1 Chronicles 6:64

So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands.

Study Bible

So the Israelites
This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. The Israelites were the chosen people of God, set apart to be a holy nation. This context is rooted in the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them land, descendants, and blessings. The Israelites' identity is central to the narrative of the Old Testament, as they are the recipients of God's law and the ones through whom the Messiah would come.

gave to the Levites
The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a specific territory as their inheritance. Instead, they were given cities and pasturelands throughout the territories of the other tribes. This arrangement fulfilled God's command in Numbers 35:1-8, where He instructed Moses to allocate cities for the Levites. The Levites' role was to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, acting as priests and caretakers of the holy things.

these cities and their pasturelands
The cities and pasturelands provided to the Levites were essential for their sustenance and ability to perform their duties. The cities served as places where the Levites could live and carry out their religious responsibilities, while the pasturelands allowed them to maintain livestock for food and sacrifices. This provision ensured that the Levites could focus on their spiritual duties without the need to engage in agriculture or other forms of labor. The allocation of these cities is detailed in Joshua 21, where specific cities are listed for each Levitical family. This system also symbolizes the principle of God providing for those who serve Him, a theme echoed in the New Testament in passages like 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, where Paul discusses the rights of those who preach the gospel to receive their living from it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people. They are responsible for distributing the cities to the Levites.

2. The Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle and later the temple. They did not receive a specific territory like the other tribes but were given cities to dwell in.

3. Cities with Pasturelands
Specific cities allocated to the Levites, which included surrounding lands for their livestock. This provision ensured the Levites could sustain themselves while serving God.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those dedicated to His service. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we commit our lives to Him.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites' role in providing for the Levites underscores the importance of supporting those who serve in ministry. It encourages us to consider how we can support our church leaders and workers today.

Spiritual Inheritance Over Material Possessions
The Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance points to the value of spiritual over material wealth. It challenges us to prioritize our spiritual inheritance in Christ over earthly possessions.

Interdependence within the Body of Christ
The relationship between the Israelites and the Levites illustrates the interdependence within the community of believers. It calls us to recognize and appreciate the diverse roles within the church.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision of cities to the Levites reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in supporting our church leaders today?

2. In what ways does the concept of spiritual inheritance, as seen in the Levites' role, challenge our views on material possessions and wealth?

3. How can the interdependence between the Israelites and the Levites inform our understanding of community and service within the church?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How does this encourage you to trust Him more fully?

5. How can we, as a church community, ensure that those who are dedicated to ministry are adequately supported and encouraged in their work?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 35
This chapter provides the initial command from God to allocate cities to the Levites, detailing the number and purpose of these cities.

Joshua 21
Describes the fulfillment of the command in Numbers 35, where the Israelites allocate the cities to the Levites as part of the division of the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 18:1-2
Explains that the Levites have no inheritance among the Israelites because the Lord is their inheritance, highlighting their unique role and dependence on God's provision.