1 Chronicles 6
1 Chronicles 6 traces the genealogy of the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This chapter emphasizes the importance of the Levites, particularly in their roles as priests and temple workers. The Levites were set apart for service to God, and their duties included handling the tabernacle, leading worship, and offering sacrifices. The chapter lists the descendants of Levi and highlights their significance in Israel's religious life. It also records the allocation of cities to the Levites, showing how they were spread throughout the land of Israel to fulfill their sacred duties.
1 Chronicles 6:1-5 (NKJV)
1 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
2 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
3 The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
4 Eleazar begot Phinehas, and Phinehas begot Abishua;
5 Abishua begot Bukki, and Bukki begot Uzzi;
These verses establish the lineage of Levi’s sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, from whom the various branches of Levites descended. Kohath’s line is especially significant because it produced Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, three key figures in Israel’s history. Aaron’s sons were the first priests, with Eleazar’s line continuing the priesthood. The genealogy highlights God’s choice of this family for leadership and service in Israel's worship system. Each name connects the Levites to their essential roles in maintaining Israel's relationship with God.
1 Chronicles 6:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Uzzi begot Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begot Meraioth;
7 Meraioth begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub;
8 Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Ahimaaz;
9 Ahimaaz begot Azariah, and Azariah begot Johanan;
These verses continue the priestly genealogy, moving from Uzzi to Johanan. The lineage includes notable priests like Zadok, who played a critical role during the reign of King David. This continuity of priestly succession underscores the importance of maintaining a pure and devoted priesthood for the religious life of Israel. The connection between these men and their roles as spiritual leaders in Israel highlights the sacred trust passed down through generations to ensure worship was properly conducted.
1 Chronicles 6:10-13 (NKJV)
10 Johanan begot Azariah (it was he who ministered as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem);
11 Azariah begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub;
12 Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Shallum;
13 Shallum begot Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begot Azariah;
These verses further highlight the priestly line, particularly noting Azariah, who served in the temple Solomon built. This is significant because it shows the continuity of the priestly service in the central place of worship for Israel. The line continues through familiar names, such as Zadok and Hilkiah, pointing to their pivotal roles in guiding Israel's religious practices. Their service as priests symbolized the enduring covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing the Levites' critical role.
1 Chronicles 6:14-15 (NKJV)
14 Azariah begot Seraiah, and Seraiah begot Jehozadak.
15 Jehozadak went into captivity when the Lord carried Judah and Jerusalem into captivity by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
This passage highlights the sobering conclusion of the priestly line before the Babylonian captivity. Jehozadak, the last mentioned priest here, was taken into captivity along with the rest of Judah when Babylon conquered Jerusalem. This event marked a turning point in Israel’s history, ending the period of the first temple and bringing about significant changes in their worship practices. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel’s disobedience and God’s judgment.
1 Chronicles 6:16-21 (NKJV)
16 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
17 These are the names of the sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei.
18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. Now these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers:
20 Of Gershon were Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,
21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.
These verses detail the genealogies of the three sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Each branch of Levi’s descendants had distinct roles in Israel’s religious life, primarily dealing with the responsibilities related to the tabernacle and later the temple. The repetition of these names emphasizes the stability and consistency of the Levite families in carrying out their duties across generations. This section provides the foundation for understanding the organization of the Levites’ roles in Israel's worship.
1 Chronicles 6:22-25 (NKJV)
22 The sons of Kohath were Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,
23 Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,
24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.
25 The sons of Elkanah were Amasai and Ahimoth.
Here, the genealogy of the Kohathites continues, with a focus on the descendants of Korah. Korah is a significant figure in Israel's history, known for leading a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16), though his line continued. This lineage of Kohathites also includes Elkanah, which ties into the family of the prophet Samuel. The names listed represent the persistence of this priestly line despite past failures, highlighting the theme of continuity in God’s plan for His people.
1 Chronicles 6:26-28 (NKJV)
26 As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah were Zophai his son, Nahath his son,
27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son.
28 The sons of Samuel were Joel the firstborn, and Abijah the second.
These verses identify Elkanah as the father of Samuel, one of Israel’s most important prophets. Samuel’s two sons, Joel and Abijah, are also mentioned, although their leadership later brought controversy due to their corrupt practices. Samuel’s legacy as a prophet, judge, and priest is crucial in the history of Israel, as he anointed the first kings, Saul and David. The mention of his sons also highlights the difficulties in maintaining faithfulness across generations.
1 Chronicles 6:29-30 (NKJV)
29 The sons of Merari were Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,
30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son.
These verses continue the lineage of the Merarites, another division of the Levites responsible for the tabernacle’s maintenance and transportation. The Merarites played a practical role in Israel’s worship system, taking care of the physical aspects of the tabernacle’s operation. This part of the genealogy emphasizes how each branch of the Levites contributed to the community’s spiritual life through their specific duties.
1 Chronicles 6:31-33 (NKJV)
31 Now these are the men whom David appointed over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest.
32 They were ministering with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they served in their office according to their order.
33 And these are the ones who ministered with their sons: Of the sons of the Kohathites were Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
These verses introduce the Levites who were in charge of music in the house of the Lord, starting with David’s appointment of musicians after the ark was brought to Jerusalem. Music was an essential part of Israel’s worship, and these Levites served in this capacity until the construction of Solomon’s temple. The mention of Heman, a descendant of Samuel, emphasizes the significant role of music in worship and the passing down of this duty through generations. David’s organization of worship music reflects his deep desire to honor God in every aspect of worship.
1 Chronicles 6:34-38 (NKJV)
34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,
35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,
36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,
37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,
38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
These verses continue the genealogy of the Kohathites, tracing the lineage of Heman, the singer. It links him all the way back to Levi, the son of Israel (Jacob), underscoring the historical depth and importance of this family in maintaining the worship and service of the Lord. The repeated mention of Kohath emphasizes that the Kohathites played a central role in the Levite duties, particularly in handling the sacred elements of the tabernacle and temple.
1 Chronicles 6:39-43 (NKJV)
39 And his brother Asaph, who stood at his right hand, was Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea,
40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah,
41 the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,
43 the son of Jahath, the son of Gershon, the son of Levi.
Asaph, another key figure in Israel’s musical worship, is introduced here as Heman’s brother. Asaph’s lineage is traced back to Gershon, another son of Levi, emphasizing the widespread contributions of the Levite families to Israel’s worship life. Asaph is known as one of the principal leaders of temple music, and several psalms in the Book of Psalms are attributed to him. His family’s involvement in worship music highlights the importance of music as a spiritual practice in Israel.
1 Chronicles 6:44-47 (NKJV)
44 Their brethren, the sons of Merari, stood at the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
45 the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,
46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,
47 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.
These verses continue the listing of the Levites responsible for temple music, focusing on the Merarites, who stood on the left side. Ethan, a Merarite, is mentioned as their leader. The inclusion of multiple branches of the Levites in the musical service shows how worship involved the entire tribe of Levi, not just the priests. Each family had its role, and music was an integral part of the temple service, uniting the people in praise and worship of God.
1 Chronicles 6:48 (NKJV)
48 And their brethren, the Levites, were appointed to every kind of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
This verse summarizes the broad responsibilities of the Levites in the tabernacle and later the temple. Beyond the musical duties, the Levites were involved in every aspect of the service, from maintaining the sacred space to assisting the priests in their rituals. Their service was crucial for the functioning of Israel’s worship system, and they were appointed to ensure that the tabernacle and temple remained a place of holiness and proper worship.
1 Chronicles 6:49-53 (NKJV)
49 But Aaron and his sons offered sacrifices on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the Most Holy Place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.
50 Now these are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,
51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,
52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,
53 Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son.
These verses focus on the line of Aaron, detailing the responsibilities of the priests. Aaron’s sons were given the special role of offering sacrifices and ministering in the Most Holy Place, the central part of the temple where God’s presence dwelt. Their primary task was to make atonement for Israel, ensuring the people’s sins were forgiven and they remained in right relationship with God. The genealogy of Aaron’s descendants continues, linking the family directly to their vital role in maintaining the worship of Israel.
1 Chronicles 6:54-60 (NKJV)
54 Now these are the dwelling places throughout their settlements in their territory, for they were given by lot to the sons of Aaron, of the family of the Kohathites:
55 They gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, with its surrounding common-lands.
56 But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
57 And to the sons of Aaron they gave one of the cities of refuge, Hebron; also Libnah with its common-lands, Jattir, Eshtemoa with its common-lands,
58 Hilen with its common-lands, Debir with its common-lands,
59 Ashan with its common-lands, and Beth Shemesh with its common-lands.
60 And from the tribe of Benjamin: Geba with its common-lands, Alemeth with its common-lands, and Anathoth with its common-lands. All their cities among their families were thirteen.
These verses describe the allocation of cities to the descendants of Aaron. As the priestly line, they were given specific cities, including Hebron, one of the cities of refuge. The cities were spread across the land of Judah and Benjamin, ensuring the priests were present throughout Israel to carry out their religious duties. This also ensured that the people had access to the spiritual leadership and guidance of the priests. The designation of cities of refuge highlights the importance of justice and mercy in the priestly service.
1 Chronicles 6:61-66 (NKJV)
61 To the rest of the sons of Kohath, ten cities were given by lot from the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh.
62 And to the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, thirteen cities were given from the tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.
63 To the sons of Merari, throughout their families, twelve cities were given from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun.
64 So the children of Israel gave these cities with their common-lands to the Levites.
65 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.
66 Now some of the families of the sons of Kohath were given cities as their territory from the tribe of Ephraim.
These verses detail the allotment of cities to the Levites throughout the land of Israel. Each branch of the Levites—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—was given cities by lot. This distribution ensured that the Levites, who did not inherit land like the other tribes, had places to live and perform their duties. The spread of Levites across the nation ensured that they could minister to the people wherever they lived, reinforcing their role as spiritual leaders and caretakers of the tabernacle and temple.
1 Chronicles 6:67-70 (NKJV)
67 And they gave to them from the tribe of Ephraim these cities with their common-lands:
68 Shechem with its common-lands (in the mountains of Ephraim), also Gezer with its common-lands,
69 Jokmeam with its common-lands, Beth Horon with its common-lands,
70 Aijalon with its common-lands, and Gath Rimmon with its common-lands.
These verses describe the specific cities allotted to the Kohathites from the tribe of Ephraim. Shechem, a significant city in Israel’s history, was one of these cities. The mention of common lands indicates the surrounding areas that were designated for the Levites' use. By receiving cities from the various tribes, the Levites were integrated into the life of Israel while still maintaining their distinct role in leading worship and caring for the tabernacle or temple.
1 Chronicles 6:71-76 (NKJV)
71 And from the half-tribe of Manasseh: Aner with its common-lands, and Bileam with its common-lands, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath.
72 From the family of the sons of Gershon were given from the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its common-lands, Daberath with its common-lands,
73 Ramoth with its common-lands, and Anem with its common-lands.
74 And from the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its common-lands, Abdon with its common-lands,
75 Hukok with its common-lands, and Rehob with its common-lands.
76 And from the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with its common-lands, Hammon with its common-lands, and Kirjathaim with its common-lands.
These verses continue detailing the cities allotted to the Levites from various tribes. The spread of these cities across the half-tribe of Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali demonstrates the Levites' integration into the broader community of Israel. Each tribe contributed cities for the Levites to reside in and fulfill their duties. The variety of regions indicates that the Levites were present throughout the land, serving as spiritual leaders and facilitators of worship, and ensuring that the tabernacle and temple services continued without interruption.
1 Chronicles 6:77-81 (NKJV)
77 From the tribe of Zebulun, the rest of the children of Merari were given Rimmon with its common-lands and Tabor with its common-lands.
78 And on the other side of the Jordan, across from Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, they were given from the tribe of Reuben: Bezer in the wilderness with its common-lands, Jahzah with its common-lands,
79 Kedemoth with its common-lands, and Mephaath with its common-lands.
80 And from the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead with its common-lands, Mahanaim with its common-lands,
81 Heshbon with its common-lands, and Jazer with its common-lands.
The chapter concludes by listing the cities given to the Levites from the tribes of Zebulun, Reuben, and Gad, including cities across the Jordan River. The Levites were strategically placed throughout Israel to serve the spiritual needs of the nation. The cities on the east side of the Jordan ensured that even the tribes located further from Jerusalem had access to spiritual guidance and services. These cities, with their common lands, provided the Levites with the resources they needed to perform their sacred duties while living among the people of Israel.