4. Levi (6:1-81)

This genealogy is long and detailed. Levi, possibly the chronicler’s clan, had various special tasks. David appointed some as temple musicians (vv.31-32), and others had duties in the tabernacle (v.48). The Aaronic clan had the most important position: they presented offerings in the Most Holy Place (v.49). The chronicler affirms that the appointment of the Aaronic functionaries originated in God’s revelation to Moses, not in David’s organization of the cult (v.49).

This chapter gives a sense of the chronicler’s belief in the centrality of the Levites and their functions for the well-being of the land. The list of Levitical dwellings shows that those called into divine service were spread throughout the land (vv.54-81).