1 Chronicles 6 79

1 Chronicles 6:79 kjv

Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:

1 Chronicles 6:79 nkjv

Kedemoth with its common-lands, and Mephaath with its common-lands.

1 Chronicles 6:79 niv

Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands;

1 Chronicles 6:79 esv

Kedemoth with its pasturelands, and Mephaath with its pasturelands;

1 Chronicles 6:79 nlt

Kedemoth, and Mephaath, each with its pasturelands.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 79 Meaning

This verse details two more cities, Kedemoth and Mephaath, along with their surrounding pasture lands, which were specifically allotted to the Merarite clan of the Levites. It continues the meticulous account within 1 Chronicles chapter 6 of the designated dwelling places for the Levites throughout the tribal territories of Israel. These cities provided the necessary space and sustenance for the Levites to fulfill their dedicated roles in serving God's tabernacle and, later, the Temple, without possessing a continuous territorial inheritance like the other tribes.

1 Chronicles 6 79 Context

Verse 79 is a concise continuation within a lengthy genealogical chapter in 1 Chronicles (chapter 6), specifically within a section (verses 54-81) that meticulously lists the cities allotted to the three main Levitical clans: Kohathites, Gershomites, and Merarites. This particular verse focuses on two cities designated for the Merarites, following previous verses that named cities from the territories of Reuben and Gad.

The overarching context of 1 Chronicles itself is crucial. Written post-exile, its primary purpose was to reconnect the returned community to their heritage, establish their identity as God's covenant people, and underscore the centrality of the Temple, priesthood, and orderly worship. The extensive detailing of Levitical lineages and their designated cities served to reinforce the legitimacy and continued importance of the Levitical order and the precise provisions made by God for His temple servants. The scattering of Levitical cities throughout Israel ensured their widespread presence, enabling them to fulfill their duties not only at the central sanctuary but also as instructors of the Law and arbiters of justice across all tribes, promoting spiritual unity and adherence to divine commands. This specific enumeration in verse 79, therefore, is not merely a geographic listing but an affirmation of divine order, faithful provision, and the enduring role of those consecrated to God's service.

1 Chronicles 6 79 Word analysis

• And (וְ / ve): This common Hebrew conjunction acts as a simple connector, indicating that this phrase continues the list of Levitical cities mentioned in the preceding verse (1 Chr 6:78). It signals continuity and completion of the enumeration of Merarite cities in that tribal territory.
• Kedemoth (קְדֵמוֹת / qeḏê·mōṯ): This proper noun means "eastern" or "ancients," reflecting its geographical position east of the Jordan River. It was a city in the territory originally allotted to the tribe of Reuben. Importantly, Kedemoth was not only a Levitical city for the Merarites but also designated as one of the six "cities of refuge" in Israel (Josh 20:8). This dual role underscores the multi-faceted spiritual and legal function of certain Levitical settlements, providing sanctuary while simultaneously facilitating priestly duties and instruction.
• also (גַּם / gam): This particle adds emphasis, meaning "even," "likewise," or "in addition to." It highlights that Kedemoth is being added to the previous cities mentioned in the list, ensuring comprehensive accounting.
• with her suburbs (וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ / u·miḡ·rā·šehā): The term "suburbs" (מִגְרָשֶׁיהָ / miḡrāšîm) refers specifically to the surrounding pasture lands or common ground allocated to the Levitical cities. As per Numbers 35:2-5, these lands were specifically set aside for the grazing of their livestock, distinct from agricultural land which the Levites were forbidden to own. This provision was vital for their livelihood, ensuring that the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, could sustain themselves and their families while dedicating their lives to sacred service. It underscores God's holistic and practical provision for His ministers.
• and Mephaath (וּמֵיפַעַת / u·mê·fa·‘aṯ): Another proper noun, likely meaning "brightness" or "loveliness." Mephaath was also a city within the territory of Reuben and assigned to the Merarite Levites (Josh 21:37). Its inclusion further emphasizes the thoroughness of the Chronicler's record and God's systematic distribution of His servants across the land.
• with her suburbs (וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ / u·miḡ·rā·šehā): The repetition of this phrase here confirms that Mephaath also came with its designated pasture lands, reiterating the comprehensive and sustained nature of God's provision for the Levites' sustenance. This consistent pattern across all Levitical cities showcases the divine foresight in equipping His servants not just with dwellings but with a means of livelihood, allowing them to remain undistracted in their sacred duties.

• "Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs": This phrase explicitly details two final cities within the Merarite allotment in the territories of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun, rounding out the description from this particular tribal allocation. The meticulous inclusion of "with her suburbs" is not incidental; it consistently highlights the complete nature of the divine provision. This was a unique land tenure arrangement, guaranteeing not just residential space but also an economic base for the Levites, differentiating them from other tribes who relied on agricultural land. This pattern reinforces the idea that God fully equips those whom He calls into His service, ensuring their needs are met so they can focus entirely on their dedicated calling.

1 Chronicles 6 79 Bonus section

The chronicler's keen interest in the precise distribution of Levitical cities reflects a broader theme: the establishment of proper divine order within Israel. By providing a secure and geographically distributed base, the Levites could effectively function as both spiritual guides and administrative overseers across all tribes, strengthening national cohesion around the worship of Yahweh. The dual role of cities like Kedemoth and Mephaath as both Levitical centers and "cities of refuge" highlights the comprehensive nature of the Mosaic law, which encompassed both spiritual duties and societal justice, with the Levites being central to upholding both aspects. The attention to these details by the Chronicler would have deeply resonated with the post-exilic community, seeking to re-establish a society according to God's blueprint after the devastation of the exile.

1 Chronicles 6 79 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:79 serves as a precise continuation of the Chronicler's diligent record-keeping regarding the dwelling places of the Merarite Levites. By naming Kedemoth and Mephaath, along with their essential pasture lands, the verse concludes a detailed segment outlining God's specific provisions for those consecrated to His service. This seemingly dry list reveals profound theological truths: God's meticulous care for His ministers, His establishment of divine order, and the necessity of sustaining those dedicated to sacred duties. The Levites, lacking an ancestral land inheritance, were entirely dependent on God's arrangement through the other tribes. This dispersion ensured that the influence of the Levites, as teachers of the law and examples of holiness, would permeate the entire nation. For the post-exilic community reading this, such specific details would not only reaffirm the divine legitimacy and importance of the Levitical priesthood but also instill confidence in God's faithfulness to provide for His people and the proper functioning of His worship. The repeated emphasis on "suburbs" further underscores the comprehensive nature of this divine provision—not just a roof over their heads, but the means of sustenance for their families and flocks, freeing them to serve God wholeheartedly.