Read 1 Chronicles 6
Levi
6 The sons of Levi:
Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
2 The sons of Kohath:
Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
3 The children of Amram:
Aaron, Moses and Miriam.
The sons of Aaron:
Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
4 Eleazar was the father of Phinehas,
Phinehas the father of Abishua,
5 Abishua the father of Bukki,
Bukki the father of Uzzi,
6 Uzzi the father of Zerahiah,
Zerahiah the father of Meraioth,
7 Meraioth the father of Amariah,
Amariah the father of Ahitub,
8 Ahitub the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Ahimaaz,
9 Ahimaaz the father of Azariah,
Azariah the father of Johanan,
10 Johanan the father of Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem),
11 Azariah the father of Amariah,
Amariah the father of Ahitub,
12 Ahitub the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Shallum,
13 Shallum the father of Hilkiah,
Hilkiah the father of Azariah,
14 Azariah the father of Seraiah,
and Seraiah the father of Jozadak.
15 Jozadak was deported when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
16 The sons of Levi:
Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
17 These are the names of the sons of Gershon:
Libni and Shimei.
18 The sons of Kohath:
Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
19 The sons of Merari:
Mahli and Mushi.
These are the clans of the Levites listed according to their fathers:
20 Of Gershon:
Libni his son, Jahath his son,
Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son,
Iddo his son, Zerah his son
and Jeatherai his son.
22 The descendants of Kohath:
Amminadab his son, Korah his son,
Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son,
Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,
24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son,
Uzziah his son and Shaul his son.
25 The descendants of Elkanah:
Amasai, Ahimoth,
26 Elkanah his son, Zophai his son,
Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son,
Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son
and Samuel his son.
28 The sons of Samuel:
Joel the firstborn
and Abijah the second son.
29 The descendants of Merari:
Mahli, Libni his son,
Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,
30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son
and Asaiah his son.
The Temple Musicians
31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there. 32 They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.
33 Here are the men who served, together with their sons:
From the Kohathites:
Heman, the musician,
the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham,
the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,
35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah,
the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,
36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel,
the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,
37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir,
the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,
38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath,
the son of Levi, the son of Israel;
39 and Heman’s associate Asaph, who served at his right hand:
Asaph son of Berekiah, the son of Shimea,
40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah,
the son of Malkijah, 41 the son of Ethni,
the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah,
the son of Shimei, 43 the son of Jahath,
the son of Gershon, the son of Levi;
44 and from their associates, the Merarites, at his left hand:
Ethan son of Kishi, the son of Abdi,
the son of Malluk, 45 the son of Hashabiah,
the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,
46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani,
the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli,
the son of Mushi, the son of Merari,
the son of Levi.
48 Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God. 49 But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.
50 These were the descendants of Aaron:
Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son,
Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son,
Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,
52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son,
Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son
and Ahimaaz his son.
54 These were the locations of their settlements allotted as their territory (they were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clan, because the first lot was for them):
55 They were given Hebron in Judah with its surrounding pasturelands. 56 But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.
57 So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), and Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, 58 Hilen, Debir, 59 Ashan, Juttah and Beth Shemesh, together with their pasturelands. 60 And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands.
The total number of towns distributed among the Kohathite clans came to thirteen.
61 The rest of Kohath’s descendants were allotted ten towns from the clans of half the tribe of Manasseh.
62 The descendants of Gershon, clan by clan, were allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher and Naphtali, and from the part of the tribe of Manasseh that is in Bashan.
63 The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, were allotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.
64 So the Israelites gave the Levites these towns and their pasturelands. 65 From the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin they allotted the previously named towns.
66 Some of the Kohathite clans were given as their territory towns from the tribe of Ephraim.
67 In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge), and Gezer, 68 Jokmeam, Beth Horon, 69 Aijalon and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands.
70 And from half the tribe of Manasseh the Israelites gave Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands, to the rest of the Kohathite clans.
71 The Gershonites received the following:
From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh
they received Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands;
72 from the tribe of Issachar
they received Kedesh, Daberath, 73 Ramoth and Anem, together with their pasturelands;
74 from the tribe of Asher
they received Mashal, Abdon, 75 Hukok and Rehob, together with their pasturelands;
76 and from the tribe of Naphtali
they received Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.
77 The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following:
From the tribe of Zebulun
they received Jokneam, Kartah, Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands;
78 from the tribe of Reuben across the Jordan east of Jericho
they received Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, 79 Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands;
80 and from the tribe of Gad
they received Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, 81 Heshbon and Jazer,together with their pasturelands.
Go Deeper
As we encounter 1 Chronicles 6 today, it feels like another trip through ancestry.com, reading lists of mostly unfamiliar names in a genealogy. As we’ve established over the previous few days, this may present a challenge or an excuse to skim quickly. But there is a benefit to us, the readers, as we don’t just read, but study these names.
With context and recognition of the purpose of the list, this day’s reading can encourage and remind us of God’s never-failing plan to redeem and restore. God established a priestly line (or family) as He organized the Israelites through Moses’ instruction. The details of this lineage and a reminder of their roles was significant to the recipients of this chronicle: the returning exiles of Judah from seventy years of Babylonian captivity. It is not hard to imagine there would be a loss of memory or any understanding of their roles as they head back to Judah. Seventy years is at least two generations!
Tracing their line as a member of the tribe of Levi gave the exiled family of Levi a designated role and a crucial purpose in the restoration of their nation. Those of Aaron’s line would serve as the priests who would present offerings in the Most Holy Place of the temple (to be rebuilt) and make atonement (payment) for the people of Israel’s sins as Moses prescribed by God. King David assigned certain Levites to minister with music as part of their worship. Two names recorded here, Heman and Asaph, are attributed to penning several of the Psalms. Other Levites contributed to the other duties related to the house of God.
This list of names begins to come to life as we view it through the lens of context and purpose. How can this list encourage us today? The priestly duty of Aaron’s line included making atonement for the sins of God’s people. This provision, established by God, pointed to a better, eternal atonement offered by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins. Today, as we are reminded of God’s provision recorded through His people and their families, we can give thanks that His ultimate never-failing plan to restore and redeem us came through Christ Jesus, the better, superior priest.
Questions
- Who do you recall from your past that has left a legacy of faith for you? If no one comes to mind, how could you begin that legacy for those that follow you?
- How have you benefited from the ministry of music as you worship? Take a moment to thank God for those who serve in this role.
- Who needs to know of God’s provision to redeem through Jesus? How will you share that great news this week?
Did You Know?
Asaph (referenced in v. 39) is credited with writing at least 11 psalms. Check out this article from GotQuestions.org for more information on Asaph.
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6 responses to “1 Chronicles 6”
54 “These were the locations of their settlements allotted as their territory (they were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clan, because the first lot was for them)“
Interesting to read how the Levites were spread throughout Israel, serving as teachers and religious leaders rather than having one tribal territory.
The sons of…
The children of…
Blank (fill in name) fathered…
The Blue Letter Bible commentary tells why the names are important, so that the Levites had pedigree, because all the honours and privileges of their office depended upon their descent. Their work, the work of the Levites, and of the priests. The cities appointed them in the land of Canaan.
Every story and name matters to Him—none are forgotten. We all have a role in God’s unfolding story. God’s faithfulness is always evident even when we stumble.
We do not need man to see and know what we are doing or have done necessarily, as long as God is who and what we are serving.
He has a place for you and me with some work to do.
The will of God is to rejoice always, praying consistantly and giving thanks in everything for this is will of God for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thes 5:16-18
God thank You for this minutes of this day. God may the eyes of my understanding be enlightened to what You desire for me to be a part of in this day. God thank You for talking to You consistantly throughout these minutes. God help me to have eyes to see the goodness so that I am thankful for everything. God I so rejoice in You. You are so so good to me and for that I am grateful, thankful and blessed beyond all that I can ask or think. God help my gratitude in ALL things. Let me practice gratitude in the minutes of my day even when I dont understand. God thank You that You never change. I know where I stand at all times. Thank You for loving people, (Your love goggles) speaking with gentleness and kindness in my voice, and helping me with my actions to also be Your hands. God let my life show the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control today in all I say, do and touch for Your glory, honor and joy in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I find it interesting that the lineage of Aaron’s sons is quite extensive yet there is no mention of the sons of Moses. Upon digging, I did not find a thorough rational other than Aaron’s lineage was so vital to the Lord serving as priests to His nation and God wanted these names preserved.
Reading the ancestry of the Levites reminded me that because of the perfect sacrifice of Christ, those who receive by faith the forgiveness of our sins through his blood are now as 1 Peter 2:9 declares,”But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Today’s chapter prompts quite a few thoughts about “the division of church labor.”
In Old Testament times, temple service duties were organized and restricted. It began with a tribal office—the descendants of Levi—and then more specific tasks were subdivided from there.
IOW, your assignment depended on your ancestry. If you didn’t want to do that—or if someone else did—well, too bad. That was just your role, forever—and the role of your children, and their children, and their children…
Fast forward to today.
Here at Harris Creek, we have a very large church that is extremely dependent on the service of countless volunteer “laborers.” As members who serve, this is something we witness weekly.
Just this past Sunday, I was stationed at my greeter post with someone who was not new to the church, just new to that position. Previously, they had served on the church parking team—but transferred out, because standing outside for hours in all weather was just too much for them. (Note: this is just an observation—not a judgment. One of the reasons I work indoors is because I can’t take all that weather, either! 😉)
It’s this exercise of personal option that is so interesting to me, especially in the context of 1 Chronicles 6, where every temple duty was assigned by lineage and lot (see verses 31–32, 48–49).
Just consider how different that is these days!
• Volunteer church service is just that—voluntary. We can encourage, inspire, even challenge our members to serve—but we can’t exactly “make” them!
• Church service is temporary. Volunteers choose when to serve, how often to serve, and how long to serve. Plus, no position is a lifelong gig—anyone can step down at any time.
• Church service is self-assigned. To me, this part is pivotal, especially in light of today’s chapter. Not only do I not have to park cars if I DON’T want to, I can sing in a choir if I DO. (And boy, am I grateful for such radical freedom. Coming from a three-generation choir family, I can’t imagine worship where a “place in the choir” depends on your bloodline!)
These days, I serve on the Greeting Team—because I love greeting people. Every other Sunday I get to interact with others—LOTS of others—over and over for a solid hour. Being a greeter is GREAT when you like to smile, mingle, and TALK—and (as anyone who’s ever met me knows) that is something I can never get enough of!
And since there are plenty of people who like this job just as much as I do, it’s pretty easy to find people to do it.
Our parking team, however, is an entirely different story. As the spouse of someone who shows up to direct traffic and park cars for both morning services just about every Sunday, I am painfully aware this team is chronically shorthanded.
I recently learned of a new members meeting where the various volunteer team leaders came to invite these folks to serve the church in some capacity. Apparently, every area of ministry gained some new volunteers—EXCEPT for the parking team. 🫢
And that’s the good news/bad news of church service today—since every role is essentially an “at will” position, there’s never a guarantee we “will” have all the people we need, in all the positions we need them.
And here’s why that’s critical:
All church service is essential.
From the folks who serve from the stage… to the folks who empty trash cans in The Commons… to the folks teaching and taking care of our kiddos… to the folks directing traffic out front. (Can you imagine what would happen at Harris Creek if THOSE people stopped showing up? I shudder to think. It wouldn’t matter much who was on stage that day, because no one could get into the sanctuary to see them!)
I’m so glad we have such careful records of sacred service. While ancient these lists may appear insignificant, they remind us that God has always valued both structure and service—and that He still does.
So here’s my final takeaway:
ALL WORK HAS WORTH.
Everything we do to honor God and serve His people carries Kingdom impact.
Even if my “post” happens to involve holding a door and saying good morning fifty times in a row, it’s still holy work. (And honestly, if smiling people into church isn’t a form of worship, I don’t know what is!) 😊
What matters most is not how or where we serve—but WHO.
The importance of dedicated service and orderly worship through the detailed genealogy of the Levites, who were set apart as priests, musicians and temple servants emphasizes that each person has a valuable role in God’s plan. and that faithfulness in their calling is essential.
1Peter:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
It is my honor to serve at HC.