1 Chronicles 6 commentary

We have an account of Levi in this chapter. The priests and Levites were more concerned than any other Israelites, to preserve their descent clear, and to be able to prove it; because all the honours and privileges of their office depended upon their descent. Now, the Spirit of God calls ministers to their work, without any limit as to the families they came from; and then, as now, though believers and ministers may be very useful to the church, none but our great High Priest can make atonement for sin, nor can any be accepted but through his atonement.

CHAPTER 6

1Ch 6:1-48. Line of the Priests.

5. Uzzi--It is supposed that, in his days, the high priesthood was, for unrecorded reasons, transferred from Eleazar's family to Ithamar's, in which it continued for several generations.

10. he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem--It is doubtful whether the person in favor of whom this testimony is borne be Johanan or Azariah. If the former, he is the same as Jehoiada, who rendered important public services (2Ki 11:1-20); if the latter, it refers to the worthy and independent part he acted in resisting the unwarrantable encroachments of Uzziah (2Ch 26:17).

in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem--described in this particular manner to distinguish it from the second temple, which was in existence at the time when this history was written.

14. Azariah begat Seraiah--He filled the supreme pontifical office at the destruction of Jerusalem, and, along with his deputy and others, he was executed by Nebuchadnezzar's orders at Riblah (2Ki 25:18, 21). The line of high priests, under the first temple, which from Zadok amounted to twelve, terminated with him.

16-48. The sons of Levi; Gershom, &c.--This repetition (see 1Ch 6:1) is made, as the historian here begins to trace the genealogy of the Levitical families who were not priests. The list is a long one, comprising the chiefs or heads of their several families until David's reign, who made a new and different classification of them by courses.

49. But Aaron and his sons offered, &c.--The office and duties of the high priests having been already described, the names of those who successively filled that important office are recorded.

60. thirteen cities--No more than eleven are named here; but two additional ones are mentioned (Jos 21:16, 17), which makes up the thirteen.

61. unto the sons of Kohath, which were left--that is, in addition to the priests belonging to the same family and tribe of Levi.

by lot, ten cities--(Jos 21:26). The sacred historian gives an explanation (1Ch 6:66). Eight of these are mentioned, but only two of them are taken out of the half tribe of Manasseh (1Ch 6:70). The names of the other two are given (Jos 21:21), where full and detailed notices of these arrangements may be found.

62. to the sons of Gershom--Supply "the children of Israel gave."

67-81. they gave unto them of the cities of refuge--The names of the cities given here are considerably different from those applied to them (Jos 21:13-19). In the lapse of centuries, and from the revolutions of society, changes might have been expected to take place in the form or dialectic pronunciation of the names of those cities; and this will sufficiently account for the variations that are found in the lists as enumerated here and in an earlier book. As to these cities themselves that were assigned to the Levites, they were widely remote and separated--partly in fulfilment of Jacob's prophecy (Ge 49:7), and partly that the various districts of the country might obtain a competent supply of teachers who might instruct the people in the knowledge, and animate them to the observance, of a law which had so important a bearing on the promotion both of their private happiness and their national prosperity.

The sons of Levi - It has been well remarked that the genealogy of Levi is given here more ample and correct than that of any of the others.

And this is perhaps an additional proof that the author was a priest, felt much for the priesthood, and took care to give the genealogy of the Levitical and sacerdotal families, from the most correct tables; for with such tables we may presume he was intimately acquainted.

Eleazar begat Phinehas - As the high priesthood continued in this family for a long time, the sacred historian confines himself to this chiefly, omitting Nadab and Abihu, and even the family of Ithamar.

Ahitub begat Zadok - Through this person the high priesthood came again into the family of Eleazar.

Johanan - Supposed to be the same as Jehoiada.

Executed the priest's office - Probably this refers to the dignified manner in which Azariah opposed King Uzziah, who wished to invade the priest's office, and offer incense in the temple. See 2Chr 26:17, 2Chr 26:18.

Seraiah - He was put to death by Nebuchadnezzar, 2Kgs 25:18, 2Kgs 25:21.

Korah - See the history of this man, and his rebellion, Numbers 16:1-33.

The first-born Vashni, and Abiah - There is a great mistake in this verse: in 1Sam 8:2 we read, Now the name of his (Samuel's) first-born was Joel; and the name of his second Abiah. The word יואל Joel is lost out of the text in this place, and ושני vesheni, which signifies the second, and which refers to Abiah, is made here into a proper name. The Septuagint, Vulgate, and Chaldee, copy this blunder; but the Syriac and Arabic read as in 1Sam 8:2. The MSS. have all copied the corrupted Hebrew in this place. Jarchi labors to restore the true reading, and yet preserve the integrity of the text, by paraphrasing thus: "And the second, (ושני vesheni), in respect of the first, he was Abiah; and the second, in respect of Abiah, he was Joel."

These, Joel and Abiah, were the two sons of Samuel, who administered justice so badly that the people, being oppressed, began to murmur, and demanded a king. See 1Sam 8:1, etc.

After that the ark had rest - The Targum says, "These are they whom David set over the service of the singing, in the house of the sanctuary, or tabernacle of the Lord, at the time in which the ark was brought into it;" that is, when it was brought from the house of Obed-edom.

According to their order - This order is specified below.

Asaph - This person, with Heman, the sons of Kora, Ethan, Jeduthun, etc., are celebrated in these books, and in the Psalms, for their skill in singing, and the part they performed in the public worship of God.

It is very likely that their singing was only a kind of recitative or chanting, such as we still find in the synagogues. It does not appear that God had especially appointed these singers, much less any musical instruments, (the silver trumpets excepted), to be employed in his service. Musical instruments in the house of God are, at least under the Gospel, repugnant to the spirit of Christianity, and tend not a little to corrupt the worship of God. Those who are fond of music in the theater are fond of it in the house of God when they go thither; and some, professing Christianity, set up such a spurious worship in order to draw people to hear the Gospel! This is doing evil that good may come of it; and by this means, light and trifling people are introduced into the Church of Christ, and when in, are generally very troublesome, hard to be pleased, and difficult to be saved.

These are the sons of Aaron - We have already had a list of these, (see 1Chr 6:3-16); this is a second, but less extensive, and is a proof that the writer of this book had several lists before him, from which he borrowed as he judged proper.

Theirs was the lot - All the tribes and families obtained their respective inheritances by lot, but to the sons of Aaron was the first lot; and so the Syriac and Arabic have understood this place. The first lot, says Jarchi, fell to Judah, that they might give to the priests and the Levites the cities marked below. See an account of the possessions of the priests and Levites, Jos 20:1-9, 21.

All their cities - were thirteen - But there are only eleven reckoned here, Gibeon and Juttah being omitted, and the names of some of the others changed. None of the versions give the full number of names, although they all give the whole sum thirteen.

Which are called by their names - Probably each family gave its own name to the city that fell to its lot.

Aijalon with her suburbs - There are the two cities wanting here, Eltekeh and Gibethon. See Jos 21:23.

We shall see from Jos 21:28, etc., that several of these cities have different names.

How barren to us is this register, both of incident and interest! and yet, as barren rocks and sandy deserts make integral and necessary parts of the globe; so do these genealogical tables make necessary parts of the history of providence and grace in the maintenance of truth, and the establishment of the Church of Christ. Therefore no one that fears God will either despise or lightly esteem them.

The priest's office - So did all the rest, but it is implied that he did it worthily, he filled his place, and valiantly discharged his office in Uzziah's time. Solomon built - In Solomon's temple; so called to distinguish it from the second temple which was built or in building when these books were written.

Ethan - Called also Jeduthun, chap.9:16 2Chron 35:15, and in the titles of divers psalms.

Castles - So called, not only because, walled and well guarded by the country; but because they and their possessions were in a particular manner the care of divine providence. As God was their portion, so God was their protector. And a cottage will be a castle to those that abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The lot - Or, the first lot.

Coasts - Or, of their borders, of their country contained within its borders.

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

Called also Amminadab, v. 22. compare Exod. 6. 21.

5 And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi ,

In whose days it is supposed that the High-Priesthood was translated from Eleazars Family to Ithamars, for some Cause now unknown, in whose Line it continued for some Successions.

10 And Johanan begat Azariah, ( he it is that executed the priests office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem.)

So did all the rest, but it is implied that he did it worthily, he filled his place and valiantly discharged his Office in Uzziahs time; of which see 2 Chron. 26. 17, &c. Or this, he, may relate to Iohanan, otherwise called Iehojada[illegible: 1+ letters], who is so highly commended for the good Service which he did to the House of God and of the King: of whom see 2 Kings 11.

In Solomons Temple; so called to distinguish it from the second Temple which was built or in building when these Books were written.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span]; Heb. i[illegible: 1+ letters] the house.; [illegible: 1 span]

14 And Azariah begat Serajah , and Serajah begat Jehozadak,

Who was slain by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, 2 Kings 25. 18, 21.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span].

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

This he repeats, as the Foundation of the following Genealogy of those Levites who were not Priests.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] ▪ 6. 16.; [illegible: 1 span].

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

Who are distinguished and named from their Fathers. And the following Catalogue is thought to contain the successive Heads or Chiefs of their several Families until the Times of David, by whom they were distributed into several Ranks or Courses.

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

i. e. His Grandson, by his Son Shimei, as appears from v. 42, 43. the Names of Father and Son being oft used in Scripture of more remote Progenitors or Successors.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span]

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

Called also Zephaniah, v. 36. where also Uzziah here following is called Azariah.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span]; [illegible: 1 span].

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

The Son of that Korah mentioned above, v. 22. as is manifest by v. 35, 36, 37. and by Exod. 6. 23, 24.

Marginal references: See [illegible: 1 word] ▪ 35, 1▪

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

This was another Elkanah Son or Grandson of the former Elkanah, and either the Son or Brother of Ahimoth last mentioned, or of Amasai.

Called also Toah, v. 34. and Tohu, 1 Sam. 1. 1.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span].

27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanali his son.

The Father of the Prophet Samuel, 1 Sam. 1. 1. who therefore follows here.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span].

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

Whose Names here follow.

Heb. the Hands. Hand put for [illegible: 1 word] or Service, which is commonly performed by the Hand. Thus God is frequently said to speak or command things by the Hand (i. e. the Ministery) of Moses. Compare 2 Chron. 29. 27.

Which was in Davids Time, 2 Sam. 6. 17.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 word].; [illegible: 1 word]. 16. 1.

32 And they ministred 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 .

Or, the Tabernacle of the Tent, as the same Hebrew words are translated, Exod. 39. 32. & 40 2, 6.

Which David had appointed by the Spirit, as it follows in this Book.

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

To wit, Heman here mentioned; and Asaph, v. [illegible: 1+ letters]9. and Ethan, v. 44.

Or, Samuel the Prophet.

Marginal references: Heb. st[illegible: 1+ letters]od.

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

Asaph is here called Hemans Brother both by birth being of the same Tribe and Father, Levi; and by his Office and Employment, which was the same with his.

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

Called also Ieduthun, 1 Chron. 9. 16. 2 Chron. 35. 15. and in the Titles of divers Psalms.

Marginal references: Or, Kushajah, Ch. 15. 17.

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

Such of them as had no skill in Singing were otherwise employed.

49 But 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.

Having mentioned the Work and Employment of the High-Priests, he briefly rehearseth the Names of the Persons who successively performed it.

Marginal references: Lev. 1. 9.; Exod. 30. 7.

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

Or, this Lot or Portion which here follows. Or, the first Lot as appears by the sequel.

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

Or, out of the Cities; the Hebrew eth being put for meeth, as hath been oft noted.

60 And 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.

Whereof 11. are here numbred, and two more added to them, Ios. 21. 13.

Marginal references: Or, Almon, Josh. 21. 18.

61 And 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 .

Over and above the Priests who were of the same Family of Kohath and Tribe of Levi.

Or, by lot, (with a full Point, for there the Sense ends.) All their Cities were ten cities, as it is expresly said, Ios. 21. 26. Those words, all their cities were, are to be understood out of the former Verse; which is not unusual in the Holy Scripture. And so this sacred Writer explains himself, v. 66, &c. where eight of these Cities are named, whereof onely two are taken out of this half Tribe of Manasseh, v. 70. the other two being named, Ios. 21. 21, &c. where these things are more plainly and fully declared.

Marginal references: Josh. 21. 5.

62 And 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.

Understand here, cities were given, which is also understood v. 61, and expressed, v. 64.

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

i. e. To the Tribe of Levi, consisting of Priests and other Levites.

Which are numbred or named in this Chapter.

65 And 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 .

To wit, to those Levites of the Family of Kohath who were Priests, as appears both by v. 57, &c. where the Cities given to the A[illegible: 1+ letters]ronites are said to be taken out of the Tribes here named, even out of Iudah, (under which Simeon is comprehended, because his Lot lay within that of Iudah) and Benjamin; and by the next Verse where the other Kohathites who were not Priests are called, the Residue of the Families of the Sons of Kohath, by way of distinction from those of them to whom this v. 65. relates.

Which are expressed by their Names above, v. 57, &c.

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

Or, of their borders, i. e. of their Country contained within its Borders, as that word is oft used, as hath been noted before.

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

Either the Ephraimiter: or rather the Children of Israel, as it is expressed v. 64. who gave part out of Ephraim, and part out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, as it here follows. But the Eph[illegible: 1+ letters]aimites could not give away any Cities belonging to the Manassites.

i. e. To the residue of the Kohathites last mentioned.

Or, the cities (i. e. the City: the plural Number used of one; of which frequent Examples have been given before, see ch. 7, 3, 12, 14.) of refuge. Or, cities, (the construct form being put for the absolute, of which there wants not Examples in the Hebrew Language) the City of refuge. As to the Names of these Cities, divers of them are differing from those Names which were given to them, Ios. 21. 15. Nor is it at all strange that the Names of Places should be changed in so many hundreds of years as were between Ioshua and this time. And to the Cities themselves, this is further to be observed, that they are dispersed among all the Tribes, partly that Iacobt Prophecy might be fulfilled concerning the scattering of Levi, Gen. 49. 7. and partly that every Tribe might have Teachers among them by whom they might be directed in, and quickned to the observation of Gods Laws, upon which their safety and happiness wholly depended.

Marginal references: Josh. 21. 21.

The Families of Levi, and Their Cities - 1 Chronicles 6 1 Chronicles 6 (Hebrew_Bible_5:27-6:66).

As to the tribe of Levi, we have several communications: (1.) the genealogy of the high-priestly family of Aaron, down to Jehozadak, who was led away into exile by Nebuchadnezzar (1Ch 6:1-15); (2.) a short register of the families of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, which does not extend far into later times (1Ch 6:16-30); (3.) the genealogies of the musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (1 Chron 6:31-47), with remarks on the service of the other Levites (1Ch 6:48, 1Ch 6:49); (4.) a register of the high priests from Eleazar to Ahimaaz the son of Zadok (1Ch 6:50-53), with a register of the cities of the Levites (1 Chron 6:54-81). If we look into these genealogies and registers, we see, both from a repetition of a part of the genealogy of the high priest (1Ch 6:50-53), and also from the name of the eldest son of Levi appearing in two different forms - in 1Ch 6:1. Gershon; in 1Ch 6:16-17, 1Ch 6:20, etc., Gershom - that the register in 1Ch 6:1-15 is drawn from another source than the registers in 1 Chron 6, which, with the exception of the genealogies of David’s chief musicians, are throughout fragmentary, and in parts corrupt, and were most probably found by the author of the Chronicle in this defective state.

1Ch 6:1-15 (Hebrew_Bible_5:27-41). The family of Aaron, or the high-priestly line of Aaron, to the time of the Babylonian exile. - 1Ch 6:1-3. In order to exhibit the connection of Aharon (or Aaron) with the patriarch Levi, the enumeration begins with the three sons of Levi, who are given in 1Ch 6:1 as in Gen 46:11; Exo 6:16, and in other passages. Of Levi’s grandchildren, only the four sons of Kohath (1Ch 6:2) are noticed; and of these, again, Amram is the only one whose descendants - Aaron, Moses, and Miriam - are named (1Ch 6:3); and thereafter only Aaron’s sons are introduced, in order that the enumeration of his family in the high-priestly line of Eleazar might follow. With 1Ch 6:2 cf. Exo 1:18, and on 1Ch 6:34 see the commentary on Exo 6:20. With the sons of Aaron (1Ch 6:44) compare besides Exo 6:23, also Num 3:2-4, and 1Ch 24:1-2. As Nadab and Abihu were slain when they offered strange fire before Jahve (Lev 10:1.), Aaron’s race was continued only by his sons Eleazar and Ithamar. After Aaron’s death, his eldest son Eleazar was chosen by God to be his successor in the high priest’s office, and thus the line of Eleazar came into possession of the high-priestly dignity.

1Ch 6:16-81 (Hebrew_Bible_Ch. 6). The families and cities of the Levites. - Vv. 1-34. Register of the families of the Levites. - This is introduced by an enumeration of the sons and grandsons of Levi (1Ch 6:16-19), which is followed by lists of families in six lines of descent: (a) the descendants of Gershon (1Ch 6:20-21), of Kohath (1Ch 6:22-28), and of Merari (1Ch 6:29-30); and (b) the genealogies of David’s chief musicians (1Ch 6:31, 1Ch 6:32), of Heman the Kohathite (1Ch 6:33-38), of Asaph the Gershonite (1Ch 6:39-43), and of Ethan the Merarite (1Ch 6:44-47); and in 1Ch 6:48, 1Ch 6:49, some notes as to the service performed by the other Levites and the priests are added. (Hebrew_Bible_6:1-4). The sons of Levi are in 1Ch 6:1 again enumerated as in 1Ch 6:1; then in 1Ch 6:16-22 the sons of these three sons, i.e., the grandsons of Levi, are introduced, while in 1Ch 6:1 only the sons of Kohath are mentioned. The only object of this enumeration is to make quite clear the descent of the Levitic families which follow. The name of the first son of Levi is in 1Ch 6:16, 1Ch 6:17, 1Ch 6:20, etc. of this chapter גּרשׁם, which was the name of Moses’ son, cf. 1Ch 23:15.; whereas in 1Ch 6:1 and in the Pentateuch we find a different pronunciation, viz., גּרשׁון. The names of Levi’s grandsons in 1Ch 6:17-22 coincide with the statements of the Pentateuch, Exo 6:17-19, and Num 3:17-20, cf. Num 26:57. Bertheau and other commentators consider the words in 1Ch 6:17, “and these are the families of Levi according to their fathers,” to be a “concluding subscription” to the statements of 1Ch 6:15-17, and would remove ו before אלּה, as not compatible with this supposition. But in this he is wrong: for although the similar statement in Exo 6:20 is a subscription, yet it is in Num 3:20 a superscription, and must in our verse also be so understood; for otherwise the enumeration of the descendants of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, which follows, would be brought in very abruptly, without any connecting particle, and the ו before אלּה points to the same conclusion.

Genealogies. (b. c. 1450.)

1 The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 2 And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 3 And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 4 Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua, 5 And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi, 6 And Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth, 7 Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, 8 And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz, 9 And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan, 10 And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:) 11 And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, 12 And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum, 13 And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah, 14 And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak, 15 And Jehozadak went into captivity, when the Lord carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. 16 The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17 And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei. 18 And the sons of Kohath were, Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 19 The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites 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, Jeaterai his son. 22 The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, 24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25 And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth. 26 As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 28 And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah. 29 The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

The priests and Levites were more concerned than any other Israelites to preserve their pedigree clear and to be able to prove it, because all the honours and privileges of their office depended upon their descent. And we read of those who, though perhaps they really were children of the priests, yet, because they could not find the register of their genealogies, nor make out their descent by any authentic record, were, as polluted, put from the priesthood, and forbidden to eat of the holy things, Ezra ii. 62, 63. It is but very little that is here recorded of the genealogies of this sacred tribe. I. The first fathers of it are here named twice, v. 1, 16. Gershom, Kohath, and Merari, are three names which we were very conversant with in the book of Numbers, when the families of the Levites were marshalled and had their work assigned to them. Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam, we have known much more of than their names, and cannot pass them over here without remembering that this was that Moses and Aaron whom God honoured in making them instruments of Israel's deliverance and settlement and figures of him that was to come, Moses as a prophet and Aaron as a priest. And the mention of Nadab and Abihu (though, having no children, there was no occasion to bring them into the genealogy) cannot but remind us of the terrors of that divine justice which they were made monuments of for offering strange fire, that we may always fear before him. 2. The line of Eleazar, the successor of Aaron, is here drawn down to the time of the captivity, v. 4-15. It begins with Eleazar, who came out of the house of bondage in Egypt, and ends with Jehozadak, who went into the house of bondage in Babylon. Thus, for their sins, they were left as they were found, which might also intimate that the Levitical priesthood did not make anything perfect, but this was to be done by the bringing in of a better hope. All these here named were not high priests; for, in the time of the judges, that dignity was, upon some occasion or other, brought into the family of Ithamar, of which Eli was; but in Zadok it returned again to the right line. Of Azariah it is here said (v. 10), He it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built. It is supposed that this was that Azariah who bravely opposed the presumption of king Uzziah when he invaded the priest's office (2 Chron. xxvi. 17, 18), though he ventured his neck by so doing. This was done like a priest, like one that was truly zealous for his God. He that thus boldly maintained and defended the priest's office, and made good its barriers against such a daring insult, might well be said to execute it; and this honour is put upon him for it; while Urijah, one of his successors, for a base compliance with King Ahaz, in building him an idolatrous altar, has the disgrace put upon him of being left out of this genealogy, as perhaps some others are. But some think that this remark upon this Azariah should have been added to his grandfather of the same name (v. 9), who was the son of Ahimaaz, and that he was the priest who first officiated in Solomon's temple. 3. Some other of the families of the Levites are here accounted for. One of the families of Gershom (that of Libni) is here drawn down as far as Samuel, who had the honour of a prophet added to that of a Levite. One of the families of Merari (that of Mahli) is likewise drawn down for several descents, v. 29, 30.

Genealogies. (b. c. 1015.)

31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord , after that the ark had rest. 32 And 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. 33 And 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, 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 his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea, 40 The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah, 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 And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: 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 Shamer, 47 The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. 48 Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God. 49 But 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. 50 And these are the sons 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, Ahimaaz his son.

When the Levites were first ordained in the wilderness much of the work then appointed them lay in carrying and taking care of the tabernacle and the utensils of it, while they were in their march through the wilderness. In David's time their number was increased; and, though the greater part of them was dispersed all the nation over, to teach the people the good knowledge of the Lord, yet those that attended the house of God were so numerous that there was not constant work for them all; and therefore David, by special commission and direction from God, new-modelled the Levites, as we shall find in the latter part of this book. Here we are told what the work was which he assigned them.

I. Singing-work, v. 31. David was raised up on high to be the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Sam. xxiii. 1), not only to pen psalms, but to appoint the singing of them in the house of the Lord (not so much because he was musical as because he was devout), and this he did after that the ark had rest. While that was in captivity, obscure, and unsettled, the harps were hung upon the willow-trees: singing was then thought unseasonable (when the bridegroom is taken away they shall fast); but the harps being resumed, and the songs revived, at the bringing up of the ark, they were continued afterwards. For we should rejoice as much in the prolonging of our spiritual privileges as in the restoring of them. When the service of the ark was much superseded by its rest they had other work cut out for them (for Levites should never be idle) and were employed in the service of song. Thus when the people of God come to the rest which remains for them above they shall take leave of all their burdens and be employed in everlasting songs. These singers kept up that service in the tabernacle till the temple was built, and then they waited on their office there, v. 32. When they came to that stately magnificent house they kept as close both to their office and to their order as they had done in the tabernacle. It is a pity that the preferment of the Levites should ever make them remiss in their business. We have here an account of the three great masters who were employed in the service of the sacred song, with their respective families; for they waited with their children, that is, such as descended from them or were allied to them, v. 33. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were the three that were appointed to this service, one of each of the three houses of the Levites, that there might be an equality in the distribution of this work and honour, and that every one might know his post, such an admirable order was there in this choir service. 1. Of the house of Kohath was Heman with his family (v. 33), a man of a sorrowful spirit, if it be the same Heman that penned the 88th psalm, and yet a singer. He was the grandson of Samuel the prophet, the son of Joel, of whom it is said that he walked not in the ways of Samuel (1 Sam. viii. 2, 3); but it seems, though the son did not, the grandson did. Thus does the blessing entailed on the seed of the upright sometimes pass over one generation and fasten upon the next. And this Heman, though the grandson of that mighty prince, did not think it below him to be a precentor in the house of God. David himself was willing to be a door-keeper. Rather we may look upon this preferment of the grandson in the church as a recompense for the humble modest resignation which the grandfather made of his authority in the state. Many such ways God has of making up his people's losses and balancing their disgraces. Perhaps David, in making Heman the chief, had some respect to his old friend Samuel. 2. Of the house of Gershom was Asaph, called his brother, because in the same office and of the same tribe, though of another family. He was posted on Heman's right hand in the choir, v. 39. Several of the psalms bear his name, being either penned by him or tuned by him as the chief musician. It is plain that he was the penman of some psalms; for we read of those that praised the Lord in the words of David and of Asaph. He was a seer as well as a singer, 2 Chron. xxix. 30. His pedigree is traced up here, through names utterly unknown, as high as Levi, v. 39-43. 3. Of the house of Merari was Ethan (v. 44), who was appointed to Heman's left hand. His pedigree is also traced up to Levi, v. 47. If these were the Heman and Ethan that penned the 88th and 89th psalms, there appears no reason here why they should be called Ezrahites (see the titles of those psalms), as there does why those should be called so who are mentioned ch. ii. 6, and who were the sons of Zerah.

II. There was serving-work, abundance of service to be done in the tabernacle of the house of God (v. 48), to provide water and fuel,—to wash and sweep, and carry out ashes,—to kill, and flay, and boil the sacrifices; and to all such services there were Levites appointed, those of other families, or perhaps those that were not fit to be singers, that had either no good voice or no good ear. As every one has received the gift, so let him minister. Those that could not sing must not therefore be laid aside as good for nothing; though they were not fit for that service, there was other service they might be useful in.

III. There was sacrificing-work, and that was to be done by the priests only, v. 49. They only were to sprinkle the blood and burn the incense; as for the work of the most holy place, that was to be done by the high priest only. Each had his work, and they both needed one another and both helped one another in it. Concerning the work of the priests we are here told, 1. What was the end they were to have in their eye. They were to make an atonement for Israel, to mediate between the people and God; not to magnify and enrich themselves, but to serve the public. They were ordained for men. 2. What was the rule they were to have in their eye. They presided in God's house, yet must do as they were bidden, according to all that God commanded. That law the highest are subject to.

The Cities of the Levites. (b. c. 1444.)

54 Now 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. 55 And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it. 56 But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 57 And 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, 58 And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs, 59 And Ashan with her suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with her suburbs: 60 And 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. 61 And 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. 62 And 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. 63 Unto 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. 64 And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their suburbs. 65 And 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. 66 And the residue of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim. 67 And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs, 68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs, 69 And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with her suburbs: 70 And 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. 71 Unto 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: 72 And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs, 73 And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs: 74 And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs, 75 And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs: 76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs. 77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: 78 And 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, 79 Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs: 80 And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs, 81 And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.

We have here an account of the Levites' cities. They are here called their castles (v. 54), not only because walled and fortified, and well guarded by the country (for it is the interest of every nation to protect its ministers), but because they and their possessions were, in a particular manner, the care of the divine providence: as God was their portion, so God was their protection; and a cottage will be a castle to those that abide under the shadow of the Almighty. This account is much the same with that which we had, Josh. xxi. We need not be critical in comparing them (what good will it do us?) nor will it do any hurt to the credit of the holy scripture if the names of some of the places be not spelt just the same here as they were there. We know it is common for cities to have several names. Sarum and Salisbury, Salop and Shrewsbury, are more unlike than Hilen (v. 58) and Holon (Josh. xxi. 15), Ashan (v. 59) and Ain (Josh. xxi. 16), Alemeth (v. 60) and Almon (Josh. xxi. 18); and time changes names. We are only to observe that in this appointment of cities for the Levites God took care, 1. For the accomplishment of dying Jacob's prediction concerning this tribe, that it should be scattered in Israel, Gen. xlix. 7. 2. For the diffusing of the knowledge of himself and his law to all parts of the land of Israel. Every tribe had Levites' cities in it; and so every room was furnished with a candle, so that none could be ignorant of his duty but it was either his own fault or the Levites'. 3. For a comfortable maintenance for those that ministered in holy things. Besides their tithes and offerings, they had glebe-lands and cities of their own to dwell in. Some of the most considerable cities of Israel fell to the Levites' lot. Every tribe had benefit by the Levites, and therefore every tribe must contribute to their support. Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth, and do it cheerfully.