1 Chronicles 6: 1 – 81
The Return of the Levi
6 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; 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; 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; 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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, 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. 39 And his brother Asaph, who stood at his right hand, was Asaph the son of Berachiah, 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. 44 Their brethren, the sons of Merari, on the left hand, were 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. 48 And their brethren, the Levites, were appointed to every kind of service of the tabernacle of the house of God. 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. 54 Now these are their 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. 61 To the rest of the family of the tribe of the Kohathites they gave by lot ten cities from half the tribe of Manasseh. 62 And to the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, they gave thirteen cities 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, they gave twelve cities 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. 67 And they gave them one of the cities of refuge, Shechem with its common-lands, in the mountains of Ephraim, also Gezer with its common-lands, 68 Jokmeam with its common-lands, Beth Horon with its common-lands, 69 Aijalon with its common-lands, and Gath Rimmon with its common-lands. 70 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. 71 From the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh the sons of Gershon were given Golan in Bashan with its common-lands and Ashtaroth with its common-lands. 72 And 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. 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.
Today’s topic is named Return of the Levi. What does it remind you of? If you say Return of the Jedi (also known as Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi) you win a cookie. This 1983 American epic film is the third and final installment in the original Star Wars trilogy.
The Galactic Empire, under the direction of the ruthless Emperor, is constructing a second Death Star in order to crush the Rebel Alliance once and for all. Since the Emperor plans to personally oversee the final stages of its construction, the Rebel Fleet launches a full-scale attack on the Death Star to prevent its completion and kill the Emperor, effectively bringing an end to the Empire's hold over the galaxy. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, a Jedi Knight, struggles to bring his father Darth Vader back to the light side of the Force.
The film was released in theaters on May 25, 1983, six years to the day after the release of the first film. The film grossed between $475 million and $572 million worldwide. Several home video and theatrical releases and revisions to the film followed over the next 20 years. 32 years after the film's original release and the amazing popular reception and income it got from the American theatre goers , it was followed by a sequel trilogy, beginning in 2015 with The Force Awakens.
In our study of the book of 1 Chronicles we now come across another amazing revelation. The servant force of Adoni Yahweh consisting of men from the tribe of Levi are re-enlisted into His service. The scriptures reveal the call that went out and the regathering of the tribe of Levites to again fulfill their God given assignments. Believe me this live show is better than the Star Wars movie.
In this chapter the descendants of Levi, through his sons Kohath,Gershon and Merari, are detailed, commencing with the descend of the High Priestly line of Eliezer. This is followed by details of those who were set over the ministry of song, and the activities of Aaron and his son.
In introducing the sons of Levi the first concern is to demonstrate the High Priestly line as descended from Levi (tribe), Kohath (sub-tribe), Amram (clan) and Aaron (first High Priest).
6 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Levi had three sons, Gershon, Kohath and Merari. It was from the line of Kohath that Aaron came.
After introductory words briefly outlining the family of Amram, the ancestor of Aaron and Moses, we will now have a list of the line which would eventually be exclusive to the High Priesthood down to the Exile.
Initially the High Priesthood was passed on to Eliezer, the eldest surviving son of Aaron, followed by Phinehas and his descendants (the ‘sons of Eleazar’). But at some point, in time it passed into the hands of ‘the sons of Ithamar’. This was possibly due to a time when the descendant of Eleazar was too young to take office. Josephus tells us that the change took place at the death of Uzzi. The ‘sons of Eleazer’ would continue to be priests, although possibly not acting at the Central Sanctuary, but the primacy now rested with the ‘sons of Ithamar’.
When Abiathar fled to David, and Ahimelech ben Ahitub was murdered, Zadok, a ‘son of Eliezer’, was presumably made high priest by Saul, with his descendants continuing in office. Thus when David triumphed there were two high priests, Abiathar and Zadok. Under Solomon both Zadok and Ahimelech ben Abiathar were named as high priests, but the latter was secondary due to his father’s error in supporting Adonijah. Or it may be that he had deputized for Zadok at the Day of Atonement, and thus have received the title ‘High Priest’.
2 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
Kohath the son of Levi, had four named descendants, Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel, but only the descendants of Amram will be detailed.
3 The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Those descended from Amram were Aaron, Moses and Miriam. Notice the use of ‘sons’ to include a female. But the emphasis here is all on Aaron as the God-chosen ‘Priest’. Moses is mentioned because of his importance. Miriam is mentioned as a prophetess, and as a well-known Biblical figure.
Aaron had four sons, but Nadab and Abihu were slain for offering ‘false fire’ before YHWH. Thus, Aaron’s mantle passed, initially, to Eliezer and his descendants. Eliezer was High Priest when the land of Canaan was divided up by lot (Joshua 14.1; 21.2). He died sometime after Joshua (Joshua 24.33) and was replaced by Phinehas (Judges 20.27-28).
4 Eleazar begot Phinehas, and Phinehas begot Abishua; 5 Abishua begot Bukki, and Bukki begot Uzzi; 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; 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; 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.
Azariah II (or Johanan) executed the Priest’s office in the house which Solomon built in Jerusalem, the first Temple (. Jehozadak executed the Priest’s office at the Exile, when the Temple was deserted. He was the father of Joshua (Jeshua) the High Priest (Haggai 1.1), but as Joshua is not mentioned the emphasis on the sad end that came to the High Priesthood. The Temple lay in ruins.
16 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Once again, we are given the names of the sons of Levi.
17 These are the names of the sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei.
The name Shimei was popular in Israel, especially among the Levites. This Shimei was the father of the Shimeites (Numbers 3.21).
Libni’s descendants are listed below (verses 19-20). Libni was the ‘father’ of the Libnites (Numbers 3.21).
18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
Here listed are the names of the four sons of Kohath, who formed four major clans, the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites and the Uzzielites (Numbers 3.27). From Amram and the Amramites came the family of the Aaronides. From Izhar and the Izharites came the family of Korah, and the sons of Korah (Exodus 6.21).
19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. Now these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers:
The sons of Merari are now stated to be Mahli and Mushi. From them came the families of the Mahlites and the Mushites (Numbers 3.33). The descendants of Mahli are given in verses 29-30.
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. 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.
The families springing from Kohath are now given in terms of the names of their ‘fathers’ who are descendants of Kohath through Amminadab.
25 The sons of Elkanah were Amasai and Ahimoth. 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.
Elkanah, the son of Korah sons names were Amasai and Ahimoth (whose name ‘my kinsman is death’).
28 The sons of Samuel were Joel the firstborn, and Abijah the second.
Elkanah is seen as important in the genealogy. He was the ancestor of Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel. It is also noteworthy that Samuel’s two sons were named Joel and Abijah (1 Samuel 8.2) as here.
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.
Merari had a son named Mahli, who had a son named Libni. Libni’s son is then called Shimei. Asaiah may be one of the Levites who helped to bring the Ark to Jerusalem in the time of David (15.11).
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.
The names are now to be given of those responsible to lead the singing in the house of YHWH, that is, in the first place, in the Special Tent that David set up in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the covenant YHWH (2 Samuel 6.17). It was there that the Ark ‘found rest’ after all its travels. No longer would it be moved around from place to place. Possibly this was indicating to Israel that at last YHWH was ‘home’.
It is stressed that initially they ministered with song (and music) ‘before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting’. It was their privilege to lead and encourage the worship of YHWH. This description of the house of YHWH could indicate the official Tabernacle set up first in Hebron then in Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1.3). But it is far more likely that it means the Tent which David set up in Jerusalem where the Ark was now at rest.
‘They waited on their office according to their order.’ Seemingly they each had responsibility at different times, to ensure a continual flow of music, although at the great Feasts they would probably operate together.
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,
The names are about to be given of the chief singers. First was Heman, son of Joel, who was descended from Samuel, and therefore shared his genealogy. He was the leading singer. Asaph stood on his right hand (verse 39), and Ethan on his left (verse 44). His genealogy is now given to demonstrate that he was a Levite.
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. 39 And his brother Asaph, who stood at his right hand, was Asaph the son of Berachiah, 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 stood on Heman’s right hand at important events. He was therefore the second leading singer, slightly below Heman. The main purpose of the genealogy was to demonstrate that he was a true born Levite.
Ethan stood on Heman’s left hand. He was the third leading singer, probably a little lower than Heman but equal with Asaph. It would appear to be suggested that some of his fellow Merarite Levite singers stood with him. He was thus the leader of a choir. His genealogy is now given to prove that he was a son of Levi.
44 Their brethren, the sons of Merari, on the left hand, were 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. 48 And their brethren, the Levites, were appointed to every kind of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
The remainder of the Levites had the responsibility for all the service at the house of God apart from the priestly functions. This would include acting as security, checking those who entered, and watching over the Temple treasures (doorkeepers is a slight understatement).
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.
The offering up of offerings and sacrifices on the brazen altar, and of incense on the altar of incense, was to be the sole prerogative of Aaron and his descendants. They alone could enter the Holy Place, that is the Sanctuary itself, called here ‘the most holy place’ in contrast to the outer courts. They alone could offer offerings and sacrifices to make atonement of Israel. And the Priest alone, or his appointed deputy, could enter the Most Holy Place to present the offerings on the Day of Atonement. All this was in accordance with the command of Moses.
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.
The fact that it ends at Ahimaaz may suggest that the record used by the Chronicler dates from that time when he was still High Priest in the time of Solomon.
We are now given details of what cities were allotted to the priests and Levites so that they could carry out their functions of teaching the widespread people, watching over their religious life, and the gathering of the tithes as necessary. This would be an assurance to the returnees from Exile that God was able to make provision for all their religious life and activities and remind them of their responsibility to pay their tithes as laid down in the Law of Moses. As Malachi brings out, this was a weak point among the returnees (Malachi 3.8).
54 Now these are their 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.
The sons of Aaron were allocated cities in the tribal areas of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin. The Chronicler refers to these as ‘cities of refuge’ because they were the cities in which the priests found refugeThese cities were given to the priests as a refuge together with their ‘suburbs’, that is the land immediately around the city for their flocks and herds (Numbers 35.4-5).
The first example is Hebron in the land of Judah. This was given to the priests, with its near surrounding land. But the land outside that restricted area, the countryside (‘fields’), was given to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, along with the neighboring towns and villages
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. 61 To the rest of the family of the tribe of the Kohathites they gave by lot ten cities from half the tribe of Manasseh.
The sons of Kohath, apart from the priests, were given ten cities among the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is Manasseh west of Jordan (and also Ephraim). The sons of Gershom were given thirteen cities in northern Israel and in Bashan. The sons of Merari were given twelve cities in Reuben, Gad and Zebulun. This information was originally obtained from Joshua 21.5-7.
62 And to the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, they gave thirteen cities from the tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.
To the sons of Gershom were given thirteen cities. This verse is a loose rendering of Joshua 21.6. It is a reminder of God’s provision for His servants.
63 To the sons of Merari, throughout their families, they gave twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun.
To the sons of Merari were given twelve cities out of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.
64 So the children of Israel gave these cities with their common-lands to the Levites.
Thus, the Levites, God’s servants, were fully provided for by the children of Israel. They received both cities and grazing land. And the strong hint is that the returnees should in the same way maintain the priests and 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.
They were the allotment from Judah, Simeon and Benjamin. Once again the Chronicler speaks of these cities as cities of refuge.
66 Now some of the families of the sons of Kohath were given cities as their territory from the tribe of Ephraim.
Some of the families of the sons of Kohath received cities in the tribal area of Ephraim, in order to fulfil their responsibilities. The remainder received them in the half tribe of Manasseh.
67 And they gave them one of the cities of refuge, Shechem with its common-lands, in the mountains of Ephraim, also Gezer with its common-lands, 68 Jokmeam with its common-lands, Beth Horon with its common-lands, 69 Aijalon with its common-lands, and Gath Rimmon with its common-lands.
The cities to be received by the Kohathites in Ephraim according to Joshua 21.21-22 were: Shechem, Gezer, Kibzaim and Beth-horon. Both Aijalon and Gath-rimmon were in Dan. There were no maps and no fixed designations. The Danite cities Aijalon and Gath-rimmon are here described as Ephraimite, which indeed they may have become when a large part of Dan moved northward to Laish because of Philistine pressure (Judges 18.11, 27-29).
70 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.
The remainder of the Kohathites received as cities in Manasseh
‘Bileam’ is possibly the same city as Ibleam on the borders of Manasseh (Joshua 17.11), 10 miles SE of Megiddo.
71 From the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh the sons of Gershon were given Golan in Bashan with its common-lands and Ashtaroth with its common-lands.
The sons of Gershon were responsible for the region of Bashan, and in order to fulfil their responsibilities were given two cities, Golan and Ashtaroth.
72 And 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.
In the territory of Issachar, the Levites were given four cities.
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.
In the territory of Asher the Gershomites were given four cities. Hukok means‘an appointed place’
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.
In the territory of Naphtali the Gershomites were given three cities. Kedesh is said to be ‘in Galilee’ in order to distinguish it from Kedesh in Issachar (verse 72). Hammon (Hammoth-dor in Joshua 21) is possibly the Hammath of Joshua 19.35. Hammon (Hammath) means ‘warm (springs).’ Dor means ‘habitation’ or ‘circle’. Thus Hammoth-dor is the ‘circle of warm (springs)’. These are represented by modern el-Chammam which one and a half miles is about south of Tiberias. The hot springs still exist.
We are now given details of the cities which were provided for the Merarites in order to enable them to carry out their duties of giving religious guidance and collecting the tithes.
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.
We must remember that these cities were allocated, at least in some cases, prior to their possession. It now appears that Zebulun had possibly been unable to oust the Canaanites or had suffered at the hands of intruders with the consequence that the four Levitical cities allocated in Joshua 21 had either never been occupied, or had been deserted, having then been replaced by Rimmono and Tabor. Perhaps the Canaanites in the four cities had resisted Israel for so long that new cities had to be appointed because the Merarites had nowhere from which to carry out their duties. Consider the situation in Judges 1.30 (comparing 27-28) which mentions Kitron (Kartah?) and Nahalol as resistant because of their Canaanite occupants.
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.
Under the hand of God, the Levites took up their habitation in the cities provided by God, with one or two exceptions because of the failure of Israel. This was an indication to the returnees that God would provide for their religious instruction and the collection of the tithes, as he had done previously, but contained the warning that if they were faithless it would not be so.
