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.
1 CHRONICLES 6:62KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 6:62 mean?
1 Chronicles 6:62 states that the descendants of Gershom, one of the Levite families, were given thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan. This verse lists the specific tribal territories where these Levite families received their allotted cities.
The verse is part of a larger section where the chronicler is recording how the Levites, who did not receive a large territory like the other tribes, were instead given cities spread throughout Israel. The chronicler is addressing the people of Israel, documenting the distribution of these cities as part of the nation’s organization after returning from exile. The focus here is on the practical arrangements for the Levites, who had special religious duties and needed places to live among the other tribes.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:62
- גֵּרְשֹׁם (Gershom): This is the name of one of Levi’s sons, whose descendants formed one of the main Levite families. The verse highlights the specific inheritance given to this family group.
- מִשְׁפָּחוֹת (mishpachot, “families”): This word refers to extended family groups or clans. The verse is careful to note that the distribution was not just to individuals, but to whole family groups within the tribe.
- שֵׁבֶט (shevet, “tribe”): Used repeatedly, this term clarifies that the cities came from the territories of specific Israelite tribes, emphasizing the shared responsibility among the tribes to provide for the Levites.
- עָרִים (arim, “cities”): This word points to the practical aspect of the Levites’ inheritance—actual towns where they would live and serve, rather than large swaths of land.
Why 1 Chronicles 6:62 matters
- This verse clarifies that the Levites, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a single territory but were spread throughout Israel, which helped them serve all the people.
- The verse highlights the cooperation among the tribes, as several different tribes gave up cities for the Levites, showing a sense of shared responsibility for religious life.
- By listing the specific tribes and the number of cities, the chronicler connects this arrangement to earlier commands in the Law of Moses, showing continuity and faithfulness to Israel’s foundational instructions.