The Hebronites are a Levitical family descended from Hebron, the son of Kohath, who was a son of Levi. As members of the tribe of Levi, the Hebronites held a special place in the religious and social structure of ancient Israel, being set apart for specific duties related to the worship and service of God.

Genealogy and Lineage

The Hebronites trace their lineage back to Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. Levi's descendants were divided into three main families: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites. The Hebronites belong to the Kohathite branch, as Hebron was one of the sons of Kohath. This lineage is detailed in 1 Chronicles 6:18, which states, "The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel."

Duties and Responsibilities

As Kohathites, the Hebronites were entrusted with specific responsibilities related to the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Numbers 3:31 outlines the duties of the Kohathites: "They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use."

The Hebronites, as part of this group, played a crucial role in the transportation and maintenance of these sacred objects. Their duties were considered highly significant, as they were directly involved in the worship practices of the Israelites.

Prominent Hebronites

Several notable figures in the Bible are identified as Hebronites. One such figure is Jeriah, who is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:31: "As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was the chief according to the genealogies of their families." Jeriah's leadership role highlights the importance of the Hebronites within the Levitical community.

Another significant Hebronite is Hashabiah, who is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:30: "From the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his relatives—1,700 capable men—had oversight of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king." This passage indicates that the Hebronites were not only involved in religious duties but also held administrative responsibilities in the governance of Israel.

Territorial Allotment

The Hebronites, like other Levitical families, did not receive a territorial inheritance in the same manner as the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were given specific cities and surrounding pasturelands within the territories of other tribes. This arrangement is described in Joshua 21:9-12, where Hebron is listed as one of the cities given to the descendants of Kohath, including the Hebronites.

Role in the Monarchy

During the reign of King David, the Hebronites continued to play a vital role in the religious and administrative life of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 23:12, David organizes the Levites, including the Hebronites, for service in the temple, underscoring their ongoing importance in the spiritual life of the nation.

The Hebronites' dedication to their duties and their involvement in both religious and civic affairs reflect their integral role in the history and development of Israel as a covenant community dedicated to the worship and service of God.He'bronites (5 Occurrences)

Numbers 3:27
Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
(See RSV)

Numbers 26:58
These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korahites. Kohath became the father of Amram.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 26:23
Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 26:30
Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, men of valor, one thousand seven hundred, had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the business of Yahweh, and for the service of the king.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 26:31
Of the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers' houses. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valor at Jazer of Gilead.
(See RSV)

He'bronites (5 Occurrences)
He'bronites. Hebronites, He'bronites. Hedge . Multi-Version Concordance
He'bronites (5 Occurrences). Numbers 3:27 Of Kohath was ...
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Hedge (12 Occurrences)

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Hebronites (5 Occurrences)

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