What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:59? Ashan – Listed among the “cities and their villages” of Simeon inside Judah’s territory (Joshua 19:2, 1 Chronicles 4:32). – Assigned to “the sons of Aaron of the clan of Kohath” as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:16). – Its inclusion in 1 Chronicles 6:59 underscores that God provided literal, geographic homes for priests so they could minister among the people (cf. Numbers 18:20). – Every mention affirms the reliability of the chronicler’s record and God’s covenant faithfulness to care for those who serve Him. Juttah – A hill-country town in Judah (Joshua 15:55) also given to the priests alongside Ashan (Joshua 21:16). – Located near Hebron, placing Levites in the heart of Judah’s worship center. – Later Jewish tradition links Juttah with the priestly family of Zechariah and Elizabeth, fitting Luke 1:39–40, “Mary got ready and hurried to the hill country of Judah.” While Scripture does not name the town there, the tradition highlights Juttah’s ongoing priestly identity. – The chronicler’s mention reminds readers that priestly presence was woven into daily life, pointing forward to our need for constant spiritual guidance. Beth-shemesh – Means “house of the sun,” a border town between Judah and Philistia (Joshua 15:10–11). – Famous for welcoming the ark returned by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:13–15) and later witnessing a tragic judgment for irreverence (1 Samuel 6:19). – Its assignment to the priests (1 Chronicles 6:59) placed spiritual leadership where the nation had already experienced God’s holiness, reinforcing the lesson that holy things require holy people. – Also the site of conflict between Judah and Israel’s kings (2 Kings 14:11). The Levites living there would continually remind both rulers and residents of God’s law amid political tension. Together with their pasturelands – God directed, “Assign the Levites towns to live in, along with pasturelands around them” (Numbers 35:2–3). – Pasturelands supplied food for livestock, freeing priests from worldly labor so they could focus on ministry (cf. Deuteronomy 18:1 – 5). – The pairing of city and countryside illustrates balanced provision: • A base for worship and teaching inside the city limits. • Fields around it meeting daily needs through God’s created order. – This structure foreshadows the New Testament principle that “those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14), showing continuity in God’s care for His servants. summary 1 Chronicles 6:59 records real towns—Ashan, Juttah, Beth-shemesh—granted to the priestly line “together with their pasturelands.” The verse is a snapshot of God’s meticulous faithfulness: He honors covenant promises, situates spiritual leaders among His people, and supplies their practical needs. Each named place testifies to the historical accuracy of Scripture and encourages believers today to trust the Lord who provides for those devoted to His service. |
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