1 Chronicles 6:81
Heshbon, and Jazer, together with their pasturelands.
Heshbon
Heshbon was an ancient city located east of the Jordan River, in the territory that was allotted to the tribe of Reuben. It was originally a Moabite city before being conquered by the Amorite king Sihon, as recorded in Numbers 21:25-26. The Israelites, under Moses, defeated Sihon and took possession of Heshbon (Numbers 21:34-35). This city later became a Levitical city, designated for the Levites who were responsible for religious duties and teaching the law. Heshbon's strategic location made it a significant city in biblical times, often mentioned in the context of Israel's battles and territorial expansions.

and Jazer
Jazer was another city east of the Jordan, also within the territory given to the tribe of Gad. It was known for its fertile land and was a center for agriculture and livestock. The city was captured by the Israelites during their conquest of the Transjordan region (Numbers 21:32). Jazer is frequently mentioned in the context of the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel and the establishment of Levitical cities. The city’s agricultural prosperity is highlighted in Isaiah 16:8-9, where its vineyards are noted, indicating its economic importance.

together with their pasturelands
The mention of pasturelands indicates the provision for the Levites, who were given cities and surrounding lands to support their livelihood, as they did not receive a tribal inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 35:2-3). These pasturelands were essential for grazing livestock, which was a primary source of sustenance and economic activity. The allocation of pasturelands reflects the practical needs of the Levites, ensuring they could maintain their flocks and herds while fulfilling their religious duties. This provision underscores the importance of supporting those dedicated to spiritual service, a principle echoed in the New Testament regarding the support of church leaders (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Heshbon
A significant city in the territory of Reuben, originally a Moabite city. It was known for its strategic location and fertile lands.

2. Jazer
Another city in the territory of Reuben, known for its vineyards and agricultural productivity. It was also a Levitical city, meaning it was designated for the Levites, who were responsible for religious duties in Israel.

3. Pasturelands
These refer to the lands surrounding the cities that were used for grazing livestock. They were essential for the sustenance of the Levites and their families.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those who serve Him. Just as the Levites were provided for, believers today can trust in God's provision for their needs.

The Importance of Community Support
The Levites relied on the surrounding community for their sustenance, highlighting the importance of supporting those in ministry. Christians are encouraged to support their church leaders and workers.

Stewardship of Resources
The mention of pasturelands underscores the importance of managing resources wisely. Believers are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them, whether it be land, finances, or talents.

Historical Continuity and Faithfulness
The cities of Heshbon and Jazer remind us of God's faithfulness throughout history. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can strengthen our faith in His promises today.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites teach us about God's provision for those who serve Him?

2. How can we, as a church community, better support those who are in full-time ministry or service?

3. In what ways can we practice good stewardship of the resources God has given us, both individually and collectively?

4. How does understanding the historical context of Heshbon and Jazer enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness to His people?

5. Can you think of a time when reflecting on God's past faithfulness helped you trust Him in a current situation? How can this practice be applied in your daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:25-26
These verses provide historical context about the conquest of Heshbon by the Israelites under Moses, highlighting its importance as a former Moabite city.

Joshua 21:39
This verse lists Jazer as one of the cities given to the Merarite Levites, emphasizing its role as a Levitical city.

Deuteronomy 3:10
This passage mentions the capture of Jazer and other cities, illustrating the expansion of Israelite territory.
Religious CultureW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:32-81
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abdon, Abiah, Abihu, Abijah, Abishua, Adaiah, Ahimaaz, Ahimoth, Ahitub, Alemeth, Amariah, Amasai, Amaziah, Amminadab, Amram, Amzi, Anathoth, Aner, Asaiah, Asaph, Asher, Assir, Azariah, Baaseiah, Bani, Benjamin, Berachiah, Berechiah, Bezer, Bukki, Caleb, Dan, David, Debir, Ebiasaph, Eleazar, Eliab, Eliel, Elkanah, Eshtemoa, Ethan, Ethni, Gad, Gershom, Gershomites, Gershon, Gibeon, Haggiah, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Iddo, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Izhar, Jahath, Jeaterai, Jehozadak, Jephunneh, Jeroham, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Kishi, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahath, Mahli, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Meraioth, Merari, Merarites, Michael, Miriam, Mushi, Nadab, Nahath, Naphtali, Nebuchadnezzar, Phinehas, Rehob, Reuben, Samuel, Saul, Seraiah, Shallum, Shamer, Shaul, Shemer, Shemuel, Shimea, Shimei, Simeon, Solomon, Tahath, Toah, Uriel, Uzza, Uzzah, Uzzi, Uzziah, Uzziel, Vashni, Zadok, Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zerah, Zerahiah, Zimmah, Zophai, Zuph
Places
Abdon, Aijalon, Alemeth, Anathoth, Anem, Aner, Ashan, Ashtaroth, Assyria, Bashan, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Bileam, Daberath, Debir, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammon, Hebron, Heshbon, Hilen, Hukok, Jahzah, Jattir, Jazer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokmeam, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kiriathaim, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mashal, Mephaath, Most Holy Place, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Tabor
Topics
Heshbon, Jaazer, Jazer, Lands, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, Pasturelands, Suburbs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:54-80

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
David's Choristers
'They stood in their office, according to their order.'--1 CHRON. vi. 32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for 'the service of song in the house of the Lord.' The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the 'tabernacle of the tent of meeting,' and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler's description of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean!
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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