1 Chronicles 6:29
The descendants of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,
The descendants of Merari:
Merari was one of the three sons of Levi, making him a grandson of Jacob. The Levites were set apart for religious duties, and Merari's descendants were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases. This role highlights the importance of each family within the tribe of Levi in maintaining the worship practices of Israel. The division of labor among the Levites underscores the organized and communal nature of Israelite worship.

Mahli:
Mahli is one of the sons of Merari. His name appears in several genealogical records, emphasizing the continuity and preservation of the Levitical line. The name Mahli means "sick" or "weak," which may reflect the challenges faced by his descendants or the humility required in their service. Mahli's lineage is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as in the book of Ezra, indicating the enduring legacy of his family in the post-exilic community.

Libni his son:
Libni, also known as Libnah in some translations, is a descendant of Mahli. His name means "white" or "purity," which could symbolize the purity required of those serving in the tabernacle. The mention of Libni in the genealogies serves to trace the faithful transmission of duties and responsibilities through generations. This continuity is crucial for understanding the stability and order within the Levitical priesthood.

Shimei his son:
Shimei is another descendant in the line of Merari. The name Shimei means "heard" or "famous," suggesting that his family may have been well-regarded or that they played a significant role in the community. Shimei's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of each generation in maintaining the worship and service traditions of Israel. The name also appears in other contexts in the Bible, indicating its common use and the potential for multiple individuals with this name.

Uzzah his son:
Uzzah, meaning "strength," is noted as a descendant of Shimei. The name is famously associated with the man who touched the Ark of the Covenant and was struck down by God, though this Uzzah is a different individual. The name's meaning reflects the strength and support that the Merarites provided in their service, as they were responsible for the heavy lifting and transportation of the tabernacle's components. This role required physical strength and dedication, symbolizing the spiritual strength needed to uphold God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Merari
One of the three sons of Levi, the patriarch of the Levites. The Merarites were responsible for the care of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its equipment.

2. Mahli
A descendant of Merari, Mahli is often mentioned in genealogies as a significant figure in the Levitical line.

3. Libni
The son of Mahli, continuing the Levitical lineage. His name is sometimes spelled as "Libnah" in other translations.

4. Shimei
The son of Libni, furthering the genealogical line of the Merarites.

5. Uzzah
The son of Shimei, part of the Levitical genealogy. Not to be confused with the Uzzah who touched the Ark of the Covenant.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible serve to connect God's promises through generations, showing His faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant.

The Role of the Levites
The Levites, including the Merarites, had specific roles in worship and the maintenance of the tabernacle, illustrating the importance of service and order in worship.

Faithfulness in Service
The detailed records of the Levites' duties remind us of the value of faithfulness in our own roles, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The preservation of these genealogies demonstrates God's sovereignty and purpose in family lines, encouraging us to trust in His plan for our own families.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogical records of the Levites enhance our appreciation for the structure and order of worship in ancient Israel?

2. In what ways can we apply the faithfulness of the Merarites in their service to our own roles within the church today?

3. How do the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 6 connect to the broader account of God's covenant with Israel?

4. What can we learn about God's character from His detailed preservation of genealogical records in the Bible?

5. How might the roles and responsibilities of the Levites inform our understanding of spiritual gifts and service in the New Testament church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 6:19
This verse also lists the sons of Merari, providing a cross-reference to the genealogical records of the Levites.

Numbers 3:33-37
Describes the duties of the Merarites in the service of the tabernacle, highlighting their role in the broader context of Israelite worship.

1 Chronicles 23:21-23
Further details the descendants of Merari, emphasizing the continuity and importance of their service.
Lessons from Lists; Or, a Sermon in NamesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:1-30
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abdon, Abiah, Abihu, Abijah, Abishua, Adaiah, Ahimaaz, Ahimoth, Ahitub, Alemeth, Amariah, Amasai, Amaziah, Amminadab, Amram, Amzi, Anathoth, Aner, Asaiah, Asaph, Asher, Assir, Azariah, Baaseiah, Bani, Benjamin, Berachiah, Berechiah, Bezer, Bukki, Caleb, Dan, David, Debir, Ebiasaph, Eleazar, Eliab, Eliel, Elkanah, Eshtemoa, Ethan, Ethni, Gad, Gershom, Gershomites, Gershon, Gibeon, Haggiah, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Iddo, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Izhar, Jahath, Jeaterai, Jehozadak, Jephunneh, Jeroham, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Kishi, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahath, Mahli, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Meraioth, Merari, Merarites, Michael, Miriam, Mushi, Nadab, Nahath, Naphtali, Nebuchadnezzar, Phinehas, Rehob, Reuben, Samuel, Saul, Seraiah, Shallum, Shamer, Shaul, Shemer, Shemuel, Shimea, Shimei, Simeon, Solomon, Tahath, Toah, Uriel, Uzza, Uzzah, Uzzi, Uzziah, Uzziel, Vashni, Zadok, Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zerah, Zerahiah, Zimmah, Zophai, Zuph
Places
Abdon, Aijalon, Alemeth, Anathoth, Anem, Aner, Ashan, Ashtaroth, Assyria, Bashan, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Bileam, Daberath, Debir, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammon, Hebron, Heshbon, Hilen, Hukok, Jahzah, Jattir, Jazer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokmeam, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kiriathaim, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mashal, Mephaath, Most Holy Place, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Tabor
Topics
Libni, Mahli, Merari, Merar'i, Shimei, Shim'e-i, Sons, Uzza, Uzzah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:27

     7767   priests, OT institution

Library
David's Choristers
'They stood in their office, according to their order.'--1 CHRON. vi. 32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for 'the service of song in the house of the Lord.' The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the 'tabernacle of the tent of meeting,' and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler's description of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean!
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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