Study 1 Chronicles 6 and the lineage of the Levites, revealing God's sacred service and His provision for His people.
The sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles presents the genealogy of the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe set apart for the service of God. Unlike the other tribes, Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance. The Lord Himself was their inheritance, and they were given cities and pasturelands scattered throughout the land of Israel. The chapter demonstrates that God's work requires consecrated servants and that worship is central to the life of His people.
The chapter begins with the genealogy of the three sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The line of Kohath is traced through Amram to Aaron and Moses. Aaron was the first high priest, and his descendants served in the tabernacle and temple. The line of Eleazar through Phinehas and Zadok established the priestly succession. The genealogy also includes the families of the Levites who were set apart for the service of the tabernacle, including the singers and gatekeepers.
The chapter records the cities of refuge and the Levitical cities distributed throughout the tribes of Israel. The Levites were given forty-eight cities with their suburbs, including the six cities of refuge. The cities of refuge provided safety for those who accidentally caused the death of another person. The distribution of the Levitical cities throughout the land ensured that the worship and teaching of God were accessible to all the tribes. The chapter reveals that God's sacred service requires dedicated servants and that His provision extends to all His people.
The Genealogy of the High Priests
The Sons of Levi
The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (1 Chronicles 6:1). Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Levi was set apart for the service of the tabernacle and later the temple. The Levites had a unique role in Israel's worship, and their genealogy was carefully preserved. The chronicler begins by naming the three sons of Levi, establishing the three great clans of the tribe.
The Line of Kohath
And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel (1 Chronicles 6:2). The line of Kohath was the most important because it included the priestly line. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the most holy things of the tabernacle. They carried the ark, the table, the candlestick, and the holy vessels. The genealogy traces the line from Kohath through Amram to Aaron and Moses.
The Priestly Line
And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (1 Chronicles 6:3). Aaron was the first high priest of Israel. His sons were consecrated as priests to serve before the Lord. The genealogy continues through Eleazar and his son Phinehas, who was zealous for the Lord and was given a covenant of peace (Numbers 25:10-13).
The genealogy traces the priestly line through several generations: Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua, and Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi, and Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth, and Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, and Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz (1 Chronicles 6:4-8). The line continues through Ahimaaz and his descendants, demonstrating the preservation of the priesthood through generations.
The Descendants of Kohath
The genealogy also includes the descendants of Kohath's other sons: Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. From Izhar came Korah, who led a rebellion against Moses but whose descendants became doorkeepers and gatekeepers for the tabernacle. The inclusion of Korah's descendants demonstrates that God's grace extends even to the families of those who rebelled.
The Musicians and Singers
The Appointment of David
The genealogy of the singers is introduced with a reference to David and his role in establishing worship. And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest (1 Chronicles 6:31). David organized the Levitical musicians for the worship of God. The musicians served before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting with singing until Solomon built the temple .
The singers were from the families of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. The genealogy lists the principal musicians: Heman the Kohathite, Asaph the Gershonite, and Ethan the Merarite. These men and their families were set apart for the ministry of music in the house of the Lord .
The Family of Heman
The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The sons of Izhar; Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri. The sons of Korah; Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph (1 Chronicles 6:18, 22-23). Heman was a descendant of Kohath through Izhar and Korah. He was the chief musician and served in the tabernacle. Heman was also a seer, and God honored him with prophetic insight .
The Families of Asaph and Ethan
Asaph was a descendant of Gershon, the son of Levi. He was a chief musician and the author of many psalms. Asaph's descendants served in the temple and continued his ministry of music . Ethan was a descendant of Merari, the son of Levi. He was also a chief musician appointed by David to lead worship.
The Cities of the Levites
The Distribution of the Cities
Now these are the cities which they gave unto the Levites: the cities of their dwelling (1 Chronicles 6:54). The Levites were given cities with their suburbs throughout the land of Israel. The Levitical cities were distributed among the families of the Levites. The priests, the descendants of Aaron, received cities in the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. The rest of the Levites received cities throughout the other tribes .
The cities of the priests included Hebron, Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, and Beth-shemesh. The cities of the other Levites included Shechem, Gezer, and Kibzaim. The distribution ensured that the Levites could carry out their priestly duties throughout the nation .
The Cities of Refuge
The Levitical cities included the six cities of refuge: Bezer, Ramoth, Golan, Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron. These cities provided safety for those who accidentally caused the death of another person. The cities of refuge were a provision of God's mercy and justice. The cities of refuge also served as a reminder that God's mercy is available to those who seek it .
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 6
The Importance of Worship
The detailed records of the musicians and singers demonstrate the importance of worship in the life of God's people. David appointed musicians to lead the worship of God. The lesson for believers is the centrality of worship in their lives. The psalmist writes: O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation (Psalm 95:1). Worship is not optional but essential for the people of God .
The Role of the Priesthood
The genealogy of the priesthood demonstrates the importance of consecrated service to God. The priests were set apart to offer sacrifices and to teach the people the law. The lesson for believers is the priesthood of all believers. The apostle Peter writes: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). All believers are called to serve God and to offer spiritual sacrifices .
The Provision of God
The distribution of the Levitical cities demonstrates God's provision for those who serve Him. The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance, but they were provided for through the generosity of the other tribes. The lesson for believers is that God provides for His servants. The apostle Paul writes: Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). God's provision for His servants is a demonstration of His faithfulness .
The Mercy of God
The cities of refuge demonstrate God's mercy and justice. The cities provided safety for the innocent and protected them from the avenger of blood. The lesson for believers is the mercy of God available in Christ. The writer of Hebrews writes: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us (Hebrews 6:18). Christ is the refuge for sinners.
Connections to Scripture
The Law of Moses
The cities of refuge were established according to the law of Moses. Numbers 35:9-34 provided the instruction for the cities of refuge. The law provided safety for the unintentional killer and protected the innocent. The law also required that the murderer be put to death. The cities of refuge were a provision of God's justice and mercy.
The Davidic Covenant
The appointment of the musicians by David is connected to the Davidic covenant. David was not only a king but also a worshiper. His organization of the worship foreshadowed the worship that would be offered in the temple. The Davidic covenant pointed forward to the worship of Christ, who is the true High Priest.
The New Testament Application
The priesthood of Aaron points forward to the priesthood of Christ. The writer of Hebrews writes: Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (Hebrews 3:1). The Levitical priesthood was a shadow of the true priesthood of Christ.
Conclusion
The sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles records the genealogy of the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe set apart for the service of God. The chapter traces the line of the high priests from Aaron to Zadok. The musicians and singers appointed by David are listed. The Levitical cities, including the cities of refuge, are recorded. The chapter demonstrates that God's sacred service requires dedicated servants and that His provision extends to all His people.
The genealogy of the Levites teaches believers the importance of consecrated service to God. The priests were set apart to offer sacrifices and to teach the people the law. The lesson for believers is to serve God with their whole hearts. The musicians appointed by David led the worship of God, demonstrating that worship is essential for the people of God.
The cities of refuge demonstrate God's mercy and justice. The cities provided safety for the innocent and protected them from the avenger of blood. The lesson for believers is to find refuge in Christ, who is the true refuge for sinners. The chapter calls believers to serve God with dedication, to worship Him with their whole hearts, and to find their refuge in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the genealogy of the Levites important in 1 Chronicles 6?
The genealogy of the Levites is important because it demonstrates the preservation of the priestly line and the continuity of worship in Israel. The Levites were set apart for the service of God, and their genealogy was carefully preserved. The line of the high priests from Aaron to Zadok is traced, establishing the legitimacy of the priesthood. The genealogy also includes the musicians and singers appointed by David for the worship of God.
2. What role did the musicians and singers play in the worship of Israel?
The musicians and singers were appointed by David to lead the worship of God in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They served before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting with singing. The chief musicians were Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, who led the musical worship of the people. The musicians were from the families of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites.
3. How were the Levitical cities distributed among the tribes?
The Levitical cities were distributed among the families of the Levites. The priests, the descendants of Aaron, received cities in the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. The rest of the Levites received cities throughout the other tribes. The distribution ensured that the Levites could carry out their priestly duties throughout the nation. The cities of the priests included Hebron, Libnah, Jattir, and Beth-shemesh.
4. What was the purpose of the cities of refuge?
The cities of refuge provided safety for those who accidentally caused the death of another person. The cities protected the innocent from the avenger of blood until a trial could be held. The cities of refuge were a provision of God's justice and mercy. The six cities of refuge were Bezer, Ramoth, Golan, Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron.
5. How does the priesthood in 1 Chronicles 6 point forward to Jesus Christ?
The priesthood in 1 Chronicles 6 points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the true High Priest. The Levitical priesthood was a shadow of the true priesthood of Christ. Aaron was the first high priest, but Christ is the eternal High Priest who offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin. The writer of Hebrews writes: But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:11-12).
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