1 Chronicles 6:67

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَأعْطَوْهُم مُدُنَ اللُّجُوءِ: شَكِيمَ وَمَرَاعِيهَا فِي مِنْطَقَةِ أفْرَايِمَ الجَبَلِيَّةِ، وَجَازَرَ وَمَرَاعِيهَا،

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Shechem in Mount Ephraim and Gezer were given as cities of refuge to the Levites. These cities provided safety for those who had accidentally caused the death of another person. It's part of the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special playground where you can go if you accidentally bump into someone and hurt them really badly. The people in charge gave some special playgrounds to the Levites, like Shechem and Gezer. These places were safe havens where people could go to stay out of trouble.

Historical Background

The book of 1 Chronicles was written by an unknown author, possibly a priest or Levite, after the return from Babylonian exile. It was written for the Jewish community in Jerusalem to remind them of their history and the importance of the Levitical priesthood. The verse reflects the organization of the Levitical cities and the concept of refuge in ancient Israel.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can think of this verse as a reminder that we all need safe places to go when we make big mistakes. It encourages us to create supportive environments where people can seek help and forgiveness without fear.

Topics

• cities of refuge
• Levites
• ancient Israel
• forgiveness
• protection
• safety

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:6
• Joshua 20:7
• Numbers 35:9
• Joshua 21:21
• Numbers 35:11

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of cities of refuge?

Cities of refuge were special places where anyone who had accidentally killed someone could go to be safe from revenge. They served as a legal and moral buffer, providing sanctuary and a fair trial.

Why were the Levites given cities of refuge?

The Levites were given these cities because they were the religious leaders and didn't own land like other tribes. These cities provided them with a place to live and serve as judges and mediators.

How does this verse relate to modern ideas of justice?

This verse encourages the idea of distinguishing between intentional and unintentional harm and provides a framework for justice that includes protection and fair process, much like modern legal systems try to achieve.

What can we learn about forgiveness from this verse?

This verse teaches us the importance of forgiveness and providing a second chance. It shows that even in the face of serious mistakes, there is a way to seek forgiveness and protection.