1 Chronicles 6 74

1 Chronicles 6:74 kjv

And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs,

1 Chronicles 6:74 nkjv

And from the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its common-lands, Abdon with its common-lands,

1 Chronicles 6:74 niv

from the tribe of Asher they received Mashal, Abdon,

1 Chronicles 6:74 esv

out of the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its pasturelands, Abdon with its pasturelands,

1 Chronicles 6:74 nlt

From the territory of Asher, they received Mashal, Abdon,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 74 Meaning

First Chronicles 6:74 details two cities, Mishal and Abdon, along with their surrounding pasturelands, that were allocated from the territory of the tribe of Asher to the Gershonite families of the Levites. This allocation was part of the divinely ordained system for distributing land to the Levites throughout the tribes of Israel, ensuring their provision and ability to perform their spiritual duties.

1 Chronicles 6 74 Context

First Chronicles 6 is primarily dedicated to the genealogies and assignments of the tribe of Levi, particularly their roles in temple service and their designated residences. Following a detailed account of the lineage of Levi's sons (Gershon, Kohath, Merari), the chapter meticulously lists the cities given to the priestly descendants of Aaron (Kohathites, 1 Chron 6:54-60) and then proceeds to enumerate the cities assigned to the remaining Kohathites (1 Chron 6:61-65), Gershonites (1 Chron 6:66-76), and Merarites (1 Chron 6:77-81). Verse 74 specifically fits into the section outlining the Gershonites' cities derived from the territories of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh. This comprehensive list emphasizes the precise fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical cities, ensuring the Levites' presence and provision throughout the tribes, which allowed them to instruct Israel in God's law and facilitate centralized worship at the tabernacle/temple.

1 Chronicles 6 74 Word analysis

• and from the tribe (וּמִמַּטֵּה / ū-mimmattêh): The Hebrew word maṭṭeh (מַטֶּה) refers to a rod or staff, and by extension, a tribal division or clan. This phrase signifies the source—the specific tribal territory—from which the cities for the Levites were drawn. It highlights the structured, inter-tribal nature of the Levitical assignments as per divine instruction.

• of Asher (אָשֵׁר / ’āšēr): Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's son Asher. Its allotted territory was in the northern part of Canaan, largely along the coastal plain. The mention of Asher emphasizes the widespread dispersion of the Levitical presence across the land, reaching into the far northern territories.

• Mishal (מִשְׁאָל / Miš’āl): A city allocated to the Gershonite Levites. It is also referred to as Mashal (מָשָׁל) in Joshua 21:30. Its precise archaeological location is debated but generally placed in the northern part of Asher's territory. Its inclusion underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical and geographical precision in documenting the divine allocations.

• with its pasturelands (וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ / wĕ’et-migrāšehā): The Hebrew migrāš (מִגְרָשׁ) refers to the open, common land or suburbs surrounding the cities, designated specifically for the Levites' livestock and general sustenance. This provision was crucial because, unlike other tribes, the Levites received no tribal land inheritance for cultivation (Num 18:20). Its inclusion signifies the complete and practical nature of God's provision, not just shelter but also the means of livelihood, which were also protected from permanent sale (Lev 25:34).

• Abdon (עַבְדּוֹן / ‘Abddôn): Another city assigned to the Gershonite Levites from the tribe of Asher. Like Mishal, its specific mention demonstrates the meticulous recording of these divine appointments. The name 'Abdon' can mean 'servitude' or 'service,' aptly fitting a city housing those dedicated to divine service.

• from the tribe of Asher: This phrase emphasizes the principle of dispersion of the Levites throughout Israel. Their allocation across various tribal territories facilitated their role as religious instructors and judicial arbitrators for all Israel, ensuring access to Mosaic law and centralized worship for every region. This arrangement contrasts with having all Levites centralized in one area, thereby fostering a unified religious identity nationwide.

• Mishal with its pasturelands, Abdon with its pasturelands: This recurring structure (city + pasturelands) highlights the distinctive provision for the Levites. Their land inheritance was not agricultural plots like other tribes, but cities with attached communal grazing areas. This dual provision of habitation and subsistence was essential for the Levites, who were supported by tithes and offerings rather than by personal farming, allowing them to devote themselves fully to their sacred duties. This also represents God's sustained, practical care for His dedicated servants, demonstrating His faithfulness to His commands given in Numbers 35:1-8.

1 Chronicles 6 74 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "pasturelands" (migrashim) is significant. Unlike normal real estate that could be sold, Levitical pasturelands were perpetually held, serving as a permanent economic base (Lev 25:34), demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the sustenance of His consecrated servants.
• The Chronicler's meticulous list of cities like Mishal and Abdon directly fulfills God's command in Numbers 35 and Joshua 21, affirming God's reliability in keeping His covenant promises, not just in broad strokes but in precise detail.
• This specific enumeration also validated the post-exilic Levites' legitimate claim to their historical settlements and functions, reinforcing continuity with their Mosaic heritage and establishing their identity in the restored community.

1 Chronicles 6 74 Commentary

First Chronicles 6:74 is more than a simple geographical record; it is a profound affirmation of God's faithfulness and meticulous planning for His people, particularly His ministers. By precisely listing Mishal and Abdon along with their pasturelands within Asher's territory for the Gershonite Levites, the Chronicler underscores the divine fulfillment of Mosaic commands regarding the allocation of Levitical cities. This detailed account validates the post-exilic community's claim to their spiritual heritage and divine order. The Levites' distribution across all tribes, sustained by their allocated cities and essential pasturelands, ensured that instruction in God's law and the proper conduct of worship were accessible throughout Israel, promoting religious unity and preventing doctrinal divergence. This verse stands as a testament to the fact that those who dedicate their lives to the Lord's service will be provided for by God Himself, underscoring the principle of divine care for those committed to His work.