1 Chronicles 6 63

1 Chronicles 6:63 kjv

Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

1 Chronicles 6:63 nkjv

To the sons of Merari, throughout their families, they gave twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun.

1 Chronicles 6:63 niv

The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, were allotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.

1 Chronicles 6:63 esv

To the Merarites according to their clans were allotted twelve cities out of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

1 Chronicles 6:63 nlt

The descendants of Merari received by sacred lots twelve towns from the territories of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 63 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:63 records the specific inheritance given to the descendants of Merari, one of the three main clans of the Levites. It states that Merarite families received a total of twelve cities, allocated from the territories of three distinct tribes: Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. This arrangement ensured the Merarites, like other Levites, did not possess a unified territorial inheritance but were rather dispersed throughout Israel, positioned to serve the entire nation spiritually and practically.

1 Chronicles 6 63 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 is primarily a detailed genealogical record of the Levites, the priestly tribe set apart for special service to the Lord. It traces their lineage through Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and specifies their roles and their allocated cities throughout the land of Israel. The Chronicler emphasizes the legitimate lines of priesthood and the organized, divinely ordained structure of worship that centered on the tabernacle and later, the Temple. Verses 54-81 detail the cities given to these three Levitical branches, reiterating and legitimizing the distribution first recorded in Joshua 21. This verse specifically concludes the assignment of cities to the Merarite families, establishing their designated locations for service among the people of Israel, even though they had no land inheritance of their own. This reinforces the Chronicler's theme of proper divine order and the establishment of a centralized, legitimate cult for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 6 63 Word analysis

• And: A conjunction connecting this statement to the preceding accounts of city assignments for other Levitical families. It implies continuity within the systematic distribution.
• to the sons of Merari:
  • Hebrew: וְלִבְנֵי מְרָרִי (və-livnê Mə-rârî).
  • Merari (מְרָרִי - Mə-rârî): The third son of Levi. His descendants formed one of the three main divisions of Levites (Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites). They were responsible for carrying and caring for the heavier and more solid components of the tabernacle, such as the frames, pillars, sockets, cords, and stakes (Num 3:36-37). Their identity defines their unique role and allocation.
• according to their families: This phrase stresses the precise and ordered nature of the distribution. The allocations were not random but followed established clan divisions, highlighting God's meticulous design and justice in providing for each unit of His servants. It also indicates that entire family units, not just individuals, were settled together.
• out of the tribe of Reuben: Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son. His tribe settled east of the Jordan River. Giving cities from this tribe placed Merarites among the Transjordanian tribes, ensuring spiritual oversight even on the periphery of the land.
• and out of the tribe of Gad: Gad was another son of Jacob, whose tribe also settled east of the Jordan River, adjacent to Reuben. Their inclusion further spread Merarite influence to the eastern side. Both Reuben and Gad were traditionally pastoral tribes.
• and out of the tribe of Zebulun: Zebulun was a son of Jacob, whose tribe settled in the northern part of Canaan, near the coast and the Sea of Galilee. This shows a geographical dispersal, with Levites not just concentrated in central Judah or east of Jordan, but reaching into the northern territories of Israel. This dispersion was crucial for their national teaching mandate.
• were given: This passive voice construction emphasizes that the cities were not acquired by the Merarites' own strength or choice, but were granted to them, signifying a divine provision and a God-ordained allocation. It points to God's providence.
• twelve cities: This specific number is significant. It completes the total for the Merarite clan's allocation, paralleling the twelve tribes of Israel (though the tribes who gave cities were fewer than twelve), and ensuring comprehensive provision. The consistency in the number across Joshua 21 and 1 Chronicles 6 attests to the meticulousness of the divine arrangement.

1 Chronicles 6 63 Bonus section

The consistent reporting of "twelve cities" for the Merarites across both Joshua and 1 Chronicles underscores the careful, systematic approach to land allocation and Levitical settlement post-conquest. This wasn't a haphazard distribution but a precisely executed divine plan. The strategic dispersal of the Merarites, like all Levites, allowed them to serve as spiritual and judicial anchors within the diverse cultural and geographical landscapes of Israel, bringing God's Word and judgments close to every family unit, rather than having the people needing to travel extensively just to seek out the Lord's instruction. This foreshadows a principle where those in ministry are embedded within communities, not isolated.

1 Chronicles 6 63 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:63 succinctly conveys a vital aspect of Israel's divinely ordered society: the provision and placement of the Merarite Levites. Though they had no territorial inheritance of their own, God, through His command, ensured they were allocated cities strategically located among various tribes. This particular verse highlights the Merarite portion from Reuben, Gad (both Transjordanian), and Zebulun (northern Israel). This widespread distribution ensured that the Levites, who were spiritual custodians and teachers of God's Law, were accessible throughout the entire nation. Their presence in these twelve specific cities facilitated their unique ministry—administering justice, teaching the Law, maintaining spiritual purity, and reminding the Israelites of God's covenant demands. The detailed record in Chronicles, consistent with Joshua 21, legitimizes this arrangement, emphasizing the Chronicler's concern for the proper, ordained worship structure, and the indispensable role of the Levites within it. It serves as a testament to God's precise plan for His people's spiritual well-being and orderly governance.