1 Chronicles 6:1-81
Q.1. How was the line of Aaron related to Levi? Why did the High Priestly line by-pass the firstborn, Gershom? – 1 Chr.6:1-30 & 49)
Aaron descended from Levi, through Levi’s second oldest son, Kohath. Aaron was the firstborn son of Kohath’s firstborn son, Amran. Amran was also the father of Moses and Miriam (1 Chr.6:1-3). Why Gershom was overlooked was not directly explained. However, it is not unusual for God to choose the younger rather than the older (c.f. Rom.9:10-13). This galled at least some of the other Levites, as shown in the case of Korah’s rebellion (Num.16:1-3), God gave the high priesthood to Aaron – 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 (1 Chr.6:49 c.f. Num.3:1-3, 10). The other Levites were appointed to assist Aaron and his sons – 16 for they (the Levites) are wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself instead of every first issue of the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. 17 For every firstborn among the sons of Israel is Mine, among the men and among the animals; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them for Myself. 18 But I have taken the Levites instead of every firstborn among the sons of Israel. 19 I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the sons of Israel, to perform the service of the sons of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement on behalf of the sons of Israel, so that there will be no plague among the sons of Israel by their coming near to the sanctuary.” (Num.8:16-19). The Levites were appointed to support the priestly line of Aaron.
Q.2. In what way did King David elevate the role of the Levites? When did this happen? – (1 Chr.6:31-53)
Did the succeeding Levites miss out? The blessing bestowed on many of them was explained a bit later in this chapter. David was doubtless one of the great prophets of the Old Testament. He wrote much Scripture in song (i.e. the Psalms). However, one of his greatest contributions, was to elevate the role of the Levites by having them lead the music and singing in Israel’s worship – These David appointed over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem; and they served in their office according to their order (1 Chr.6:31-32). Once the Temple was in a permanent place, as planned by David, the Levites would have a reduced workload (2 Sam.7:1-3). David inspired these Levites to write songs, form choirs, and actually to preach the Scriptures (1 Chr.6:32-48 c.f. 1 Chr.25:1-7).
Q.3. Where were the Levites to live and how were they to survive? Did their location matter? – (1 Chr.6:54-81)
These verses document the cities and pasture lands given to the descendants of Kohath, Gershom, and Merari, amongst the twelve tribes where they had settled in the Promised Land (1 Chr.6:54-81). They worked as servers at the Temple under a roster system. They were to be supported from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. With their land provided by the tribes, they were able to supplement their living from the proceeds of their small farms. No doubt, God hoped that their presence would encourage the tribes to support the festivals and Temple worship in Jerusalem. Sadly, history shows that the tribes farthest away drifted from their faithfulness to God during the reign of Jeroboam (1 Kgs.12:25-33). It does not appear that Dan gave any land to the Levites. They had moved their allocation of land north beyond the Promised Land. Dan is missing in Revelation 7:4-8.