1 Chronicles 6 Background Information with Maps and Images (Picture Study Bible

1 Chronicles 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25 - The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth.

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

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

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

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

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

31 - These are they whom David set over the service of song in The LORD's house, after the ark came to rest there.

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

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

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

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

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 - On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: 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 Shemer,

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

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

49 - But 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.

50 - 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, and Ahimaaz his son.

54 - Now 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),

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

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

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

58 - Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs,

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

60 - and 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.

61 - To 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.

62 - 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.

63 - To 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.

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

65 - 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.

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

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

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

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

70 - and 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.

71 - To 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;

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

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

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

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

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

77 - To 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;

78 - and 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,

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

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

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

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1 Chronicles Images and Notes

The Books of 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 28:9 - And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
1 Chronicles 28:10 - Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

The Old Testament - A Brief Overview

Bible Survey - Chronicles
Hebrew Name - Divrei Hayamim "Words of the Days"
Greek Name - Paralipomenon (Greek form of the Hebrew)
Author - Ezra (According to Tradition)
Date - From 4004-536 BC Approximately
Theme of 1 Chronicles - The reign of King David
Theme of 2 Chronicles - The history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah
Types and Shadows - In Chronicles Jesus is the builder of the house of God

ARCHAEOLOGY

Ark Relief at Capernaum Synagogue

The ancient Ark of the covenant of Israel is one the most famous items in all of antiquity. There is no trace of the Ark of the covenant, yet it is memorialized by this Scripture block at the synagogue of Capernaum, created in Greco-Roman style. In the Bible the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, and later returned because of sudden plagues that happened upon their lands. Through the valley of sorek it was taken back to Israel to Beth-shemesh.

Summary of The Books of Chronicles

The English version of the Bible places the books of Chronicles after Kings, but in the Hebrew text they are placed at the very end of the Old Testament. (See this chart of Old Testament books in Hebrew order). The books of Chronicles were originally one book, as in the case of Samuel and Kings. The Hebrew title is translated the "words of the days", yet the word Chronicles is mainly adopted by a theologian named Jerome who thought that they ought to bear the title from the Greek word for time which is "Chronos". This title created a distraction from the true meaning and purpose of this wonderful book. The main purpose of Chronicles was to form a genealogical description of the 12 tribes of Israel from the earliest recorded time. This was very important considering that there was a mixed multitude that had returned from Babylon, and it was also important to determine the lineage of Judah, and to reestablish the functions and order in which each individual tribe was required to perform.

The author of Chronicles has a fervent desire to make the people of Israel aware of the true glory of their kingdom, realizing that it traces back to David and Solomon. There is nothing that would impress upon them a greater understanding than taking them back through a detailed history of their kingdom, with all of its glory and prosperity and also the horrible sin that led to the captivity and the downfall of the theocracy. The author of Chronicles had a constant focus on the Temple which had been destroyed and the dynasty of King David. There is hardly any mention of the northern kingdom of Israel, it is mainly concerned with Judah and the events in connection with King David, and the building of the Temple. Solomon is not necessarily a huge focus other than his preparations for building the Temple and its dedication. The worship of the Temple is paramount and the functions of the Levites as well. The Kings of Judah are stressed with great importance as well as the idolatry that seduced the people of God.

Hebrew tradition credits Ezra has the author of the books of Chronicles, in the beginning of the books trace the genealogical records all the way back to Adam which took place in approximately 4004 BC. The book concludes with the Jews in Babylon after the captivity.

Quick Reference Map

Map of the Empires of David and Solomon (Click to Enlarge)

The contents of the books of Chronicles may be outlined as follows:

Outline of the Books of Chronicles

1 Chronicles

I. Genealogical Matters (1 Chronicles 1-9) These genealogies begin with Adam (1 Chronicles 1:1) and are brought up to the time of the writer (1 Chronicles 9). It is surprising to note the large number of historical incidents mentioned in connection with the individuals named in these lists. Many of these are taken from other Old Testament scripture, but some find their origin elsewhere (1 Chronicles 4:9, 10, 38-43).

II. The Reign of David (1 Chronicles 10 -29)

1) The last days and death of Saul and the early reign of David (1 Chronicles 10-12).
2) The return of the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13-16). Included in this section is the account of the misfortune of Uzzah, who was killed when he reached forth to save the ark from falling (1 Chronicles 13).
3) David purposes to build the temple but is forbidden because of the great amount of bloodshed to which he has been a party (1 Chronicles 17).
4) The account of David's conquests (1 Chronicles 18-20).
5) The census and the plague (1 Chronicles 21).
6) David's preparations for building the temple (1 Chronicles 22). Although David was himself forbidden to build a temple for God, he set about to collect the necessary materials for such a temple, that the task of his son Solomon might be easier.
7) Designation of the duties of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23).
8) Organization of the government (1 Chronicles 24).
9) David's last words and his death (1 Chronicles 28-29).

2 Chronicles

III. The Reign of Solomon (2 Chronicles 1-9) This section includes the further preparation, the building and the dedication of the Temple, as well as various other activities of Solomon.

IV. The History of Judah to Its Fall (2 Chronicles 10 -36)

1) The revolt of the ten tribes and the reign of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10-12).
2) The reign of Abijah (2 Chronicles 13).
3) The reign of Asa (2 Chronicles 14-16). This was a period of prosperity in Judah as Asa instituted a number of moral and religious reforms, establishing himself as a servant of the Lord.
4) The reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17-20). This king was also diligent in his efforts to serve God. He made considerable efforts to acquaint his people with the Law.
5) The reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 21:1�22:9).
6) The reign of Athaliah, the only queen of Judah (2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21).
7) The reign of Joash (2 Chronicles 24). Ascending to the throne at the age of seven, Joash, advised by the high priest Jehoida, brought about the restoration of true worship. After Jehoida's death, however, Joash himself slipped into the worship of idols.
8) Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham and Ahaz (2 Chronicles 25-28).
9) The reign of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-32). After beginning his rule with a great religious restoration, Hezekiah helped his nation to regain a measure of power and glory.
10) Manasseh and Amon (2 Chronicles 33).
11) The reign of Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35). In the eighteenth year of a reign that began when he was only eight years old, Josiah began the most sweeping religious reforms which Judah had ever known. During the renovation of the temple, the "book of the Law" was found, encouraging the people greatly in this time of revival.
12) The last days of Judah (2 Chronicles 36). After a brief reign by Jehoahaz, the throne was taken by Jehoiakim, who reigned for eleven years. During this period he was a vassal alternatively to Egypt and Babylon. In an effort to revolt against the Babylonian rule, he lost his life. He was succeeded by Jehoiachin, who reigned only three months, after which he was carried to Babylon, where he lived a number of years. The last of the Judean kings was Zedekiah. Nebuchadnezzar had already plundered Jerusalem of much of its treasures and a considerable number of its most promising men. This took place in two raids, in 606 and 597 BC. In 586 BC, during the reign of Zedekiah, the Babylonians struck once again, this time leaving none but the poorest class of people to remain in Jerusalem. Five years later, the Babylonians came to collect about 750 more captives, even after a number, including Jeremiah, had fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 43).

Quick Reference Maps - 1 Chronicles

The Empire of David and Solomon during the Chronicles
The Period of the Kings
The Empire of David and Solomon
The Kingdom of David
Solomon's Temple Illustration
Chart - The House of the LORD
Ophir and Tarshish
Israel and Judah During the Time of Rehoboam
Samaria
Zaraphath and Mount Carmel
Ramoth Gilead

1 Chronicles Resources

Saul, Israel's First King
King David
King Solomon
The Divided Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Southern Kingdom of Judah
The Assyrian Captivity
The Babylonian Captivity

More About the Book of 1 Chronicles
More About the Book of 2 Chronicles
1 Chronicles in the Picture Study Bible
2 Chronicles in the Picture Study Bible
Timeline of the Ancient World
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