1 Chronicles 6 67

1 Chronicles 6:67 kjv

And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs,

1 Chronicles 6:67 nkjv

And they gave them one of the cities of refuge, Shechem with its common-lands, in the mountains of Ephraim, also Gezer with its common-lands,

1 Chronicles 6:67 niv

In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge), and Gezer,

1 Chronicles 6:67 esv

They were given the cities of refuge: Shechem with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands,

1 Chronicles 6:67 nlt

Shechem (a city of refuge in the hill country of Ephraim), Gezer,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 67 Meaning

First Chronicles 6:67 details a specific aspect of the Levitical inheritance: the cities assigned to the families of the Kohathites. It states that the tribes of Israel, specifically those inhabiting the territory of Ephraim, allocated two cities—Shechem and Gezer—along with their associated common lands, for the Levites to dwell in. These cities served as living spaces for God's designated ministers, who had no tribal land inheritance of their own but were provided for by the other tribes through divine command.

1 Chronicles 6 67 Context

First Chronicles chapter 6 comprehensively details the genealogies and divisions of the Levitical families, underscoring their sacred service in the tabernacle and temple. The latter part of the chapter, specifically verses 54-81, lists the cities allocated to the different Levitical clans (Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites) by lot, fulfilling God's command given in Numbers 35 and Joshua 21. Verse 67 falls within the list of cities designated for the remaining families of the Kohathites who did not serve as priests but as guardians and performers of specific temple duties. This allocation placed the Levites, who received no tribal inheritance of land, strategically across Israel to serve as religious instructors, judges, and administrators of justice, maintaining the spiritual integrity of the nation by dwelling among the people. Shechem and Gezer, being important strategic and cultural centers in Ephraim's territory, highlight the widespread distribution of these religious leaders.

1 Chronicles 6 67 Word analysis

• They gave them: Refers to the tribes of Israel, specifically the Ephraimites, who, by divine decree and casting lots, apportioned these cities to the Levites. "Them" refers to "the rest of the families of the sons of Kohath" (1 Chr 6:61). This was not charity but a fulfillment of God's command (Num 35:2-8; Josh 21).
• Shechem: (Hebrew: שְׁכֶם, Shechem) A historically significant city in the central hill country of Ephraim. Its name might derive from a word meaning "shoulder" or "back," possibly referring to its position on a mountain spur. Shechem was an ancient Canaanite city and later became an important Israelite center. It was a covenant site for Abraham (Gen 12:6), Jacob (Gen 33:18-20), and Joshua (Josh 24:1-28), and significantly, was one of the six cities designated as a City of Refuge (Josh 20:7). Its assignment to the Levites placed influential religious leadership in a vital spiritual and administrative hub.
• with its common lands: (Hebrew: מִגְרָשֵׁיהָ, migrasheha) Refers to the pasture lands, open spaces, or suburban areas surrounding the walled city. These "common lands" were critical for the Levites as they did not receive farming land and needed space for their cattle and other livestock, which constituted part of their livelihood and sustenance (Lev 25:34; Num 35:3). This ensured their economic viability while fulfilling their sacred duties.
• in the hill country of Ephraim: Designates the geographic location within the tribal territory of Ephraim. This region was agriculturally fertile and strategically central, emphasizing the distribution of Levitical influence across vital areas of Israel.
• with Gezer: (Hebrew: גָּזֶר, Gazer) Another prominent city, known for its strategic location at a major crossroads of trade and military routes, south-west of Ephraim's core territory, bordering the coastal plain. Unlike Shechem, Gezer remained a strong Canaanite stronghold for a long time, posing challenges for the Israelites (Judg 1:29). Its eventual allocation to the Levites indicates the persistent effort to integrate sacred life into strategically important areas.
• also with its common lands: Reinforces the same provision for common lands around Gezer, highlighting the consistent standard for all Levitical cities to include pastures for their necessary livestock.
• Shechem with its common lands: This phrase emphasizes that the city proper and its essential surrounding pastures were transferred. It speaks to the holistic provision necessary for the Levites to sustain themselves and carry out their functions.
• in the hill country of Ephraim, with Gezer also: This pairing points to two strategically important cities within the region, indicating the comprehensive nature of the Levitical distribution and their presence in key areas.

1 Chronicles 6 67 Bonus section

The list of Levitical cities in 1 Chronicles 6 often presents variations compared to the more original listing in Joshua 21. For example, Joshua 21:22 lists Kibzaim and Beth-horon in Ephraim alongside Shechem and Gezer for the Kohathites, whereas 1 Chronicles 6:67-68 lists only Shechem, Gezer, Jokmeam, and Beth-horon (for different branches). These discrepancies are understood by scholars as either due to scribal variations, a different recension of the source material, or perhaps a reflection of actual changes in cities occupied by Levites over time, particularly given the chronicler's post-exilic perspective that might consolidate or reflect the most well-known or currently occupied cities for Levites. Such variations do not negate the divine command but highlight the textual transmission process and the living reality of Israelite history and geography. The inclusion of "common lands" (migrashim) consistently across all texts emphasizes their critical importance as economic support for a non-farming priesthood, preventing their impoverishment and ensuring their dedicated focus on sacred duties. The archaeological significance of both Shechem and Gezer, showing long histories of occupation and strategic importance, further attests to the calculated distribution of the Levites in influential centers across the land.

1 Chronicles 6 67 Commentary

First Chronicles 6:67 highlights God's systematic and providential care for His ministers, the Levites. Having no territorial inheritance of their own (Num 18:20), their very sustenance and place of dwelling were meticulously ordained through the collective action of the other Israelite tribes. The giving of Shechem and Gezer, along with their common lands, to the Kohathite Levites serves multiple significant purposes. First, it underscores the communal responsibility of all Israel to support those dedicated to spiritual service. Second, the strategic placement of these cities across the land ensured the presence of trained instructors and judges, who would uphold the Mosaic Law and maintain spiritual integrity among the tribes (Deut 33:10; Neh 8:7-8). Shechem, particularly, with its rich patriarchal history and status as a City of Refuge, exemplifies how ancient sacred sites were integrated into the divine order for spiritual stewardship. This precise provision demonstrates God's blueprint for a theocratic nation where His word was to be constantly taught, and His justice administered by dedicated individuals living among the people, reflecting an ordered society dependent on divine law and spiritual leadership.