1 Chronicles 6 58

1 Chronicles 6:58 kjv

And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs,

1 Chronicles 6:58 nkjv

Hilen with its common-lands, Debir with its common-lands,

1 Chronicles 6:58 niv

Hilen, Debir,

1 Chronicles 6:58 esv

Hilen with its pasturelands, Debir with its pasturelands,

1 Chronicles 6:58 nlt

Holon, Debir,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 58 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:58 records two specific cities, Hilen and Debir, along with their surrounding pasturelands, as having been allotted to the priestly descendants of Aaron, a branch of the Kohathite Levites. This verse details a specific instance of God's systematic and thorough provision for His dedicated servants, ensuring their livelihood and a dwelling place within the promised land, despite their unique tribal inheritance not being a territorial one like the other tribes.

1 Chronicles 6 58 Context

1 Chronicles 6:58 is nestled within a lengthy genealogical and geographical record in 1 Chronicles chapter 6. This chapter primarily traces the lineage of the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the line of Aaron and the priestly families, reflecting the Chronicler's intense focus on the temple, the priesthood, and proper worship.

Specifically, this verse is part of a list of cities allotted to the priestly descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite division of the Levites (1 Chr 6:54-61). These verses meticulously detail the specific dwelling places assigned to them within the tribal territories of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. The chapter then continues to list cities for the remaining Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, completing the full accounting of all Levitical cities.

Historically, this detailed accounting served a significant purpose for the post-exilic community. By meticulously listing the families and their allotted cities, the Chronicler affirmed the divine mandate for the Levites' support and highlighted the continuity of the Levitical service from ancient times through their own generation. It reinforced the legitimacy of the priestly lines and their established provisions, connecting the re-established worship structure after the Babylonian exile back to the original divine design and Davidic organization, demonstrating God's faithful adherence to His covenants and His orderly establishment of worship infrastructure within Israel.

1 Chronicles 6 58 Word analysis

• And (וְ, wə): This conjunctive prefix serves to link the cities listed in this verse to the preceding ones (e.g., Anathoth, Almon), maintaining the flow of the catalogue of Levitical cities.
• Hilen (חִילֵן, Ḥîlēn): This specific name for the city is found only here in 1 Chronicles 6:58. Its parallel in Joshua 21:15 is Holon (חֹלוֹן, Ḥōlōwn). This variation, often involving a change in a single letter, is typical of minor scribal differences or alternative pronunciations across ancient Hebrew texts. While its exact location is debated, it was a city within the tribal territory of Judah, given to the priests. The inclusion of such detailed geographical names underscores the precision and administrative nature of the land distribution by God.
• with its pasturelands (מִגְרָשֶׁהָ, migrâsheha): This plural term denotes the common grazing lands or suburban fields immediately surrounding the walled city. These lands were distinct from agricultural fields and were explicitly set aside for the Levites' livestock. This provision was vital as Levites did not receive tribal territorial inheritance; instead, these cities and their pasturelands, inalienably given (Lev 25:34), served as their primary economic support and living space. This detail highlights God's holistic provision, catering to the practical needs of those consecrated to Him.
• Debir (דְּבִיר, Dĕḇîr): Meaning "inner sanctuary" or "oracle" (as in the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle/Temple), this city was a well-known Canaanite stronghold in the hill country of Judah, identified with modern Tell Beit Mirsim. Its capture by Othniel is notably recorded in Joshua 15:15-17 and Judges 1:11-13. The assignment of Debir, a former center of foreign worship, to the priests symbolizes God's absolute sovereignty over the land and its transformation into a place dedicated to His service and presence. It also functioned as one of the Cities of Refuge (Josh 21:13).
• with its pasturelands (מִגְרָשֶׁהָ, migrâsheha): The repetition of this phrase confirms that the provision of surrounding lands for livelihood was a universal and standardized aspect of all Levitical city allotments. It ensures clarity that both Hilen and Debir received these necessary support areas, not just the residential city.

Words-group by Words-group Analysis

• "And Hilen with its pasturelands, Debir with its pasturelands": This concise enumeration presents two pairs, each comprising a city and its associated pasturelands. The symmetrical phrasing "city with its pasturelands" reflects the structured and meticulous nature of the divine land distribution. It signifies God's complete provision: a dwelling place for the Levites (the city) and the economic means for their sustenance (the pasturelands). This pattern, repeated throughout the lists of Levitical cities in Joshua and Chronicles, emphasizes that while the Levites had no tribal land inheritance, God directly and precisely provided for their every need, solidifying their unique role and relationship with Him. The inclusion of a previously significant Canaanite city like Debir within this list underscores the theological point that the entire land, including formerly hostile territories, came under Yahweh's dominion and was meticulously ordered by Him for the benefit of His chosen people and the upkeep of His sacred service.

1 Chronicles 6 58 Bonus section

The detailed enumeration of Levitical cities, including Hilen and Debir, and the consistent mention of "pasturelands" serve multiple purposes beyond mere logistical assignment.

• Geographic Dissemination for Spiritual Influence: The strategic scattering of these Levitical cities (totaling 48 as confirmed in Josh 21:41-42) throughout all the tribal territories ensured that the priests and Levites, who were spiritual teachers and judicial arbiters (Deut 33:10), were present in every corner of Israel. This enabled easy access for the common people to instruction in God's law and access to righteous judgment. Thus, these cities functioned as spiritual outposts and centers for worship, law, and justice for the entire nation.
• Uniqueness of Levitical Inheritance: Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were explicitly stated to have no territorial inheritance in the land (Num 18:20, Deut 10:9). Instead, the Lord Himself was their inheritance. Their allocation of cities and pasturelands, which were uniquely inalienable (Lev 25:34), symbolized this distinct spiritual inheritance, allowing them to remain dedicated to service without being tied to land management or tribal disputes.
• Significance of Debir: Debir, as highlighted, was once a stronghold of the Anakim, fearsome giant-like people (Josh 11:21-23). Its conquest and subsequent allocation to the priests demonstrate God's ultimate sovereignty over even the most formidable enemies and His ability to transform territories once dedicated to idolatry into centers of His own sacred worship and law.

1 Chronicles 6 58 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:58, while appearing as a simple list, is a deeply significant theological statement. It is part of the meticulous account of God's systematic provision for the priestly Levites. By specifically naming "Hilen with its pasturelands" and "Debir with its pasturelands," the Chronicler underscores two crucial truths. First, God's plan is one of intricate order and precision; every detail of the land distribution and the care of His servants was divinely orchestrated. The cities, even a prominent former Canaanite stronghold like Debir, were specifically assigned, turning pagan sites into centers of divine worship and instruction. Second, the repeated phrase "with its pasturelands" is not incidental. It highlights the practical reality of divine provision, ensuring not just housing but also the economic means for the priests to live and serve. This demonstrated God's faithfulness to His covenant, making a way for those who served Him to be fully supported, independent of a tribal land inheritance. It signifies that divine service is sustained by divine supply, reflecting God's commitment to those set apart for His purposes.

Practical Application:

• This verse serves as a reminder that God provides for those called to full-time ministry, demonstrating His faithful care for their physical needs as they focus on spiritual service.
• It illustrates God's orderly nature in the detailed provision for His people and institutions.