What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:56? But • The coordinating conjunction signals a contrast with the previous statement in verse 55, where “Hebron was given to the sons of Aaron.” • Scripture often uses a brief “but” to highlight God-ordained distinctions (e.g., “But as for you…” in Genesis 50:20). • Here the contrast preserves both the Levitical inheritance of the city and Judah’s inheritance through Caleb, keeping the divine allotments intact (Joshua 21:11-12). the fields and villages • “Fields” reference open farmland—vital for crops and herds. “Villages” (unwalled settlements) housed those who worked that land. • Joshua 21:12: “But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.” • By distinguishing city from countryside, the text safeguards the priestly city for ministry while ensuring economic provision for Caleb’s clan. around the city • The location “around” emphasizes a protective ring: Levites at Hebron’s center, faithful Judahites surrounding. • Numbers 35:2-5 shows God’s design for Levitical cities to include surrounding pastureland, yet here that outer ring is assigned elsewhere—underscoring flexibility within God’s larger plan while maintaining order. • Such arrangement fosters mutual dependence: Levites rely on neighbors for produce; neighbors benefit from priestly teaching (Deuteronomy 33:10). were given • “Given” underscores divine generosity mediated through human leadership (Joshua 14:1-5). • Land distribution fulfills God’s earlier promise that obedient faith receives tangible reward (Deuteronomy 1:36). • The passive voice reminds readers that God is the real Giver; human agents like Joshua simply enact His will (Joshua 14:13). to Caleb son of Jephunneh • Caleb, consistently described as having “followed the LORD fully” (Numbers 14:24), becomes a model of persevering faith. • Joshua 14:13-14: “Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as an inheritance… because he had followed the LORD, the God of Israel, fully.” • By naming Caleb again in Chronicles, the writer anchors post-exilic readers in a heritage of courage and wholehearted devotion, urging them to similar fidelity (cf. 1 Chronicles 4:15, 6:54-56). summary 1 Chronicles 6:56 highlights God’s meticulous faithfulness: the city of Hebron reserved for priestly service, yet the surrounding land rewarded to Caleb for his steadfast faith. The verse displays divine order, mutual provision between priestly and lay families, and the certainty that wholehearted obedience secures God’s promised inheritance. |
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