1 Chronicles 6 72

1 Chronicles 6:72 kjv

And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,

1 Chronicles 6:72 nkjv

And from the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its common-lands, Daberath with its common-lands,

1 Chronicles 6:72 niv

from the tribe of Issachar they received Kedesh, Daberath,

1 Chronicles 6:72 esv

and out of the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands,

1 Chronicles 6:72 nlt

From the territory of Issachar, they were given Kedesh, Daberath,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 72 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:72 specifies two cities, Kedesh and Daberath, from the tribal territory of Issachar, which were designated along with their surrounding pasturelands (common-lands) for the dwelling of the Levites, particularly the Gershomites (as per the preceding context in chapter 6). This verse is part of a detailed account in Chronicles that meticulously lists the cities distributed among the Israelite tribes for the Levites to inhabit, fulfilling a key Mosaic commandment.

1 Chronicles 6 72 Context

1 Chronicles 6:72 is situated within a detailed genealogical record of the tribe of Levi and the priesthood, culminating in a precise enumeration of the Levitical cities throughout Israel. This section (1 Chron 6:54-81) is meticulous in listing the cities assigned to each Levitical family—Kohathites, Gershomites, and Merarites—from the territories of specific tribes. Verse 72 specifically details the cities provided for the Gershomites from the tribe of Issachar, consistent with the parallel account in Joshua 21.

Historically, these cities were allocated following the conquest of Canaan, as commanded by Mosaic Law (Numbers 35). The Levites, not having a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes, were instead distributed throughout Israel to serve as religious instructors, judges, and guardians of the Tabernacle/Temple worship. The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period (after the return from Babylon), places great emphasis on these lists. This reflects a desire to re-establish the proper order of worship and societal structure in Judah, highlighting God's faithfulness in providing for His priests and the meticulousness required in adherence to the divine law. The chronicler emphasizes the divinely ordained provision and organization for the service of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 6 72 Word analysis

• and out of the tribe of Issachar:

  • and: Connects this city allocation to the preceding descriptions, indicating continuation of the divine distribution plan.
  • out of the tribe: Emphasizes that these cities were ceded from the land inheritance of Issachar to the Levites. This wasn't additional land, but a portion of an existing tribal inheritance, signifying cooperation among the tribes for the maintenance of the religious order.
  • Issachar (יִשָּׂשכָר, Yissachar): Meaning "there is recompense" or "he is hired." Issachar was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, through whom one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended. Their territory was located in the fertile Jezreel Valley, east of Manasseh and south of Zebulun. The designation specifies precisely from which territorial allocation the Levites received their cities.

• Kedesh:

  • Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ, Qedesh): Meaning "holy" or "sanctuary." This name often indicates a place that might have held ancient sacred significance. It's important to note this is not the famous city of refuge "Kedesh in Naphtali" (Josh 20:7) but another city in the territory of Issachar assigned to the Gershomite Levites, as explicitly listed in Josh 21:28 as Kis(h)ion (Kishon in some translations). Scholarly research suggests "Kedesh" here in Chronicles may be a variant name for "Kis(h)ion" mentioned in Joshua 21:28, or refers to another, otherwise unlisted city named Kedesh within Issachar's territory. Regardless, it signifies a distinct geographical location provided for Levitical dwelling.

• with its common-lands:

  • with its common-lands (וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ, u-migrasheha): This phrase is critical. The Hebrew migrashim refers to the pasturelands or open spaces surrounding the walled city, provided for the Levites' livestock (Num 35:2-5) and personal sustenance. It signifies God's complete provision for the Levites, who received no territorial inheritance, ensuring they could sustain themselves and perform their religious duties without worldly distraction. This also demonstrates God's foresight and detailed planning for His servants' well-being. It was an inalienable possession, not subject to sale (Lev 25:34).

• and Daberath:

  • and Daberath (וְדָבְרַת, ve-Daverath): A specific city located in the territory of Issachar. It is also mentioned in Joshua 19:12 as part of the border of Zebulun and Joshua 21:28 as a Levitical city assigned to the Gershomites. The meaning is uncertain, though some connect it to terms related to "pasture" or "sheepfold."

• with its common-lands: Repetition emphasizes the integral nature of the pasturelands to the Levitical allocation. Each city designated for the Levites included this surrounding area for their livelihood. This ensures consistency and complete provision according to the Law.

1 Chronicles 6 72 Bonus section

The detailed lists of Levitical cities in 1 Chronicles (which largely mirrors and sometimes slightly varies from Joshua 21) highlight the Chronicler's intense focus on the importance of the priesthood and Levites for the spiritual well-being of Israel. For the Chronicler, the establishment of proper worship, overseen by properly situated and supported Levites, was central to God's ideal for His people. These cities were not just dwellings but also potential centers of Mosaic Law instruction and administration throughout the land, extending the influence of divine teaching and justice to every tribe. While Kedesh in Issachar is distinct from the more famous city of refuge Kedesh in Naphtali (Josh 20:7), the concept of cities set apart for specific holy or beneficial purposes reinforces the detailed divine organization intended for the nation.

1 Chronicles 6 72 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:72, though a concise geographical entry, underscores profound theological truths about God's faithfulness and meticulous order. It isn't merely a list but a testament to the divine fulfillment of promises and the structured organization of ancient Israelite society, particularly concerning the Levites.

Firstly, this verse, as part of the larger list of Levitical cities, showcases God's faithfulness in providing for those set apart for His service. The Levites had no land inheritance of their own (Deut 10:9), but God, through specific instruction, ensured their provision and place within every tribal territory. This demonstrated His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

Secondly, the inclusion of "common-lands" is crucial. This provision for their livestock and livelihood highlights God's holistic care. He not only provided a dwelling place but also the means of sustenance for those dedicated to His sacred service. This allowed the Levites to fulfill their spiritual, educational, and judicial roles without being a burden on other tribes.

Thirdly, the Chronicler's emphasis on this detailed distribution in the post-exilic period served a significant purpose. It reminded the returning exiles of the divinely ordained structure for their worship and national life, encouraging a re-commitment to purity, order, and proper support for the priesthood and Levites. It's an example of how ancient blueprints (like the distribution of Levitical cities) could serve as aspirational ideals for renewed faithfulness. In a broader sense, this principle reminds us today of the importance of supporting and properly resourcing those dedicated to full-time spiritual ministry, allowing them to focus on their divine calling.