1 Chronicles 6:54 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the cities given to the Levites. They are called their castles here (1 Chronicles 6:54), not only because they were walled, fortified, and safely guarded by the people of the land, for it is in every nation’s interest to protect its ministers, but also because they and all they owned were in a special way under God’s care. As God was their portion, so he was their protection. Even a small cottage becomes a castle for those who live under the shadow of the Almighty.

This account is mostly the same as the one in Joshua 21. We do not need to be too exacting in comparing the lists. That would do us little good, and it would not damage the truth of Scripture if some place names are spelled a little differently here than there. It is common for cities to have more than one name. Sarum and Salisbury, or Salop and Shrewsbury, are more different than Hilen (1 Chronicles 6:58) and Holon (Joshua 21:15), Ashan (1 Chronicles 6:59) and Ain (Joshua 21:16), or Alemeth (1 Chronicles 6:60) and Almon (Joshua 21:18). Names also change over time.

We should notice three things about this arrangement of cities for the Levites. First, God was carrying out dying Jacob’s prediction about this tribe, that it would be scattered through Israel (Genesis 49:7). Second, he was spreading the knowledge of himself and his law throughout the land. Every tribe had Levite cities, so every part of the country had a light in it. No one could be ignorant of his duty unless he chose to be, or unless the Levites failed in their work. Third, God provided a fitting support for those who served in holy things. Along with their tithes and offerings, they had fields around their cities and homes of their own. Some of Israel’s most important cities were given to the Levites.

Every tribe benefited from the Levites, and so every tribe had to help support them. Those who are taught the word should share good things with those who teach it, and do so willingly.