Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, please study this chapter and then answer all 55 questions at the end of this chapter.

1 Chronicles Chapter 6

Verses 1-30: The first section records the line of high priests among the “sons of Levi” (6:1-15), prior to the exile. The next section (6:16-30), records the clans of Levi, detailing seven sets of two generations and one set (“Kohath”), for 10 generations. (Numbers Chapter 3-4), fully describes how God set apart the Levites to serve Him in the tabernacle.

The section in the first 15 scriptures lists the High-Priestly lineage from Levi (6:1), through Aaron (6:3), through Eleazar (6:3-4), and through Phinehas (6:4), with whom God covenanted for a perpetual priesthood (Num. 25:11-13).

1 Chronicles 6:1 “The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.”

After an account of the chief of the tribes of Judah and Simeon, of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, follows that of Levi, and his posterity. The kingdom being given to Judah, the birthright to Joseph, and the priesthood to Levi. The immediate sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; (as in Gen. 46:11), from these sprung the three families of the Levites.

The name “Levi”, means joined. Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah. He is the father of the Levitical tribe that would be separated out for service to the LORD. Gershon is sometimes called Gershom. He was the founder of the Gershonites. Levi had a daughter named Jochebed who was mother of Moses, Miriam, and Aaron. Kohath was the father of Amram who was the father of Moses. Amram was the nephew of Jochebed, whom he married. Kohath founded the Kohathites. Merari was the founder of the Merarites. We must take special note of the Levites, because they will be called to the service of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 6:2 “And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.”

Given in the same order (as in Exodus 6:18).

Kohath, it seemed, was born before the twelve sons of Jacob went into Egypt. He was about twenty years younger than Joseph. Later on, the Kohathites will be called to carry the Ark and the sacred vessels. His sons were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Amram was the most prominent of the sons, because of his children, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Izhar was the father of the Izharites. Hebron was father of the Hebronites. Uzziel is best known as being Aaron’s uncle. He founded the Uzzielites.

1 Chronicles 6:3 “And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.”

Readers in antiquity would have known of the godly reputations of “Aaron, Moses,” and “Miriam” through the Book of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy). They would also have known of the ungodly reputations of certain others on the list, including “Nadab” and “Abihu” (Lev. 10:1-2).

The line of the chief priests is given (in verses 3-15 and 49-53). After the judgment of “Nadab and Abihu” (Lev. Chapter 10), the high priestly line passed through “Eleazar, Aaron’s” eldest son, until the time of Eli, when it came under the control of the house of “Ithamar.” The high priesthood passed back to the line of Eleazar with Zadok (1 Kings 1:7-8, 44-45; 2:26-27), where it remained (Ezek. 44:15; 48:11).

Aaron, Moses, and Miriam were Levites on their mother’s side and on their father’s side. Aaron was the first high priest in the tabernacle. His sons were anointed as priests to work in the tabernacle. Nadab and Abihu carried strange fire into the tabernacle, and the fire of God killed them. The strange fire many believe, was the fact they were intoxicated while serving in the tabernacle. Eleazar became high priest after Aaron, because his two older brothers were killed by God. Ithamar was in charge of the curtains, the hangings, pillars, cords, and boards. He oversaw the moving of the tabernacle from place to place. The priesthood had to come through Eleazar and Ithamar, because Nadab and Abihu had no descendants.

1 Chronicles 6:4 “Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua,”

“Phinehas”: A memorable man (Num. 25:7-13; Josh. 22:10-33; Judges 20:28; Psalm 106:30-31).

“Abishua”: Only mentioned (in this chapter and Ezra 7:1-5). Josephus asserts that he it was who was succeeded in the high priesthood, not by any one of his own descendants, but by Eli, till Zadok, in the time of David. All the intervening members of the Eleazar family being private individuals. But no reliance can be placed on this assertion.

Eleazar’s wife’s father’s name was Putiel. Phinehas was high priest for 19 years. Phinehas’ action pertaining to the revolting sins of the people stayed the plague, and God promised him the priesthood would remain in his family forever. He ran a javelin through Cozbi and Zimri to stay the plague. Abishua became the fourth high priest in his father’s stead.

1 Chronicles 6:5 “And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,”

“Bukki begat Uzzi”: In whose days it is supposed that the high-priesthood was translated from Eleazar’s family to Ithamar’s, for some cause now unknown, in whose line it continued for some successions.

1 Chronicles 6:6 “And Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth,”

“Uzzi”: It is supposed that, in his days, the high priesthood was, for unrecorded reasons, transferred from Eleazar’s family to Ithamar’s, in which it continued for several generations.

1 Chronicles 6:7 “Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,”

All of the people listed in the verses above, were descended from Aaron through Eleazar and Phinehas. After Uzzi, the position of high priest would go to Eli of the descendants of Ithamar. It is not explained how this came about.

1 Chronicles 6:8 “And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,”

“Zadok”: By the time of David’s reign, the High-Priestly line had wrongly been shifted to the sons of Ithamar as represented by Abiathar. When Abiathar sided with Adonijah rather than Solomon, Zadok became the ruling High-Priest (1 Kings 2:26-27), and restored the high-priesthood to the Levitical line through Phinehas (Num. 25:10-13).

There are two Ahitubs mentioned. One is in the lineage of Ithamar, and one in the lineage of Eleazar. I am not sure that this is not in some way speaking of the same person. Zadok seemed to be connected in both lineages as well.

1 Chronicles 6:9 “And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,”

It must, apparently, be this Azariah, and not the son of Johanan (1 Chron. 6:10), who was high priest at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. For Zadok, who lived into the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 4:4), cannot have been succeeded by a great-great-grandson. The notice (in 1 Chronicles 6:10), which is attached to the second Azariah, must, beyond a doubt, belong properly to the first.

Ahimaaz seemed to also be connected with both lines. Azariah is in the lineage from Eleazar. Johanan, is in the lineage of Eleazar.

1 Chronicles 6:10 “And Johanan begat Azariah, (he [it is] that executed the priest’s office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)”

This historical notice looks on to the days of “Solomon’s temple.” Some have connected this “Azariah” with (1 Kings 4:2, others with 2 Chron. 26:17).

Johanan and Azariah were priests during the reigns of Abijah and Asa. “Johanan” means God is gracious.

1 Chronicles 6:11 “And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,”

“Amariah”: Apparently the contemporary of Jehoshaphat mentioned in (1 Chron. 19:11).

Amariah was high priest in the reign of Jehoshaphat. We discussed that Ahitub seemed to be in two lineages. In this case, it seems to be speaking of the lineage through Eleazar.

1 Chronicles 6:12 “And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,”

For more about ‘Zadok,” one of David’s priests (see 2 Sam. 15:24-29 and 1 Kings 1:8, 38-45). The story of “Hilkiah,” who found the Book of the Law during the reign of Josiah (is in 2 Kings Chapter 22 and 2 Chronicles Chapter 34).

There seem to be several people mentioned between Zadok and Shallum. Zadok is his great-great-grandfather.

1 Chronicles 6:13 “And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,”

“Hilkiah”: The High-Priest who rediscovered the law in Josiah’s reign (ca. 622 B.C.; 2 Kings 22:8-13; 2 Chron. 34:14-21).

For the importance of “Jehozadak” looks on to the “captivity” of “Jerusalem” (in 586 B.C.), and the resultant exile of the Jews. Jehozadak’s son Jeshua returned from the exile under Zerubbabel (Ezra 3:2; Neh. 12:26).

Hilkiah and Azariah were popular names, and given several times in these lineages. The Hilkiah, mentioned here, was high priest in the time of Josiah.

1 Chronicles 6:14 “And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak,”

“Seraiah”: The High-Priest who was executed by the Babylonians after their occupation of Jerusalem (ca. 586 B.C.; 2 Kings 25:18-21).

“Jehozadak”: (a.k.a. Jozadak). The father of Jeshua, the first High-Priest of the return (Ezra 3:2; 5:2).

1 Chronicles 6:15 “And Jehozadak went [into captivity], when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.”

“Jehozadak”: He did not share the violent end of his father, nor did he attain his father’s high priest office, but lived to the end a captive. This name occurs in Haggai and Zechariah. It is the same in the Hebrew as here, though the English in the Authorized Version is Josedech. Where it occurs in Ezra and Nehemiah, the shorter form of Jozadak is found in the Hebrew as in the Authorized Version.

Seraiah here, was High Priest during the reign of Zedekiah. “Seraiah” means Jehovah has prevailed. He was sent as a prisoner to Nebuchadnezzar, who killed him. Jehozadak was carried to Babylon as a prisoner. It is not known whether he ever acted as High Priest or not. He probably died in Babylon. Joshua is mentioned in Haggai as the High Priest after the exile.

Verses 16-30: The sons of Levi (6:16-19), and their families (6:20-30), are given here.

1 Chronicles 6:16 “The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.”

Which is repeated from (1 Chron. 6:1), for the sake of their posterity, whose names are given in the three following verses, in the same manner as in (Exodus 6:17).

This is repeating the first verse of this lesson. Gershom, Kohath, and Merari were the beginning of the three divisions of the Levitical tribe. All are to serve the LORD in some capacity.

1 Chronicles 6:17 “And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.”

“Libni and Shimei” (Exodus 6:17). Libni is called Laadan (R.V. “Ladan”) in 1 Chron. 23:7; 26:21.

1 Chronicles 6:18 “And the sons of Kohath [were], Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.”

“And the sons”: Etc. This verse is a repetition of (1 Chronicles 6:2).

1 Chronicles 6:19 “The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these [are] the families of the Levites according to their fathers.”

In the lesson, we have been primarily dealing with the descendants of Kohath, who were the priests and High Priests. Merari was probably born just before the migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt. He was the head of the third division of the Levites.

1 Chronicles 6:20-21 “Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,” “Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.”

Whose genealogy runs thus, Jahath, called Jehiel (1 Chron. 23:8). Zimmah, between whom was Shimei (1 Chron. 6:42). Joah, the same with Ethan (1 Chron. 6:42). Iddo, called Adaiah (1 Chron. 6:41). Zerah, Jeaterai, whose name was also Ethni (1 Chron. 6:41), the posterity of Shimei, the brother of Libni, are omitted.

This goes back to pick up the lineage of Gershom. Another name for Libni is Laadan. He was father of the Libnites. His brother was Shimi, the father of the Shimites. Zimmah is probably the same as Shimei. Joah probably, is the one who assisted Hezekiah in the restoration of the temple worship. He is called Ethan (in verse 42). Iddo is also called Adaiah. “Zerah” means dawning, rising, or shining. Jeaterai is the same as Ethni.

1 Chronicles 6:22-24 “The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,” “Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,” “Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.”

Amminadab, the same with Izhar (1 Chron. 6:2), the posterity of his brethren, Amram, Hebron, and Uzziel, are omitted. And his genealogy is carried to a considerable length, for the sake of Samuel the prophet, who sprang from him. It stands thus, Korah, Assir, Elkanah, Ebiasaph, Assir, Tahath, Uriel, called Zephaniah (1 Chron. 6:36). Uzziah, the same with Azariah (1 Chron. 6:36). Shaul, whose name is Joel (1 Chron. 6:36). Then through the sons of Elkanah, before mentioned, Amasai, Ahimoth, called Mahath (1 Chron. 6:35), another Elkanah, Zophai, or Zuph, (1 Chron. 6:35). Nahath, the same with Toah (1 Chron. 6:34), and Tohu (1 Sam. 1:1), Eliab, called Eliel (1 Chron. 6:34), and Elihu (1 Sam. 1:1), Jeroham, another Elkanah, the father of Samuel the prophet, whose firstborn was Vashni, and whose name also was Joel (1 Chron. 6:33). And so here it is read in the Syriac and Arabic versions. And his second son Abiah.

Amminadab is not mentioned in the list of the four sons of Kohath earlier in this lesson. Many scholars believe that Amminadab is the same as Izhar. Korah is probably the same one that was with Dathan and Abiram against Moses, because he was not called to the priesthood. “Assir” means prisoner. Nothing else is known of him.

Verses 25-28 (see the note on 1 Sam. 1:1).

1 Chronicles 6:25 “And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth.”

“And the sons of Elkanah”: Amasai. It is natural to identify the Elkanah (of 1 Chron. 6:36), with this one. The posterity of both are so nearly the same; otherwise we might have taken the present Elkanah for the person mentioned in (1 Chron. 6:23).

“Verses 26-27”: Samuel, a Levite, by exceptional, divine direction, offered priestly sacrifices (1 Sam. 7:9; 10:8, 11, 14-15). The fact that Elkanah was from Ephraim (1 Sam. 1:1) indicates where he lived, not his family history (Num. 35:6-8).

1 Chronicles 6:26 “[As for] Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,”

“As for Elkanah”: This was another Elkanah, son or grandson of the former Elkanah, and either the son or brother of Ahimoth, last mentioned, or of Amasai.

“Nahath his son”: Called also Toah (1 Chron. 6:34), and Tohu, (1 Sam. 1:1). The Elkanah mentioned in the next verse was the father of the Prophet Samuel, whose name therefore follows.

1 Chronicles 6:27 “Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.”

Eliab, called Eliel (1 Chron. 6:34).

1 Chronicles 6:28 “And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.”

The sons of Samuel are here named Vashni and Abiah. The first-born is called Joel (1 Sam. 8:2); and this name is given to him in (1 Chron. 6:33). It is now generally thought by the best critics that, through an error of the copyists, an omission has been made of the oldest son’s name. And that Vashni, which is not the name of a person, merely signifies “and the second.” This critical correction of the text makes all clear, as well as consistent with other passages relating to the family of Samuel.

Tahath was a Koathite. His descendants would lead to Samuel. Uriel and Zephaniah seem to be the same person. Uzziah was born about 1300 B.C. Shaul was the founder of the Shaulites. There is very little known of the rest of these all the way to Samuel. This Samuel is the son of Hannah. She prayed for a son, and loaned him to the LORD all the days of his life. Eli raised him in the service of the LORD. We read (in 1 Samuel 8:1-2), that Samuel’s first son was named Joel. It appears then, that Joel and Vashni are the same person. “Vashni” means strong. “Joel” means Jehovah is God. One of the names could have been a title. (1 Samuel 8:1), says that Samuel made his sons judges. They were evil judges and God gave the people king Saul to judge them, instead of judges.

1 Chronicles 6:29-30 “The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,” “Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.”

Merari’s son, Mushi, is not mentioned here. Those listed above are of his son, Merari. (In verses 44 through 47), we will read of them.

The posterity of his brother Mushi are omitted; his genealogy is drawn thus, Libni, Shimei, Uzza, Shimea, Haggiah, Asaiah.

Verses 31-48: The importance of organized music in the temple worship of Israel is underscored in the roster of “Levites” who served there. Particularly prominent were “Heman” (verse 33; compare 16:41), the Kohathite. “Asaph” (verse 39; compare 16:37; Psalms Chapters 50, 73-83), the Gershomite. And “Ethan” (verse 44, probably the Jeduthun of 16:41-42; compare 2 Chron. 35:15; Neh. 11:17), the Merarite. Apparently, each headed a temple choir, that of Herman being placed in the center. Each headed a family of singers and musicians (15:16-24; 16:4-43; 25:1). In David’s time, some four thousand Levites were so designated for the temple services (23:5).

Verses 31-48: The Levitical musicians are listed as they relate to:

(1) Kohath and Heman (6:33-38);

(2) Gershon and Asaph (6:39-43); and

(3) Merari and Ethan (6:44-47).

1 Chronicles 6:31 “And these [are they] whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.”

Who follow; the account of whom begins (1 Chron. 6:33).

“Whom David set over the service of the song in the house of the Lord”: Whom he appointed chief musicians, and masters of the chorus, to manage and conduct that part of divine service in the sanctuary, singing the praises of God, both with vocal and instrumental music.

“After the Ark had rest”: Which was when it was brought from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David, and was placed in a tabernacle he provided for it (2 Sam. 6:12), where it remained until the temple was built. When and which was the only time it was removed, whereas before it had been removed from place to place, and so till now had no rest. Though some understand this of the ceasing or silence of the oracle over the Ark, which was neither consulted by Solomon and his successors, nor any of the high priests afterwards.

1 Chronicles 6:32 “And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and [then] they waited on their office according to their order.”

Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; this service they performed before the Ark, which was in a tent or tabernacle David pitched for it. And which the Targum here calls the tabernacle of time, or a temporary tabernacle.

“Until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem”: The temple there.

“And then they waited on their office according to their order”: Performed it in the manner prescribed by David (see 1 Chron. 25:1).

This answers the question of whether we should have a choir in our churches or not. We see that in the Levitical tribe (ministers in the things of the LORD), there were set aside people who ministered in song. I have always believed that really beautiful hymns prepare the soul to receive the message of the preacher. This singing was praise unto the LORD for the presence of the LORD. God inhabits the praises of His people.

1 Chronicles 6:33 “And these [are] they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,”

They and their posterity, who officiated in the service of singing psalms in the sanctuary: the three heads of them were of the three families of the Levites, as follow.

“Of the sons of the Kohathites, Heman a singer; the chief of the singers, and who composed psalms and hymns, which are in the book of Psalms.

“The son of Joel, the son of Shemuel”: Or Samuel. This Heman was grandson of Samuel the prophet; for whose sake, his genealogy is traced up to Jacob or Israel in the following verses. And stands thus; after Samuel, Elkanah, Jeroham, Eliel, Toah, Zuph, Elkanah, Mahath, Amasai, Elkanah, Joel, Azariah, Zephaniah, Tahath, Assir, Ebiasaph, Korah, Izhar, Kohath, Levi, Israel.

1 Chronicles 6:34 “The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,”

The succeeding names, Jeroham and Elkanah (1 Chron. 6:27), agree with those (in 1 Chron. 6:34); but between the clauses “Elkanah his son” (1 Chron. 6:27), and “and the sons of Samuel” (1 Chron. 6:28), the connecting link (1 Chron. 6:33), is again wanting.

1 Chronicles 6:35 “The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,”

If however, we compare the genealogy of Heman, we find there (1 Chron. 6:35-36), a list of the descendants of Joel in an ascending line. Thus, Elkanah, Amasai, Mahath, Elkanah, Zuph; from which it would seem to follow that our Elkanah is the son of Joel mentioned in (1 Chron. 6:36). For Ahimoth may be without difficulty considered to be another form of the name Mahath. This conclusion would be assured if only the beginning of (1 Chron. 6:26), were in harmony with it. In this verse, indeed, as we read what is written, may be without difficulty taken to mean that Elkanah was the son of Ahimoth. Just as in (1 Chron. 6:20), Elkanah is introduced as son of Mahath.

1 Chronicles 6:36 “The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,”

It is at once suggested that this Elkanah was the brother of the Abiasaph mentioned in (1 Chron. 6:15). If, however, we compare the genealogy of Heman, we find there (1 Chron. 6:35-36) a list of the descendants of Joel in an ascending line, thus, Elkanah, Amasai, Mahath, Elkanah, Zuph; from which it would seem to follow that our Elkanah is the son of Joel mentioned in (1 Chron. 6:36), for Ahimoth may be without difficulty considered to be another form of the name Mahath.

1 Chronicles 6:37 “The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,”

The son of Korah, the son of Izhar (1 Chron. 6:22).

1 Chronicles 6:38 “The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.”

Let me stop for a moment here in the giving of these names, and say that their ministry in the church was in song and music. Some played the instruments and some sang. We should enter God’s house with thanksgiving in our hearts. Notice that the music was their call from God. The most welcome sound coming from our churches, as we enter the door, should be soft, spiritual music.

1 Chronicles 6:39 “And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, [even] Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,”

This lengthy list of temple musicians shows the value placed on the role of music in worship. “Asaph” sounded the bronze cymbals when the Ark of the Covenant arrived in Jerusalem (15:19), and also wrote Psalms (chapters 50; 73-83).

1 Chronicles 6:40-44 “The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,” “The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,” “The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,” “The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.” “And their brethren the sons of Merari [stood] on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,”

Who were the brethren of the Kohathites and Gershonites, descending from the same ancestor Levi: stood on the left hand”: That is, of Heman (see 1 Chron. 6:39), the chief of whom was Ethan, sometimes called Jeduthun (1 Chron. 16:41). And often in the book of Psalms; his genealogy is traced up to Levi thus; Kishi, called Kushaiah (1 Chron. 15:17), Abdi, Malluch, Hashabiah, Amaziah, Hilkiah, Amzi, Bani, Shamer, Mahli, Mushi, Merari, and Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:45-47 “The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,” “The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,” “The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.”

In all of these names of people involved in the music and the singing in the church, we find many of the names that are mentioned in the Psalms of David. David addressed many of his Psalms to these very singers. In the next lesson, we will deal with the family of the priests. God calls each person to minister in his own calling. We must bear in mind that all of the Levites served God in some capacity. Each had their own expertise. It seemed that in particular, the family of Merari was musically inclined.

1 Chronicles 6:48 “Their brethren also the Levites [were] appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.”

Who were not skilled in singing, and employed in that service, even the rest of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites.

“Were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God;” Some were porters at the gates. Others had the care of the vessels; others slew the beasts for sacrifices, flayed them, and cut them up, and brought the pieces to the altar of burnt offerings, for the priests to offer.

We have just finished studying about the Levitical tribe, who had been called into the ministry of music and singing. Just as in a modern church, there are ministers called to do a specific thing, as there are those of the Levitical tribe called to do specific things. All are chosen of God for their specific ministry. The tabernacle was a very complicated operation. Every little thing had to be observed. There could be no changes made by the people ministering. They were to function in their roles exactly the way the LORD would have them to.

Verses 49-53: This is a repeat of the High-Priestly line enumerated (in 6:4-8 through Zadok). This repeated genealogy could possibly point to the Zadokian high-priesthood for the temple in the Millennium (Ezek. 40:46; 43:19; 44:15; 48:11).

1 Chronicles 6:49 “But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, [and were appointed] for all the work of the [place] most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.”

Those that descended from him, though of the same tribe of Levi were all priests.

“And they offered upon the altar of burnt offerings”: The daily sacrifice, and all the offerings of the people brought to them.

“And on the altar of incense”: They burnt incense night and morning: and were appointed:

“For all the work of the place most holy”: Such as were High Priests of the line of Eleazar, whose work it was to go into the most holy place once a year.

“To make atonement for all Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God commanded”: (In Leviticus 16:1), we see; and on mention of this, a list of the High Priests from Aaron. In the line of Eleazar, is given, to the times of Solomon, in the four following verses, just in the same order as in (1 Chron. 6:4).

Aaron, and his descendants were to be the priests and High Priest of the LORD. Their task was of a very serious nature. The High Priest was to represent the people to God, and represent God to the people. The great High Priest of all believers is the Lord Jesus Christ. He represents us to God, and He represents God to us. The office of High Priest was the most important calling. Jesus fulfills that for us. He is the head of the church. We read in Leviticus, the detailed instructions on how each of the functions of their ministry was to be carried out. The following Scripture is just one of many.

Leviticus 1:8 “And the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that [is] on the fire which [is] upon the altar:”

We see that the High Priest in this case, Aaron, was the only one to enter the Most Holy Place. The priests could minister in other areas in the tabernacle.

1 Chronicles 6:50 “And these [are] the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,”

“These are the sons of Aaron”: Having mentioned the work of the High Priests, he here briefly rehearsed the names of the persons who successively performed it.

The two first sons of Aaron were killed by the LORD, when they offered strange fire. They are omitted in the verse above. Eleazar was the next High Priest after Aaron. Phinehas was the third High Priest. We spoke more of him in the previous lesson. Abishua became the fourth High Priest in Israel. “Abishua” means father of salvation.

1 Chronicles 6:51-53 “Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,” “Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,” “Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.”

After Uzzi, Eli becomes High Priest. In Zadok, the high priesthood would come back to the lineage of Phinehas.

Verses 54-81; This section rehearses the 48 cities given to the Levites instead of a section of land (Num. 35:1-8; Joshua 21:1-42), which signals God’s intention for the Jewish nation to have a priesthood and future in the land first given to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).

1 Chronicles 6:54 “Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.”

“Aaron” and his family, along with other Levites, did not possess a specific “territory” like the other tribes; rather, they lived on land throughout Israel to serve as priests for all the people (Joshua Chapter 21).

For the cities assigned to the Levites (see the note on Joshua 21:2-3).

The Levites’ inheritance was the LORD. They received cities to dwell in. They were called Levitical cities. (In Num. Chapter 35:1-8), we see this in detail. Turn there and read of their dwelling places. “Castles” is taken from a word that means fortress, habitation, or palace. Castle, then is not speaking of a place of luxury. It is speaking of a nice place to live. The Levites were well cared for by their people they ministered to.

1 Chronicles 6:55 “And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.”

Closely answering to (Joshua 21:11-12).

“Hebron”: Joshua, “the city of Arba, the father of the Anak, that is, Hebron.”

“In the land of Judah”: Joshua, “hill-country” (har for ha’areç).

“Suburbs”: The Hebrew migrashîm, pastures or commons, as opposed to arable land (Authorized Version, “fields;” Heb., sadeh).

(Numbers 35:3-5), defines the extent of the Levitical domain round the cities where they dwelt.

Hebron is a town in the mountains of Judah. It was located between Beer-sheba and Jerusalem. The suburbs were for their gardens and their animals.

1 Chronicles 6:56 “But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.”

“To Caleb the son of Jephunneh”: Joshua adds “as his possession.”

Caleb’s father, Jephunneh, was a Kenezite. This is the same Caleb who brought back the good report, when he searched out the Promised Land. Moses gave him this land for his faith in God, when ten of the spies doubted. This was a choice area.

1 Chronicles 6:57 “And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, [namely], Hebron, [the city] of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,”

God told His people to establish “cities of refuge,” where a person could go for safe haven after accidentally killing someone (Num. Chapter 35).

The tabernacle’s final resting place would be Jerusalem. It would be appropriate for those who would work directly in service in the tabernacle to live in and near Jerusalem. Hebron is located 20 miles out of Jerusalem. The city of refuge was a place for those who had accidentally killed someone, to go. Libnah is also located near Jerusalem. It became a Levitical city when it was taken by Joshua. Jattir was visited often by King David. Eshtemoa is located south of Hebron. Ishbah was said to be the father of Eshtemoa.

1 Chronicles 6:58 “And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs,”

“Hilen”: Holon, which twice occurs (in Joshua 15:51; 21:15), is a more natural form.

“Debir” Oracle, the inmost sanctuary; anciently, Kirjath-sepher (Book Town).

Hilen is probably the same as Holon. Debir was a highland city of Judah, 12 miles southwest of Hebron.

1 Chronicles 6:59 “And Ashan with her suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with her suburbs:”

“Ashan”: (smoke); in Joshua, Ain (fountain). The place may have had both names, from a fountain rising like a column of smoke. “Juttah and her pastures” has fallen out here (Joshua 21:16). At the end of the verse Joshua adds, “Nine cities out of these two tribes,” viz., Judah and Simeon.

Ashan is referred to by Ain as well. It probably lay north-west of Beer-sheba. Beth-shemesh was where the Ark was returned to Israel. It is also the place where thousands were killed for looking into the Ark. It was located in a valley on the north boundary of Judah.

1 Chronicles 6:60 “And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities.”

“Gibeon and her pastures” is omitted; probably an oversight, due to the similarity of sound and form between Gibeon and Geba. Alemeth and Almôn are each valid formations, and perhaps represent an older and younger name of the place.

“Thirteen cities”: The list in its present shape contains eleven. This proves that Juttah and Gibeon should be restored to the text.

The cities in the verses prior to this one, were from Judah. Now we are dealing with the cities in the area of Benjamin. Geba is north of Jerusalem. Alemeth is not mentioned further. Anathoth was a city of refuge, as well as being a Levitical city. It is the birthplace of Jeremiah. It was overlooking the Jordan and the north part of the Dead Sea. It was 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem. The thirteen cities of the Levites were surrounding Jerusalem, where the priests and high priest served the LORD.

1 Chronicles 6:61 “And unto the sons of Kohath, [which were] left of the family of that tribe, [were cities given] out of the half tribe, [namely, out of] the half [tribe] of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities.”

See the note about “lots” (in 1 Chron. 24:5).

Not all of the family of Kohath were priests and High Priest. This is speaking of the rest of the family, who were not ministering on a daily basis as high priest or priests. It was not as necessary for them to be extremely close to Jerusalem. Ten cities out of the half tribe of Manasseh were given to the families of Kohath.

1 Chronicles 6:62 “And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.”

Gershom (Joshua is Gershon).

“Throughout their families”: I.e., with regard to, after their clans (so 1 Chron. 6:63).

In (1 Chron. 6:60), “throughout their families” represents Hebrew in their clans.

“Tribe of Manasseh in Bashan”: Joshua, “half-tribe.”

These were still Levites and they did not get land inheritance. They served the LORD, but not in the same capacity as Aaron’s family. Gershom’s inheritance of 13 cities was located in the land allotted to Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the other half tribe of Manasseh.

1 Chronicles 6:63 “Unto the sons of Merari [were given] by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.”

This verse is word for word the same as (Joshua 21:7), omitting the one term “by lot.”

There is a little addition in this verse. The city each family received to live in was chosen by lot. This is still speaking of Levites. We learned earlier, that many of these Levites were singers and musicians for the LORD. The cities in the land belonging to Reuben and Gad were east of the Jordan. Zebulun was west of the Jordan. The families of Merari received 12 cities.

1 Chronicles 6:64 “And the children of Israel gave to the Levites [these] cities with their suburbs.”

“So the sons of Israel gave to the Levites the cities and their pastures. And they gave by the lot, out of the tribe of the sons of Judah, and out of the tribe of the sons of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin, those cities which are called by names.” Named, that is, in the list of (1Chron. 6:55-60), above. This is clearly a summing up of the whole account so far. The eleven tribes have all been mentioned in (1 Chron. 6:61-65).

1 Chronicles 6:65 “And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by [their] names.”

They gave, to wit, to those Levites of the family of Kohath who were priests, as appears both by (1 Chron. 6:57), etc. Where the cities given to the Aaronites are said to be taken out of the tribes here named, even out of Judah, under which Simeon is comprehended, because his lot lay within that of Judah, and Benjamin; and by the next verse. Where the other Kohathites who were not priests are called the residue of the families of the sons of Kohath, by way of distinction from those of them to whom this (1 Chron. 6:65), relates.

“Which are called by their names”: Which are expressed by their names above, (1 Chron. 6:57).

1 Chronicles 6:66 “And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.”

“And the residue of the families”: The Hebrew text can hardly mean this; and (Joshua 21:20), shows that it is incorrect. The original text must have been, “And to the families of the sons of Kohath: and the cities of their border were of the tribe of Ephraim.” The construction breaks off, and a new start is made by the words “and the cities,” etc. The verse is abridged as compared with Joshua.

Those who had not been allotted a city in the other tribes’ land would have cities in Ephraim. This is speaking of the scattered remnant.

1 Chronicles 6:67 “And they gave unto them, [of] the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; [they gave] also Gezer with her suburbs,”

The correct version of the Hebrew text is, “And they gave unto them the cities of refuge, Shechem and her pastures, in the hill-country of Ephraim; and Gezer and her pastures.” Perhaps (both here and in 1 Chronicles 6:57 above) “city” (‘iyr), and not “cities” (‘arey), is the original reading. We have already noticed many indications of textual corruption in this and the former section. Gezer was not a city of refuge (see 1 Chron. 6:57). Joshua 21:21 has the singular.

1 Chronicles 6:68 “And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs,”

“Jokmeam”: Joshua has Kibzaim, a name omitted by the LXX. Jokmeam is probably right. The other might easily be a misreading of it, owing to confusion of similar letters. The site is unknown. The four cities of (1 Chron. 6:67-68), lay in Ephraim. Beth-horon, Gibeon, and Aijalon, the scenes of the great and providentially determined overthrow of the five kings of the Amorites, were appropriately assigned to the sacred tribe of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6:69 “And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with her suburbs:”

“Aijalon with her suburbs” (Joshua 21:23-24). “And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh and her pastures, Gibbethon and her pastures, Aijalon and her pastures, Gath-rimmon and her pastures; four cities.” Clearly there is a lacuna in our text between (1 Chron. 6:68-69). It has been supposed that the chronicler omits mention of the tribe of Dan, here and elsewhere, owing to a religious prejudice, because of the illicit form of worship of which the city Dan was the center. It is more likely that such omissions are not chargeable to the chronicler, but either to the imperfection of his sources, or to the carelessness, and perhaps malpractice, of his copyists and editors.

1 Chronicles 6:70 “And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.”

“Aner … Bileam” (Joshua 21:25 reads “Taa-nach; see Joshua 17:11), and Gath-rimmon.” The latter is a mere repetition from the preceding verse. Bileam is a man’s name, being the Hebrew spelling of Balaam. It should be Ibleam (Joshua 17:11). So the LXX. Aner (Gen. 14:13), is also a man, one of Abraham’s allies. Taanach is probably right, the last three letters of the Hebrew word closely resembling those of Aner.

“For the family”: Better, unto the family of the sons of Kohath who were left. This depends on the idea of giving (1 Chron. 6:67). The phrase is a sort of subscription to the whole list of (1 Chron. 6:67-70). For “family” the plural should be read, as in (Joshua 21:26).

The cities of refuge had to be scattered through the land of the 12 tribes, because they had to be in easy running distance for the manslayer. This was a place of safety for one who had accidentally killed someone to run, until they could have a trial. All of the cities listed above, were on the western side of the Jordan River.

1 Chronicles 6:71 “Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:”

“To the sons of Gershom”: Supply, “they gave” (from 1 Chron. 6:67).

“Golan in Bashan”: (compare the classical Gaulanitis, a district east of the Sea of Galilee), was a city of refuge, like Hebron and Shechem.

“Ashtaroth”: Images of Ashtoreth (Astarte, queen of heaven); a name like Anathoth (1 Chron. 6:60), which means “images of Anath,” or Anatum, the consort of Anurn (the sky). The two cities must have been ancient seats of the worship of Ashtoreth and Anath. The names still survive in Tell-Ashtereh and Anâta. Joshua reads Be’eshterah, perhaps a popular pronunciation of Beth-Ashterah (house of Ashtoreth).

Golan, and Ashtaroth were both of the half tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan. Bezer of the tribe of Reuben and Ramoth, a city of Gad, were also places of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan. There was said to be but three, so perhaps two of the cities given are actually one city. It appears that other Scriptures do not mention Ashtaroth.

Deuteronomy 4:43 “[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.”

1 Chronicles 6:72 “And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,”

“Kedesh”: Read Kishon (Joshua 21:28).

“Daberath”: The modern Dabûriyeh at the foot of Mount Tabor.

This Kedesh is, possibly, the same as Kishon (in Joshua 21:28). Daberath was west of mount Tabor.

1 Chronicles 6:73 “And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:”

“Ramoth”: Jarmuth (in Joshua 21:29).

“Anem”: Read En-gannim (with Joshua 21:29). Probably the modern large village of Jenîn on the edge of the plain of Esdrelon. Anem is probably the same as Engannim. They are all from the tribe of Issachar.

1 Chronicles 6:74 “And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs,”

“Mashal”: Mishal (Joshua 21:30).

Mashal is the same as Mishal. Abdon is the same in Joshua.

1 Chronicles 6:75 “And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs:”

“Hukok”: Read Helkath with (Joshua 21:31; compare Joshua 19:25).

Rehob is the same as Joshua.

1 Chronicles 6:76 “And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.”

“Kedesh in Galilee”: Called Kedesh-naphtali (in Judges 4:6). It is the modern Kedes, situated on a lofty plateau overlooking the waters of Ḥûleh (Merom). It was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:32).

“Hammon … Kirjathaim”: In (Joshua 21:32), Hammoth-dor and Kartan.

1 Chronicles 6:77 “Unto the rest of the children of Merari [were given] out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:”

Rather, “Unto the rest the children of Merari”, that is to say, “unto the remainder of the Levites, who were descendants of Merari”: The two other branches, the Kohathites and the Gershomites, having been treated of previously.

Joshua 21:34-35 “And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs,” “Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities.”

1 Chronicles 6:78 “And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, [were given them] out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,”

“By Jericho”: The crossing-place of the Jordan nearest to Reuben was at Jericho. For the phrase, Jordan by Jericho (compare Joshua 16:1).

“In the wilderness”: Further defined by the addition in the table-land (Deut. 4:43, R.V. manuscripts). Bezer was among the high pasture lands of Reuben. It was a city of refuge.

“Jahzah”: Also called Jahaz (Compare Judges 11:20; Isa. 15:4).

Bezer, we mentioned earlier in this lesson. These other cities are in addition to the three cities mentioned in Deuteronomy. There was only one city of refuge from the tribe of Reuben mentioned in Deuteronomy.

1 Chronicles 6:79 “Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:”

The two names of this verse, with the two of the preceding, i.e. all the four names of the cities of Reuben, are absent from their proper place in the list (in Joshua 21). In the Hebrew Textus Receptus and the Vulgate, though found (in Joshua 13:18).

1 Chronicles 6:80 “And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,”

“Ramoth in Gilead”: A city of refuge (Joshua 21:38; see 1 Kings 22:3; 2 Kings 9:1). Ramoth is the only one of these cities mentioned in Deuteronomy.

“Mahanaim” (see Genesis 32:2).

1 Chronicles 6:81 “And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.”

“Heshbon” (Num. 21:25-26; Isa. 15:4).

“Jazer” (Num. 21:32 (Revised Version); Isa. 16:8).

1 Chronicles 6: Questions