This chapter lists the genealogy of the tribe of Levi but more specifically the priestly line from Aaron. The Levites and the priestly line were given no territory of their own in Israel but they were given cities amongst their brothers. The text lists theses cities and the tribes in which they dwell.
What does it mean?
The levites service is in the temple; therefore, during the postexilic period with the rebuilding of the temple, they wanted to know who the Levites are, so that they may serve in the Temple. However, they also wanted to know who the descendants of Aaron are, because ”it is a recurring theme that the Aaronic priests make atonement for Israel in order to maintain a relationship with God.” (ESV Global SB Notes) The text ties all the Aaronic priests to Zadok and Ahimaaz, who lived in Solomon’s time. The Chronicler’s ideal Israel is the Israel that existed during the time of Solomon: a Davidic king on the thrown, Levites serving in the temple, and sons of Aaron making atonement for Israel. (Ibid)
What shall I do?
There is a theme in the church today that only certain people serve. There was an understanding amongst the Baptist of the 17th and 18th centuries in England (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith) and in America (1742 Philadelphia Confession of Faith) that all believers are equal but some are set apart through prayer and fasting by the consent of all the believers in the church as pastors and elders. Pastos and elders do not come by physical birth but are called by the Holy Spirit. Men who have been given the gift of teaching, preaching and leading. These abilities should be recognized by the congregation in which they serve but all believers are called to serve within the church body. In other words we should all have a job. Jesus Christ is our Davidic king (cf. Matthew 28:18) and he is our high priest (cf Hebrews 3:1-11). We need no physical king because Jesus Christ is on the thrown at the right hand of the Father and he has given us all his commandments. We need no priest to make atonement to maintain a relationship with God because Jesus died for our sins and rose again on the third day. “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.” (Romans 6:10) Therefore, we must repent of our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins and learn to observe all that he commanded.
