An extensive genealogy of the tribe of Levi is presented, tracing the high priestly line from Levi through Aaron to the Babylonian exile, including such notable figures as Eleazar, Phinehas, Zadok, and Azariah who ministered in Solomon's temple. The chapter also records the genealogies of the Levitical families of Gershom, Kohath, and Merari, detailing their appointed roles in temple music and service under David's organization. The territorial allocations of the Levitical cities throughout Israel's tribes are carefully documented, demonstrating God's provision for those who had no tribal inheritance but served at His sanctuary.
Read 1 Chronicles Chapter 6 Summary
Characters in This Chapter

Ideal king who prepared for temple worship and received God's covenant

David's chosen successor anointed to build the temple

First High Priest

Prophet and Lawgiver

Sister of Moses and Aaron, Prophetess

Son of Aaron who Offered Strange Fire

Son of Aaron who Offered Strange Fire

Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ

King of Babylon

Levite who Rebelled Against Moses

Prophet and Judge of Israel

Prophet of the Day of the Lord

Prophet of the Day of the Lord

Levite Musician and Psalmist

Priest of Bethel who Opposed Amos

Nephew of Abraham

Faithful Spy, Companion of Joshua

Youngest Son of Jacob

King of Judah who Repented

The One Who Saw Salvation
Places in This Chapter

Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives are buried in the Cave of Machpelah here. David was anointed king of Judah in Hebron and ruled from there for seven years before moving the capital to Jerusalem.

The Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.

The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that Israel built according to God's instructions at Mount Sinai. It served as God's dwelling place among His people during the wilderness wanderings and early settlement in Canaan. It contained the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and the holy place.

Shechem was an important Canaanite city where Abraham first built an altar after entering the Promised Land. Jacob purchased land here and dug a well. Joseph's bones were buried here after the Exodus. Joshua gathered the tribes at Shechem for a covenant renewal ceremony.

Galilee was a region in northern Israel where Jesus grew up and conducted much of His ministry. Jesus called His first disciples here, performed many miracles, and taught large crowds. After His resurrection, Jesus met His disciples in Galilee and commissioned them to make disciples of all nations.

Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, was the first Canaanite city conquered by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. Its walls famously fell after the Israelites marched around it for seven days as commanded by God through Joshua. Jesus later passed through Jericho, healing blind Bartimaeus and dining with the tax collector Zacchaeus.

The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.

Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its healing balm and rich pastures. It was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant at a cairn of stones they named Galeed (Gilead). The region was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
Position in Book
Genealogies from Adam to the post-exilic community, establishing Israel's identity and priestly lines.


