
"Gezer also with its suburbs..." This mentions another city, Gezer, also given to the Gershomites along with its surrounding land. Gezer, while not explicitly stated in this verse to be a city of refuge, was likely also designated as such, since other passages confirm that cities given to the Levites included cities of refuge.
In summary, the verse means that the tribes of Israel, as part of their obligation to provide for the Levites, gave the Gershomite clan of Levites the city of Shechem (a city of refuge) and the city of Gezer, along with the land surrounding these cities (the suburbs), to live in and support themselves.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Divine Mandate: The verse demonstrates the Israelites fulfilling God's instructions regarding the provision for the Levites, who were dedicated to religious service and did not have a traditional tribal inheritance.
Protection for the Accidental Manslayer: It highlights the importance of the cities of refuge in providing a system of justice and protection for those who accidentally caused a death, preventing blood feuds and maintaining order in society.
Levitical Cities: This passage is part of a larger list that outlines the cities given to the Levites, indicating their widespread presence and influence throughout the land of Israel.
Historical Record: It provides a historical record of the distribution of land and cities after the Israelite conquest of Canaan.
Genealogical and Tribal Connections: The detailed listing of cities and tribal affiliations provides insights into the relationships and boundaries between different tribes and Levite clans.