1 Chronicles 6:70

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.

1 Chronicles 6:70 (KJV)

Context

First Chronicles 6 records the genealogy of Levi and the cities given to the Levites throughout Israel. Verse 70 tells how the half-tribe of Manasseh gave Aner and Bileam, with their pasturelands, to the remaining Kohathite families. This was part of the ten cities assigned to the rest of the Kohathites, as noted in 1 Chronicles 6:61. The Levites did not receive one large territory like other tribes. Instead, the Lord Himself was their inheritance, and they lived in cities scattered among the tribes, fulfilling His command in Numbers 18:20-24. This arrangement also fulfilled the promise that the Lord would be their portion, as stated in Joshua 13:14 and 33.

Meaning

The phrase “the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath” points to the non-priestly descendants of Kohath. Aaron’s priestly line also came from Kohath, but they received different cities, listed in 1 Chronicles 6:54-60. The Kohathites had a special duty during the wilderness journey: they carried the most holy objects of the tabernacle, including the ark, the table of showbread, and the altars, as described in Numbers 4:1-15. The mention of “suburbs” means pasturelands around each city. These lands allowed the Levites to keep livestock and grow food for their families while they served the Lord and taught His law. God provided not only homes but also the means for daily sustenance.

Biblical connections

The same cities, Aner and Bileam, appear in Joshua 21:25, confirming that this record is consistent with the earlier account of Levitical cities. The principle that God’s servants are supported by the community continues in the New Testament. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. The giving of these cities shows that God cares for the practical needs of those who serve Him. It also demonstrates that God is concerned with the details of His people’s lives, ensuring that His servants are not forgotten.

Application

This verse teaches that God provides for His servants in concrete ways. The half-tribe of Manasseh gave up part of its own inheritance so the Levites could live among them. In the same way, believers today are called to support those who give their lives to spiritual work. Sharing material resources for the sake of God’s kingdom is a vital part of covenant life. The scattering of the Levites also pictures how God’s truth should spread. Just as the Levites lived in cities like Aner and Bileam to teach and guide the people, Christians are placed in different communities to be salt and light, testifying to God’s grace and ministering to those around them.

Reflection

God’s care for the Levites reminds us that He notices the details of our lives. He did not forget the families who served Him in the tabernacle, and He does not forget His servants today. The record of these cities encourages us to trust that God will supply what we need to serve Him faithfully. It also challenges us to be generous, recognizing that our giving helps sustain the work of the gospel. As we read this list of names and places, we see a faithful God who keeps His promises and provides for His people in every generation.