1 Chronicles 6:74

From the tribe of Asher they were given Mashal, Abdon,

Study Bible

From the tribe of Asher
The tribe of Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and second son of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Asher's territory was located in the northern part of the land of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. This tribe was known for its rich and fertile land, which was ideal for agriculture and olive production. In biblical prophecy, Asher is often associated with abundance and prosperity, as seen in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20, where Asher's food is described as rich and fit for a king.

they were given Mashal
Mashal is one of the towns allocated to the Levites from the tribe of Asher. The Levites were the priestly tribe, set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The allocation of cities to the Levites, including Mashal, fulfilled God's command to provide for the Levites since they did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 35:1-8). The exact location of Mashal is uncertain today, but it was likely situated within the fertile region of Asher, providing the Levites with resources to sustain their ministry.

Abdon
Abdon is another town given to the Levites from the tribe of Asher. Like Mashal, it served as a Levitical city, providing a place for the Levites to live and perform their duties. The name Abdon means "servile" or "service," which is fitting given the Levites' role in serving the spiritual needs of Israel. The location of Abdon is also not precisely known, but it was part of the network of Levitical cities that ensured the presence of religious leaders throughout the land. This distribution of cities helped maintain the spiritual health of the nation and facilitated the teaching of God's law.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Asher
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah. Known for its rich land and abundance, Asher's territory was located in the northern part of Israel.

2. Mashal
A town allocated to the Levites within the territory of Asher. The name "Mashal" can be associated with the Hebrew root meaning "to rule" or "to have dominion."

3. Abdon
Another town given to the Levites in the region of Asher. The name "Abdon" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "servant" or "service," reflecting the Levitical role in serving God and the community.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for Service
The allocation of towns like Mashal and Abdon to the Levites demonstrates God's provision for those dedicated to His service. It reminds us that God equips and provides for those He calls to serve Him.

The Role of Community in Supporting Ministry
The distribution of land to the Levites highlights the importance of community support for those in ministry. As believers, we are called to support and uphold those who dedicate their lives to serving God.

Heritage and Responsibility
The tribe of Asher's role in providing for the Levites reflects the broader responsibility of each tribe to contribute to the spiritual well-being of the nation. We, too, have a responsibility to contribute to the spiritual health of our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the allocation of towns like Mashal and Abdon to the Levites teach us about God's provision for those in ministry today?

2. How can we, as a community, better support those who are dedicated to serving God, similar to how the tribes supported the Levites?

3. In what ways does the heritage of the tribe of Asher, as described in Genesis 49:20, influence our understanding of their role in supporting the Levites?

4. How does the concept of "service" reflected in the name "Abdon" apply to our personal lives and ministries?

5. Reflecting on Numbers 18:20-24, how can we ensure that our contributions to the church and community align with God's intentions for His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 21:30-31
This passage lists the towns given to the Levites from the tribe of Asher, including Mashal and Abdon, confirming the allocation of these towns for Levitical service.

Genesis 49:20
Jacob's blessing over Asher highlights the tribe's prosperity, which is reflected in the fertile lands that included towns like Mashal and Abdon.

Numbers 18:20-24
These verses explain the Levites' inheritance, emphasizing their role in serving God and the community, which is supported by the towns allocated to them.