1 Chronicles — Chapter 6

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1The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

2And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

3And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

4Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua,

5And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,

6And Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth,

7Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

8And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,

9And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

10And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest’s office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)

11And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

12And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,

13And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,

14And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak,

15And Jehozadak went into captivity, when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

17And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.

18And the sons of Kohath were, Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

19The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.

20Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

21Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

22The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

23Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,

24Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

25And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth.

26As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,

27Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.

28And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.

29The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,

30Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

31And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.

32And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.

33And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,

34The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,

35The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

36The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,

37The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

38The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

39And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

40The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,

41The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

42The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

43The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

44And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

45The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,

46The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,

47The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

48Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

49But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

50And these are the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,

51Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,

53Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.

54Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

55And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.

56But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

57And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

58And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs,

59And Ashan with her suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with her suburbs:

60And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

61And unto the sons of Kohath, which were left of the family of that tribe, were cities given out of the half tribe, namely, out of the half tribe of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities.

62And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

63Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

64And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their suburbs.

65And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by their names.

66And the residue of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.

67And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs,

68And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs,

69And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with her suburbs:

70And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.

71Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

72And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,

73And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:

74And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs,

75And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs:

76And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

77Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun. Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

78And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,

79Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:

80And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

81And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.

1The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

2And the sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

3And the children of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

4Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua,

5and Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,

6and Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth,

7Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

8and Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,

9and Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

10and Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest`s office in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem),

11and Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub,

12and Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,

13and Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,

14and Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak;

15And Jehozadak went [into captivity], when Jehovah carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

17And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

18And the sons of Kohath were Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

19The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers` [houses].

20Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

21Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.

22The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

23Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,

24Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

25And the sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth.

26As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,

27Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.

28And the sons of Samuel: the first-born [Joel], and the second Abijah.

29The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,

30Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

31And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of Jehovah, after that the ark had rest.

32And they ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of Jehovah in Jerusalem: and they waited on their office according to their order.

33And these are they that waited, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

34the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,

35the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

36the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,

37the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

38the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

39And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea,

40the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah,

41the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

42the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

43the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

44And on the left hand their brethren the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

45the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,

46the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer,

47the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

48And their brethren the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

49But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of burnt-offering, and upon the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

50And these are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,

51Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,

53Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.

54Now these are their dwelling-places according to their encampments in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the [first] lot),

55to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it;

56but the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

57And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs,

58and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs,

59and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with its suburbs;

60and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, and Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

61And unto the rest of the sons of Kohath [were given] by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.

62And to the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

63Unto the sons of Merari [were given] by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

64And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs.

65And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

66And some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim.

67And they gave unto them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs,

68and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth-horon with its suburbs,

69and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs;

70and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath.

71Unto the sons of Gershom [were given], out of the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs;

72and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs,

73and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs;

74and out of the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, and Abdon with its suburbs,

75and Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs;

76and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, and Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs.

77Unto the rest of [the Levites], the sons of Merari, [were given], out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs;

78and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, [were given them], out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah with its suburbs,

79and Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs;

80and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, and Mahanaim with its suburbs,

81and Heshbon with its suburbs, and Jazer with its suburbs.

1(5:27) The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

2The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

3The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

4Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, and Phinehas was the father of Abishua.

5Abishua was the father of Bukki, and Bukki was the father of Uzzi.

6Uzzi was the father of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah was the father of Meraioth.

7Meraioth was the father of Amariah, and Amariah was the father of Ahitub.

8Ahitub was the father of Zadok, and Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz.

9Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, and Azariah was the father of Johanan.

10Johanan was the father of Azariah, who served as a priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem.

11Azariah was the father of Amariah, and Amariah was the father of Ahitub.

12Ahitub was the father of Zadok, and Zadok was the father of Shallum.

13Shallum was the father of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah was the father of Azariah.

14Azariah was the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah was the father of Jehozadak.

15Jehozadak went into exile when the Lord sent the people of Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16(6:1) The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

17These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

18The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

19The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi.These are the clans of the Levites by their families.

20To Gershom: his son Libni, his son Jahath, his son Zimmah,

21his son Joah, his son Iddo, his son Zerah, and his son Jeatherai.

22The sons of Kohath: his son Amminadab, his son Korah, his son Assir,

23his son Elkanah, his son Ebiasaph, his son Assir,

24his son Tahath, his son Uriel, his son Uzziah, and his son Shaul.

25The sons of Elkanah: Amasai, Ahimoth,

26his son Elkanah, his son Zophai, his son Nahath,

27his son Eliab, his son Jeroham, and his son Elkanah.

28The sons of Samuel: Joel the firstborn and Abijah the second oldest.

29The descendants of Merari: Mahli, his son Libni, his son Shimei, his son Uzzah,

30his son Shimea, his son Haggiah, and his son Asaiah.

31These are the men David put in charge of music in the Lord’s sanctuary, after the ark was placed there.

32They performed music before the sanctuary of the meeting tent until Solomon built the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem. They carried out their tasks according to regulations.

33These are the ones who served along with their sons:From the Kohathites: Heman the musician, son of Joel, son of Samuel,

34son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah,

35son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai,

36son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah,

37son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah,

38son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel.

39Serving beside him was his fellow Levite Asaph, son of Berechiah, son of Shimea,

40son of Michael, son of Baaseiah, son of Malkijah,

41son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah,

42son of Ethan, son of Zimmah, son of Shimei,

43son of Jahath, son of Gershom, son of Levi.

44Serving beside them were their fellow Levites, the descendants of Merari, led by Ethan, son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

45son of Hashabiah, son of Amaziah, son of Hilkiah,

46son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shemer,

47son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi.

48The rest of their fellow Levites were assigned to perform the remaining tasks at God’s sanctuary.

49But Aaron and his descendants offered sacrifices on the altar for burnt offerings and on the altar for incense as they had been assigned to do in the Most Holy Sanctuary. They made atonement for Israel, just as God’s servant Moses had ordered.

50These were the descendants of Aaron:His son Eleazar, his son Phinehas, his son Abishua,

51his son Bukki, his son Uzzi, his son Zerahiah,

52his son Meraioth, his son Amariah, his son Ahitub,

53his son Zadok, and his son Ahimaaz.

54These were the areas where Aaron’s descendants lived: The following belonged to the Kohathite clan, for they received the first allotment:

55They were allotted Hebron in the territory of Judah, as well as its surrounding pasturelands.

56(But the city’s land and nearby towns were allotted to Caleb son of Jephunneh.)

57The descendants of Aaron were also allotted as cities of refuge Hebron, Libnah and its pasturelands, Jattir, Eshtemoa and its pasturelands,

58Hilez and its pasturelands, Debir and its pasturelands,

59Ashan and its pasturelands, and Beth Shemesh and its pasturelands.

60Within the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, they were allotted Geba and its pasturelands, Alemeth and its pasturelands, and Anathoth and its pasturelands. Their clans were allotted thirteen cities in all.

61The rest of Kohath’s descendants were allotted ten cities in the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh.

62The clans of Gershom’s descendants received thirteen cities within the territory of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh (in Bashan).

63The clans of Merari’s descendants were allotted twelve cities within the territory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

64So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands.

65They allotted these previously named cities from the territory of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

66The clans of Kohath’s descendants also received cities as their territory within the tribe of Ephraim.

67They were allotted as cities of refuge Shechem and its pasturelands (in the hill country of Ephraim), Gezer and its pasturelands,

68Jokmeam and its pasturelands, Beth Horon and its pasturelands,

69Aijalon and its pasturelands, and Gath Rimmon and its pasturelands.

70Within the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh, the rest of Kohath’s descendants received Aner and its pasturelands and Bileam and its pasturelands.

71The following belonged to Gershom’s descendants: Within the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan and its pasturelands and Ashtaroth and its pasturelands.

72Within the territory of the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh and its pasturelands, Daberath and its pasturelands,

73Ramoth and its pasturelands, and Anem and its pasturelands.

74Within the territory of the tribe of Asher: Mashal and its pasturelands, Abdon and its pasturelands,

75Hukok and its pasturelands, and Rehob and its pasturelands.

76Within the territory of the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee and its pasturelands, Hammon and its pasturelands, and Kiriathaim and its pasturelands.

77The following belonged to the rest of Merari’s descendants: Within the territory of the tribe of Zebulun: Rimmono and its pasturelands and Tabor and its pasturelands.

78Within the territory of the tribe of Reuben across the Jordan River east of Jericho: Bezer in the wilderness and its pasturelands, Jahzah and its pasturelands,

79Kedemoth and its pasturelands, and Mephaath and its pasturelands.

80Within the territory of the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead and its pasturelands, Mahanaim and its pasturelands,

81Heshbon and its pasturelands, and Jazer and its pasturelands.

1The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

2The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

3The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

4Eleazar became the father of Phinehas, Phinehas became the father of Abishua,

5Abishua became the father of Bukki. Bukki became the father of Uzzi.

6Uzzi became the father of Zerahiah. Zerahiah became the father of Meraioth.

7Meraioth became the father of Amariah. Amariah became the father of Ahitub.

8Ahitub became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz.

9Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah. Azariah became the father of Johanan.

10Johanan became the father of Azariah, who executed the priest’s office in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem.

11Azariah became the father of Amariah. Amariah became the father of Ahitub.

12Ahitub became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Shallum.

13Shallum became the father of Hilkiah. Hilkiah became the father of Azariah.

14Azariah became the father of Seraiah. Seraiah became the father of Jehozadak.

15Jehozadak went into captivity, when Yahweh carried Judah and Jerusalem away by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

17These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

18The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

19The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households.

20Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

21Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

22The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

23Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,

24Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

25The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth.

26As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, Nahath his son,

27Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son.

28The sons of Samuel: the firstborn, Joel, and the second, Abijah.

29The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,

30Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

31These are they whom David set over the service of song in Yahweh’s house, after the ark came to rest there.

32They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon had built Yahweh’s house in Jerusalem. They performed the duties of their office according to their order.

33These are those who served, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

34the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,

35the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,

36the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,

37the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

38the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

39His brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea,

40the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah,

41the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,

42the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,

43the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

44On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

45the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,

46the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer,

47the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

48Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of God’s house.

49But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

50These are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,

51Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,

52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,

53Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son.

54Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot),

55to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and its suburbs around it;

56but the fields of the city, and its villages, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

57To the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, Jattir, Eshtemoa with its suburbs,

58Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs,

59Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs;

60and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

61To the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.

62To the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

63To the sons of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

64The children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs.

65They gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

66Some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim.

67They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs,

68Jokmeam with its suburbs, Beth Horon with its suburbs,

69Aijalon with its suburbs, Gath Rimmon with its suburbs;

70and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath.

71To the sons of Gershom were given, out of the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs;

72and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs,

73Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs;

74and out of the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, Abdon with its suburbs,

75Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs;

76and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs.

77To the rest of the Levites, the sons of Merari, were given, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs;

78and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, were given them, out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah with its suburbs,

79Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs;

80and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, Mahanaim with its suburbs,

81Heshbon with its suburbs, and Jazer with its suburbs.

Summary
Authorship & Background
Map & Geography
Commentary
Videos
Reflection

Summary

The genealogy of Levi is presented in detail, tracing the priestly line through Aaron and the Levitical musicians appointed by David, along with the cities assigned to the Levites throughout Israel. This chapter establishes the legitimacy of post-exilic worship leadership.

Authorship & Background

Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra the scribe. Originally one book with 2 Chronicles. Written post-exile (approximately 450-400 BC) for the returned remnant. The Chronicler retells Israel's history from a priestly/worship perspective, emphasizing the Davidic covenant, Temple worship, and God's faithfulness. Key themes: genealogical continuity (God preserved His people), proper worship (the Temple and its services), the Davidic line (pointing to Messiah), and hope for restoration.
Historical Context: Chapter 6 is the longest genealogical chapter in 1 Chronicles — 81 verses dedicated entirely to the tribe of Levi. This extraordinary attention reveals the Chronicler's deepest priority: proper worship. For the post-exilic community rebuilding the Temple, the legitimacy of its priests and Levites was paramount. This chapter establishes three things: (1) the priestly line from Aaron through the high priests to the exile (vv.1-15, 49-53); (2) the Levitical musicians appointed by David (vv.31-48); and (3) the Levitical cities throughout Israel (vv.54-81).
The high priestly genealogy (vv.1-15) traces from Levi through Aaron to Jehozadak, who "went into captivity when the LORD carried away Judah" (v.15). This is significant: the priestly line survived the exile intact. Jehozadak's son was Jeshua/Joshua the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 3:2) — meaning the post-exilic priesthood was legitimate, unbroken from Aaron himself.
The musician section (vv.31-48) is the Chronicler's unique contribution. He traces the lineage of David's three chief musicians — Heman (Kohathite), Asaph (Gershomite), and Ethan/Jeduthun (Merarite) — all the way back to Levi. Music in worship is not a human invention but a divinely ordered ministry with legitimate Levitical lineage. The Levitical cities section (vv.54-81) shows that the Levites were spread throughout all Israel as a priestly presence in every region — God's ministers embedded among the people.

Map & Geography

  • Largely parallels 1-2 Samuel geographically. Jerusalem (Zion/City of David) is the theological and political center.
  • Key sites: Hebron (David's first capital, 7 years), the threshing floor of Ornan/Araunah (future Temple site, ch.21).
  • Chapters 1-9 (genealogies) contain tribal allotments but minimal narrative geography.

Commentary

  • Enduring Word (David Guzik): enduringword.com Guzik notes that the Chronicler gives Levi more space than any other tribe because his concern is worship. The post-exilic community needed to know that its priests were legitimate, its musicians were authorized, and its worship was in continuity with David's original pattern. This chapter is the Chronicler's charter for proper worship.
  • Charles Spurgeon: "The musicians of the Temple are given genealogies as careful and complete as the priests themselves. What does this tell us? That in God's economy, the ministry of praise is as sacred as the ministry of sacrifice. The singer stands alongside the priest, and his lineage matters to God. Worship is not a prelude to the important thing — worship IS the important thing. David knew this, and the Chronicler preserves it for every generation: those who lead God's people in praise serve a holy calling."

Reflection

  • 1. Worship leaders need legitimate calling (vv.31-48). David didn't just pick talented singers — he appointed Levites with proper genealogical credentials. Ministry in worship is not about mere talent but about calling and consecration. Those who lead worship today should be people of proven character and genuine calling, not simply skilled performers.
  • 2. Music is ministry, not entertainment (vv.31-32). The Levitical musicians "ministered before the dwelling place" and "waited on their office according to their order." Worship music was an office — a formal, ordered, consecrated service. This elevates worship music beyond aesthetic preference to sacred ministry. How you approach worship singing — whether leading or participating — reflects your theology of God's presence.
  • 3. God preserves what He values through exile (v.15). The priestly line went into captivity but survived. God preserved the priesthood through 70 years of Babylon because proper worship required legitimate priests. God preserves the institutions and people necessary for His purposes, even through catastrophe. What God has called you to will survive the trials that threaten it.
  • 4. The distinction between roles matters (vv.48-49). Levites served the tabernacle; only priests could offer sacrifices. Different roles, different authority, same purpose. In the body of Christ, not everyone has the same function (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12). Honor your role without envying another's, and respect the boundaries God has established.
  • 5. God spreads His presence through His servants (vv.54-81). The Levites were distributed throughout every tribe — God's ministers embedded in every community. God's plan was never to concentrate all spiritual life in one place but to permeate the whole land with His presence through His servants. You are placed where you are to be God's representative in that place.