1 Chronicles 6:72 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:72 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:72 lists two towns, Kedesh and Daberath, along with their surrounding lands (“suburbs”), as being given from the tribe of Issachar. These towns were assigned to the Levites as part of their inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

This verse is part of a longer section where the Chronicler records the towns allocated to the Levites, who did not receive a territory of their own but were given specific cities within each tribe’s land. The focus here is on the practical arrangements for the Levites’ dwelling places, showing how the people of Israel supported those responsible for religious duties.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:72

• tribe (מַטֶּה, matteh): This word means “tribe” or “branch,” referring to one of the twelve family groups of Israel. Here, it identifies Issachar as the tribe providing these towns.
• Issachar (יִשָּׂשכָר, yissaskar): This is the name of one of Jacob’s sons and his descendants, marking the region from which the towns are taken.
• Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ, qedesh): The name means “holy place” or “sanctuary,” suggesting the town may have had religious significance.
• suburbs (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash): This word refers to the open land or pastureland around a city. It was important because it provided space for the Levites’ livestock and daily needs.
• Daberath (דָּבְרַת, daverath): The name of another town given to the Levites, located within Issachar’s territory.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:72 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Levites were supported by all the tribes, not just one, emphasizing the shared responsibility for Israel’s religious life.
• The mention of “suburbs” highlights that the Levites’ needs were considered in detail, not just giving them towns but also the land needed to live and work.
• By listing the towns specifically, the Chronicler connects the Levites’ presence to real places in Israel’s geography, grounding their service in the everyday life of the nation.