1 Chronicles 6 65

1 Chronicles 6:65 kjv

And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by their names.

1 Chronicles 6:65 nkjv

And they gave by lot from the tribe of the children of Judah, from the tribe of the children of Simeon, and from the tribe of the children of Benjamin these cities which are called by their names.

1 Chronicles 6:65 niv

From the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin they allotted the previously named towns.

1 Chronicles 6:65 esv

They gave by lot out of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin these cities that are mentioned by name.

1 Chronicles 6:65 nlt

The towns in the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, mentioned above, were assigned to them by means of sacred lots.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 65 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:65 declares that cities were given to the Levites from the territories of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. This verse acts as a summarizing statement, setting the stage for the detailed list of Levitical cities that follows, affirming the fulfillment of the ancient divine command to provide for the Levite priests and temple servants across Israel. It highlights God's faithfulness in allocating dwelling places to those set apart for His service, underscoring the structured and orderly distribution according to divine law.

1 Chronicles 6 65 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 comprehensively outlines the lineage of Levi, highlighting the esteemed position of the Aaronite priests and the various Levitical families designated for temple service (Kohath, Gershon, Merari). The chapter culminates in verses 54-81, which meticulously list the cities allotted to these Levitical groups throughout Israel, fulfilling the commandment given by Moses and later executed by Joshua. Verse 65 specifically introduces the cities assigned from the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, which were primarily associated with the southern kingdom.

Historically, after the return from Babylonian exile, the Chronicler sought to re-establish the legitimacy and proper order of Israelite worship, focusing on the centralized cult in Jerusalem and the roles of the priesthood and Levites. This detailed accounting of Levitical cities underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His commitment to providing for those dedicated to His service, affirming the continuity of God's covenant and law even after the nation's severe disruption. It served as an authoritative record for the post-exilic community, reinforcing their heritage and responsibilities according to divine institution.

1 Chronicles 6 65 Word analysis

• And they gave: The Hebrew term for "gave" is נָתַן (nathan), a common verb meaning "to give, put, place." In this context, it signifies the act of allotment and transfer of possession, specifically by lot or decree. This action follows God's prior commandment through Moses and the execution by Joshua (Num 35; Josh 21). "They" implicitly refers to the leadership of Israel, primarily Joshua and Eleazar the priest, acting on divine instruction.
• out of the tribe of Judah: "Tribe" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet) refers to one of the twelve divisions of Israel. Judah was the largest and most prominent tribe, central to the southern kingdom, from which the Davidic dynasty emerged. Its cities' contribution to the Levites was significant due to its vast territory and historical importance.
• and out of the tribe of Simeon: Simeon (שִׁמְעוֹן, Shim‘on), originally receiving territory within Judah (Josh 19:1), had a diminished role over time. Its inclusion here indicates the comprehensive fulfillment of the allocation despite the tribe's later obscurity, emphasizing divine order.
• and out of the tribe of Benjamin: Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin) was the tribe closest to Judah geographically, encompassing Jerusalem (partially) and serving as a crucial component of the southern kingdom. The cities from Benjamin's territory were vital, especially considering the prominence of Jerusalem.
• these cities: The cities (עָרִים, `arim) were not merely ordinary settlements but designated places, some also serving as cities of refuge (Josh 20). Their allocation ensured that the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance of their own, had dwelling places spread throughout the land, allowing them to perform their religious duties and instruct the people in the Law.
• which are called by their names: This phrase, literally "which were named by their names," emphasizes that the forthcoming list identifies specific cities well-known by their proper appellations. It assures the reader that these are established, recognizable localities, not generic places. This attention to detail highlights the Chronicler's accuracy and the concrete fulfillment of God's command.

Words-Group Analysis:

• And they gave out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin: This phrase highlights the systematic and territorial aspect of the distribution. It emphasizes the cooperation of the specific tribes, mainly those forming the southern kingdom, in fulfilling the divine directive regarding Levitical provision. This grouping underscores the Chronicler's focus on the established structure important for post-exilic identity and worship.
• these cities, which are called by their names: This construction serves as an introductory clause to the following lists (verses 66-81), guaranteeing specificity. It lends authority to the record, assuring the audience that the following inventory is precise and accurate, detailing the actual places where Levites dwelled and served throughout generations.

1 Chronicles 6 65 Bonus section

The mention of cities given "out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin" is particularly significant given the Chronicler's audience. These were the primary tribes comprising the post-exilic community that returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple. By focusing on the cities from these specific territories, the Chronicler reinforced their direct historical connection to God's ancient ordinances and demonstrated that even in their reduced state, they were participating in the fulfillment of promises. This helped to solidify their identity and legitimacy as the remnant of Israel. Furthermore, the inclusion of cities from Simeon, a tribe often seen as absorbed into Judah, highlights the Chronicler's dedication to detailing the complete adherence to the Mosaic law's land distribution, affirming its comprehensive implementation in God's ordered plan. The fact that the verse notes cities were "called by their names" underscores the precise and tangible reality of God's directives.

1 Chronicles 6 65 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:65 acts as an introductory summary to the detailed record of Levitical cities, specifically those allocated from Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. This seemingly simple administrative statement carries profound theological significance. It confirms God's faithful provision for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance, as the Lord Himself was their portion (Num 18:20; Deut 10:9). The careful listing of these cities, reiterated from earlier records (primarily Joshua 21), emphasizes the meticulous fulfillment of God's law. For the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, this demonstrated the enduring validity of God's commands and His providential care for those dedicated to His service, despite the intervening national upheaval. It reinforced the importance of orderly worship and the proper support for the priesthood, vital for national restoration and spiritual health. This divine arrangement ensured that spiritual instruction and oversight were dispersed throughout the land, not just centralized in Jerusalem.