What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:71? The Gershomites received the following “Who were the Gershomites?” They were the descendants of Gershon, Levi’s eldest son (Numbers 3:17; 1 Chronicles 6:1, 20). As Levites, they did not receive a large tribal territory but towns scattered among Israel. God personally assigned them their inheritance, underscoring His faithfulness to provide for those set apart for His service (Numbers 18:21; Joshua 13:33). 1 Chronicles 6 repeats these allotments to show that the covenant promises were literally fulfilled, down to each family of priests. From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh Half of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33; Joshua 13:29-31). Out of that eastern region, specific towns were set aside for the Gershomites. The precise mention of “half-tribe” underlines God’s orderly distribution—no tribe, even one divided by geography, was exempt from caring for the servants of the tabernacle (Joshua 21:27). It also highlights Israel’s unity; Levites lived among all the tribes so worship would remain central nationwide (Deuteronomy 12:5-7). they were given Golan in Bashan Golan, situated in the rich plateau of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:10; 2 Kings 10:33), was already famous as a city of refuge (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8). By placing Levites there, God anchored spiritual leadership where justice and mercy met. Whenever an Israelite fled to Golan, priests were on hand to teach God’s law, reinforcing that refuge was rooted in divine grace, not mere geography (Hebrews 6:18 alludes to such cities as images of Christ). and also Ashtaroth Ashtaroth (also called Ashteroth-Karnaim, Genesis 14:5) was once an Amorite stronghold subdued under Moses (Deuteronomy 1:4). Handing this town to the Gershomites displayed God’s triumph over paganism and His intention to replace idolatrous centers with true worship (Joshua 12:4; 13:31). The Levites’ presence turned former enemy territory into a beacon of holiness, echoing God’s promise that the knowledge of the Lord would spread throughout the land (Isaiah 11:9). together with their pasturelands Pasturelands, or “open lands,” surrounded each Levitical town (Numbers 35:2-5). These fields supplied food for livestock, enabling Levites to focus on ministry rather than survival (1 Corinthians 9:13-14 reflects the same principle). The detail proves God’s provision was practical and complete; He equips His servants spiritually and materially (Philippians 4:19). By integrating these green belts within every tribe’s territory (Joshua 21:41), He reminded Israel daily of the priority of worship. summary 1 Chronicles 6:71 records, with precision, how God gave the Gershomite Levites two strategic cities—Golan and Ashtaroth—along with their surrounding fields from the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh. Each phrase testifies that the Lord literally fulfilled His covenant promises, placed spiritual leaders across the nation, turned conquered territory into centers of true worship, and cared for His servants’ needs. The verse may seem like a simple land deed, yet it reveals God’s meticulous faithfulness and His desire that every corner of Israel know, teach, and live His truth. |
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