1 chronicles 6:72 - and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs,

Generated Verse: 1 chronicles 6:72

What does "1 chronicles 6:72" mean?


This verse is part of a list in 1 Chronicles 6 that details the Levitical cities assigned to the Gershonites (a branch of the Levites) within the territory of the tribe of Issachar. Let's break down what it means:

"and out of the tribe of Issachar...": This indicates that the cities mentioned were located within the land allocated to the tribe of Issachar when the Israelites divided the Promised Land. The Levites, being a tribe dedicated to religious service, did not receive a tribal land allotment like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities to live in scattered throughout the tribal territories.

"Kedesh with its suburbs...": This refers to the city of Kedesh, which was designated as a city for the Levites and, importantly, also a city of refuge. Cities of refuge were places where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee and be protected from blood vengeance. "Suburbs" in this context doesn't mean modern suburban areas, but rather the surrounding pasturelands and agricultural areas belonging to the city. The Levites needed land to raise livestock and grow crops to support themselves.

"Daberath with its suburbs...": Similarly, Daberath was another city within Issachar designated for the Levites and their livestock/farming needs. "Suburbs" here also refers to the surrounding pastureland and fields associated with the city.

Significance:

Fulfillment of Divine Mandate: The verse demonstrates the fulfillment of God's command in the book of Numbers (Numbers 35) to provide cities for the Levites and cities of refuge throughout the land.
Levitical Support: It highlights the practical arrangements made for the Levites, ensuring they had places to live and resources to sustain themselves while they performed their religious duties.
Tribal Cooperation: It shows cooperation between the tribes and the Levites, as the tribes were expected to provide land and resources for the Levites' support.
Historical Detail: The listing provides a historical record of the specific cities allocated to the Levites and gives insight into the distribution of the population in ancient Israel.
Organizational Structure: It reveals the organized way in which the Israelites distributed the land and assigned specific roles and responsibilities to different groups within the nation.

In essence, the verse is a small piece of a larger administrative and historical record, demonstrating how the Levites, particularly the Gershonites, were provided for within the territory of Issachar. It showcases God's provision and the practical arrangements of the ancient Israelite society.

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