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1 Chronicles 6

BSB

1 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 was the father of Abishua, 5 Abishua was the father of Bukki, Bukki was the father of Uzzi, 6 Uzzi was the father of Zerahiah, Zerahiah was the father of Meraioth, 7 Meraioth was the father of Amariah, Amariah was the father of Ahitub, 8 Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz, 9 Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Johanan, 10 Johanan was the father of Azariah, who served as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem, 11 Azariah was the father of Amariah, Amariah was the father of Ahitub, 12 Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Shallum, 13 Shallum was the father of Hilkiah, Hilkiah was the father of Azariah, 14 Azariah was the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah was the father of Jehozadak. 15 Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. 16 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17 These are the names of the sons of Gershom: 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 Gershom: 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, and Elkanah his son. 28 The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn and Abijah his 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. 31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. 32 They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. 33 These are the men who served, together with their sons. From the Kohathites: Heman the singer, 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 Heman’s kinsman was Asaph, who served at his right hand: Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, 40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, 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 Gershom, the son of Levi. 44 On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 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 every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God. 49 But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to 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 Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: 55 They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and 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), 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. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families. 61 To the rest of the Kohathites, ten cities were allotted from the half-tribe of Manasseh. 62 The Gershomites , according to their clans, were allotted thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan. 63 The Merarites, according to their families, were allotted twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. 64 So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands. 65 They assigned by lot the cities named above from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. 66 And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given cities from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory: 67 They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer, 68 Jokmeam, Beth-horon, 69 Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon, together with their pasturelands. 70 And from the half-tribe of Manasseh the remaining clans of the Kohathites were given Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands. 71 The Gershomites received the following: From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands. 72 From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kedesh, Daberath, 73 Ramoth, and Anem, together with their pasturelands. 74 From the tribe of Asher they were given Mashal, Abdon, 75 Hukok, and Rehob, together with their pasturelands. 76 And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given 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 were given Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands. 78 From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, 79 Kedemoth, and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands. 80 And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, 81 Heshbon, and Jazer, together with their pasturelands.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the genealogy of the Levites, tracing their descent from Levi, the third son of Jacob. The genealogy is divided into three main sections: the descendants of Gershon, the descendants of Kohath, and the descendants of Merari. The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the priestly lineage, particularly the family of Aaron, who were set apart as priests. The genealogy also mentions the cities and towns allotted to the Levites, emphasizing their role in the worship of God. Key verses, such as 1 Chronicles 6:1, 1 Chronicles 6:10, and 1 Chronicles 6:31, provide insight into the significance of the Levites and their connection to the priestly lineage.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which provides a historical account of the kingdom of Israel from the death of Saul to the reign of David. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of the Levites in the worship of God and the significance of the priestly lineage. The chapter also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, particularly in the preservation of the priestly lineage.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of preserving our spiritual heritage and the significance of our role in the worship of God. As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God. The chapter encourages us to reflect on our own spiritual lineage and the importance of preserving the faith for future generations.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the genealogy of the Levites, who were a tribe of Israel set apart for priestly service and worship. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the Levites in the worship of God and the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest. As mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:1, the sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, and the chapter provides a detailed record of their descent from Levi.

Voices from the Church

“The genealogy of the Levites serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.”

— John Calvin

“The Levites were set apart for priestly service and worship, and their role in the history of Israel serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and the significance of the priestly lineage.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Levites (6:1-3) — The chapter introduces the three main branches of the Levite family: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The verse highlights the importance of the Levites in the priestly lineage and sets the stage for the detailed genealogy that follows.
  2. The Descendants of Gershon (6:4-7) — The chapter provides a detailed record of the descendants of Gershon, highlighting their role in the worship of God. The verse mentions the cities and towns allotted to the Gershonites, emphasizing their importance in the history of Israel.
  3. The Descendants of Kohath (6:8-15) — The chapter provides a detailed record of the descendants of Kohath, highlighting their role in the worship of God. The verse mentions the family of Aaron, who were set apart as priests, and emphasizes the significance of the priestly lineage.
  4. The Descendants of Merari (6:16-19) — The chapter provides a detailed record of the descendants of Merari, highlighting their role in the worship of God. The verse mentions the cities and towns allotted to the Merarites, emphasizing their importance in the history of Israel.
  5. The Levites and Worship (6:20-32) — The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship. The verse mentions the role of the Levites as musicians and gatekeepers, emphasizing their significance in the history of Israel.

Core Doctrines

The Priesthood of Christ
This chapter points to the priesthood of Christ in its emphasis on the priestly lineage and the importance of the Levites in the worship of God. The genealogy of the Levites serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.
The Importance of Worship
The chapter highlights the importance of worship in the life of the believer, particularly in the context of the Levites and their role in the tabernacle and temple worship. The verse emphasizes the significance of worship as a central theme in the chapter.
The Significance of Genealogy
The chapter emphasizes the significance of genealogy in the history of Israel, particularly in the priestly lineage. The detailed record of the Levites' descent from Levi serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of preserving the priestly lineage.
The Role of the Levites
The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship. The Levites played a crucial role in the history of Israel, serving as priests, musicians, and gatekeepers.

Lessons from 1 Chronicles 6

  1. The Importance of Preserving Our Spiritual Heritage — The chapter reminds us of the importance of preserving our spiritual heritage and the significance of our role in the worship of God. As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God.
  2. The Significance of Worship in the Life of the Believer — The chapter highlights the importance of worship in the life of the believer, particularly in the context of the Levites and their role in the tabernacle and temple worship. The verse emphasizes the significance of worship as a central theme in the chapter.
  3. The Role of the Levites in the History of Israel — The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship. The Levites played a crucial role in the history of Israel, serving as priests, musicians, and gatekeepers.
  4. The Priesthood of Christ — The chapter points to the priesthood of Christ in its emphasis on the priestly lineage and the importance of the Levites in the worship of God. The genealogy of the Levites serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.
  5. The Significance of Genealogy in the History of Israel — The chapter emphasizes the significance of genealogy in the history of Israel, particularly in the priestly lineage. The detailed record of the Levites' descent from Levi serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of preserving the priestly lineage.

Themes from 1 Chronicles 6

  1. The Importance of Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship in the life of the believer, particularly in the context of the Levites and their role in the tabernacle and temple worship. The verse emphasizes the significance of worship as a central theme in the chapter.
  2. The Significance of Genealogy — The chapter emphasizes the significance of genealogy in the history of Israel, particularly in the priestly lineage. The detailed record of the Levites' descent from Levi serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of preserving the priestly lineage.
  3. The Role of the Levites — The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship. The Levites played a crucial role in the history of Israel, serving as priests, musicians, and gatekeepers.
  4. The Priesthood of Christ — The chapter points to the priesthood of Christ in its emphasis on the priestly lineage and the importance of the Levites in the worship of God. The genealogy of the Levites serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.
  5. The Importance of Preserving Our Spiritual Heritage — The chapter reminds us of the importance of preserving our spiritual heritage and the significance of our role in the worship of God. As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What is the significance of the genealogy of the Levites in this chapter?
  2. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of the Levites in the worship of God?
  3. What is the significance of the priestly lineage in this chapter, and how does it point to Christ?
  4. How does the chapter highlight the role of the Levites in the history of Israel?
  5. What is the practical application of this chapter for the believer today?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Levites (6:1-3)

6:1 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The chapter introduces the three main branches of the Levite family, highlighting their importance in the priestly lineage.
6:2 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The verse provides a detailed record of the descendants of Kohath, highlighting their role in the worship of God.

2. The Descendants of Gershon (6:4-7)

6:4 The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei. The verse provides a detailed record of the descendants of Gershon, highlighting their role in the worship of God.
6:5 The sons of Libni were Jahath, Zimmah, Joah, Iddo, Zerah, and Jeatherai. The verse mentions the cities and towns allotted to the Gershonites, emphasizing their importance in the history of Israel.

3. The Descendants of Kohath (6:8-15)

6:8 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The verse provides a detailed record of the descendants of Kohath, highlighting their role in the worship of God.
6:10 And Aaron was set apart to sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons forever, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister to Him, and to bless in His name forever. The verse emphasizes the significance of the priestly lineage, particularly the family of Aaron, who were set apart as priests.

4. The Descendants of Merari (6:16-19)

6:16 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. The verse provides a detailed record of the descendants of Merari, highlighting their role in the worship of God.
6:17 The sons of Mahli were Eleazar and Kish. The verse mentions the cities and towns allotted to the Merarites, emphasizing their importance in the history of Israel.

5. The Levites and Worship (6:20-32)

6:20 The sons of Ebiasaph were Sebuel, Amram, and Mishael. The verse highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship.
6:31 These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest. The verse emphasizes the significance of the Levites as musicians and gatekeepers in the history of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the genealogy of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6?

The genealogy of the Levites serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest. As mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:1, the sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, and the chapter provides a detailed record of their descent from Levi.

How does the chapter emphasize the importance of the Levites in the worship of God?

The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship. The Levites played a crucial role in the history of Israel, serving as priests, musicians, and gatekeepers. As mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:10, the family of Aaron was set apart as priests, emphasizing the significance of the priestly lineage.

What is the practical application of this chapter for the believer today?

The chapter reminds us of the importance of preserving our spiritual heritage and the significance of our role in the worship of God. As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God. The chapter encourages us to reflect on our own spiritual lineage and the importance of preserving the faith for future generations.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Chronicles 6:1 → Genesis 29:34 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, which is also mentioned in Genesis 29:34. This cross-reference highlights the significance of the Levites in the history of Israel, particularly in the priestly lineage.
2 1 Chronicles 6:10 → Exodus 4:14 Aaron was set apart to sanctify the most holy things, which is also mentioned in Exodus 4:14. This cross-reference emphasizes the significance of the priestly lineage, particularly the family of Aaron, who were set apart as priests.
3 1 Chronicles 6:16 → Numbers 3:20 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi, which is also mentioned in Numbers 3:20. This cross-reference highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship.
4 1 Chronicles 6:20 → 1 Samuel 6:15 The sons of Ebiasaph were Sebuel, Amram, and Mishael, which is also mentioned in 1 Samuel 6:15. This cross-reference emphasizes the significance of the Levites as musicians and gatekeepers in the history of Israel.
5 1 Chronicles 6:31 → 1 Chronicles 15:16 These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest. This verse points to 1 Chronicles 15:16, which mentions the role of the Levites in the worship of God.
6 1 Chronicles 6:1 → Hebrews 7:11 The genealogy of the Levites serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.
7 1 Chronicles 6:10 → 1 Peter 2:9 The family of Aaron was set apart as priests, emphasizing the significance of the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.
8 1 Chronicles 6:16 → John 1:1 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi, which highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the Word of God.
9 1 Chronicles 6:20 → Ephesians 2:19 The sons of Ebiasaph were Sebuel, Amram, and Mishael, which emphasizes the significance of the Levites as musicians and gatekeepers in the history of Israel, particularly in the context of the church as a royal priesthood.
10 1 Chronicles 6:31 → Colossians 3:16 These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest, which highlights the importance of worship and the role of the Levites in the history of Israel, particularly in the context of the church as a royal priesthood.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 6

SermonDescription
Andrew Bonar Palestine for the Young - the Tribe of Levi by Andrew Bonar Andrew Bonar emphasizes the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the Tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique role as servants of God scattered throughout Israel. Unlike other

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 6

This chapter provides a detailed genealogy of the Levites, highlighting their importance in the priestly lineage and their role in the worship of God. The chapter emphasizes the significance of the priestly lineage, particularly the family of Aaron, who were set apart as priests. The commentary notes that the genealogy of the Levites serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of preserving the priestly lineage, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest. The chapter also highlights the role of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship, and encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual lineage and the importance of preserving the faith for future generations. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Genealogy

The chapter emphasizes the significance of genealogy in the history of Israel, particularly in the priestly lineage. The detailed record of the Levites' descent from Levi serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people.

The Role of the Levites

The chapter highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship of God, particularly in the tabernacle and temple worship. The Levites played a crucial role in the history of Israel, serving as priests, musicians, and gatekeepers.

The Priestly Lineage

The chapter emphasizes the significance of the priestly lineage, particularly the family of Aaron. The priestly lineage is central to the worship of God, and the chapter highlights the importance of preserving this lineage.

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