1 Chronicles 6:78
From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah,
From the tribe of Reuben
The tribe of Reuben was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Reuben's tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River, which was a decision made during the time of Moses (Numbers 32). This location was chosen because of its suitability for livestock, which was a primary occupation of the Reubenites. The tribe's history is marked by a lack of significant leadership and influence compared to other tribes, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:4 about Reuben's instability.

east of the Jordan
The phrase "east of the Jordan" refers to the Transjordan region, which includes the territories of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This area was conquered by the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Numbers 32). The Transjordan was known for its fertile land and strategic location, serving as a buffer zone against eastern invaders. It also held significant trade routes, contributing to the economic stability of the tribes residing there.

opposite Jericho
Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 6). Its location opposite the Jordan River made it a key entry point into Canaan. The mention of Jericho highlights the geographical proximity of the Reubenite territory to this significant city, emphasizing the strategic importance of their land.

they were given Bezer in the wilderness
Bezer was designated as one of the cities of refuge, as outlined in Deuteronomy 4:43 and Joshua 20:8. These cities provided asylum for individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter, offering them protection from the avenger of blood. The location "in the wilderness" suggests a remote area, which aligns with the purpose of a city of refuge being accessible yet isolated enough to ensure safety and justice.

Jahzah
Jahzah, also known as Jahaz, was a city in the territory of Reuben. It is historically significant as the site of a major battle where the Israelites, led by Moses, defeated King Sihon of the Amorites (Numbers 21:23-24). This victory was crucial for the Israelites as it secured their passage into the Promised Land. The city's mention here underscores its importance in Israel's military and spiritual history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tribe of Reuben
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe settled east of the Jordan River.

2. Bezer
A city of refuge located in the wilderness, designated for the tribe of Reuben. It served as a place of asylum for those who accidentally committed manslaughter.

3. Jahzah
A location given to the Levites from the tribe of Reuben. It is mentioned in the context of the distribution of cities to the Levites.

4. East of the Jordan
Refers to the territory allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This area was significant for its strategic location and fertile land.

5. Opposite Jericho
Indicates the geographical positioning of the cities relative to Jericho, a well-known city in biblical history, especially in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and Justice
The allocation of cities like Bezer as places of refuge demonstrates God's provision for justice and mercy within the community. It reflects His concern for both the protection of the innocent and the administration of justice.

The Importance of Obedience
The distribution of land and cities was in accordance with God's commands. This underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the blessings that follow.

Community and Responsibility
The establishment of cities of refuge highlights the communal responsibility to uphold justice and provide for the needs of all members, including those who are vulnerable or in distress.

Geographical and Spiritual Significance
The location of these cities, particularly east of the Jordan, signifies both a physical and spiritual boundary. It reminds believers of the importance of being strategically positioned in life to fulfill God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the establishment of cities of refuge, like Bezer, teach us about God's character and His approach to justice and mercy?

2. How can the concept of cities of refuge be applied in our modern context to create safe spaces within our communities?

3. In what ways does the obedience of the tribes in settling where God directed them serve as a model for our own lives?

4. How does the geographical positioning of the tribes east of the Jordan relate to the spiritual positioning we should seek in our walk with God?

5. What responsibilities do we have as a community of believers to ensure justice and protection for those who are vulnerable or in need?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 4:41-43
Discusses the establishment of cities of refuge, including Bezer, highlighting their purpose and significance in Israelite society.

Joshua 20:8
Lists Bezer as one of the cities of refuge, reinforcing its role and importance in providing safety and justice.

Numbers 32:1-5
Describes the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle east of the Jordan, providing context for their inheritance.
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
Across, Beyond, Bezer, Desert, East, Jahaz, Jahzah, Jericho, Jordan, Lands, Open, Outskirts, Pasture, Received, Reuben, Steppe, Suburbs, Tribe, Waste, Wilderness
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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