1 Chron. 6 The sons of Levi: the line of the high priests from Aaron to the captivity, 1 Chron. 6:1–15. The families of Gershom, Merari, and Kohath, 1 Chron. 6:16–48. The office of Aaron and his line unto Ahimaaz, 1 Chron. 6:49–53. The cities of the priests and Levites, 1 Chron. 6:54–81.

Izhar, called also 1 Chron. 6:22, Ex. 6:21.

In the days of Uzzi it is supposed that the high priesthood was translated from Eleazar’s family to Ithamar’s, for some cause now unknown, in whose line it continued for some successions.

He it is that executed the priest’s office: so did all the rest, but it is implied that lie did it worthily, he filled his place and valiantly discharged his office in Uzziah’s time; of which see 2 Chron. 26:17;c.

Seraiah, who was slain by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, 2 Kings 25:18, 2 Kings 25:21.

This he repeats, as the foundation of the following genealogy of those Levites who were not priests.

Who are distinguished and named from their fathers. And the following catalogue is thought to contain the successive heads or chiefs of their several families until thee times of David, by whom they were distributed into several ranks or courses.

i.e. His grandson, by his son Shimei, as appears from 1 Chron. 6:42–43, the names of father and son being oft used in scripture of more remote progenitors or successors.

Uriel, called also Zephaniah, 1 Chron. 6:36, where also Uzziah here following is called Azariah.

Elkanah, the son of that Korah mentioned above, 1 Chron. 6:22, as is manifest by 1 Chron. 6:35–37 and by Ex. 6:23–24

Elkanah; this was another Elkanah, son or grandson of the former Elkanah and either the son or brother of Ahimoth last mentioned, or of Amasai. Nahath, called also Toah, 1 Chron. 6:31, and Tohu, 1 Sam. 1:1.

Elkanah; the father of the prophet Samuel, 1 Sam. 1:1, who therefore follows here.

These are they, whose names here follow. The service, Heb. the hands. Hand put for ministry or service, which is commonly performed by the hand. Thus God is frequently said to speak or command things by the hand (i.e. the ministry) of Moses. Compare 2 Chron. 29:27.

The dwelling-place of the tabernacle, or, the tabernacle of the tent, as the same Hebrew words are translated, Ex. 39:32, Ex. 40:2, Ex. 40:6. According to their order; which David had appointed by the Spirit, as it follows in this book.

These, to wit, Heman here mentioned; and Asaph, 1 Chron. 6:39; and Ethan, 1 Chron. 6:44. Shemuel, or, Samuel the prophet.

Asaph is here called Heman’s brother, both by birth, being of the same tribe and father, Levi; and by his office and employment, which was thee same with his.

Ethan, called also Jeduthun, 1 Chron. 9:16, 2 Chron. 35:15, and in the titles of divers psalms.

The Levites; such of them as had no skill in singing were otherwise employed.

Having mentioned the work and employment of the high priests, he briefly rehearseth the names of the persons who successively performed it.

Or, this lot or portion which here follows. Or, the first lot, as appears by the sequel.

They gave the cities, or, out of the cities; the Hebrew eth being put for meeth, as hath been oft noted.

Whereof eleven are here numbered, and two more added to them, Josh. 21:13.

Which were left, over and above the priests who were of the same family of Kohath and tribe of Levi. By lot, ten cities, or, by lot (with a full point, for there the sense ends). All their cities were ten cities, as it is expressly said, Josh. 21:6.

To the sons of Gershom; understand here, cities were given, which is also understood 1 Chron. 6:61, and expressed 1 Chron. 6:64.

To the Levites, i.e. to the tribe of Levi, consisting of priests and other Levites. These cities, which are numbered or named in this chapter.

They gave, to wit, to those Levites of the family of Kohath who were priests, as appears both by 1 Chron. 6:57;c., where the cities given to the Aaronites are said to be taken out of the tribes here named, even out of Judah (under which Simeon is comprehended, because his lot lay within that of…

Of their coasts, or, of their borders, i.e. of their country contained within its borders, as that word is oft used, as hath been noted before.

They gave; either the Ephraimites; or rather, the children of Israel, as it is expressed, 1 Chron. 6:64, who gave part out of Ephraim, and part out of the half tribe of Manasseh, as it here follows. But the Ephraimites could not give away any cities belonging to the Manassites. Unto them, i.e.