1 Chronicles 6:57

Authorized King James Version

And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלִבְנֵ֣י

H1121

And to the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַֽהֲרֹ֗ן

H175

of Aaron

aharon, the brother of moses

נָֽתְנוּ֙

H5414

they gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַמִּקְלָ֔ט

H4733

the city of refuge

an asylum (as a receptacle)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֶבְר֥וֹן

H2275

namely Hebron

chebron, the name of two israelites

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

לִבְנָ֖ה

H3841

and Libnah

libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine

#11

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃

H4054

with her suburbs

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

#13

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

יַתִּ֥ר

H3492

and Jattir

jattir, a place in palestine

#15

וְאֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

אֶשְׁתְּמֹ֖עַ

H851

and Eshtemoa

eshtemoa or eshtemoh, a place in palestine

#17

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃

H4054

with her suburbs

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?