What does 1 Chronicles 6:29 mean?
What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:29?

The descendants of Merari

1 Chronicles 6:29 records: “The descendants of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son.”

• Merari is one of Levi’s three sons (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16).

• God set Merari’s line apart for tabernacle duty; they transported and maintained the heavy structural pieces—the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37; 4:29-33).

• This genealogy reminds us that every generation in this clan was expected to keep serving (1 Chronicles 23:6, 21-23). Through these names the Spirit underscores the continuity of worship that God requires.


Mahli

• Mahli is Merari’s first-listed son (Exodus 6:19). His line provided able-bodied men for hauling the boards and bars of the tabernacle.

• Later, when David reorganized temple worship, Mahli’s descendants still carried distinct responsibilities (1 Chronicles 24:26-30).

• The verse shows that faithfulness is more than a moment; it is meant to be handed on, just as Mahli handed duties to his son Libni.


Libni

• Libni (called “Libnites” collectively in Numbers 26:58) inherits Mahli’s task.

• In Moses’ day the tribe camped to the north of the tabernacle, ready to move at the signal (Numbers 3:33-37).

• By the time of David, Libni’s offspring were woven into the Levitical choir and gatekeeping rotations (1 Chronicles 9:14-17), proving that obedience in practical matters can expand into broader ministry.


Shimei

• Shimei is Libni’s son and keeps the same line of service.

• During the temple dedication under Solomon, Shimei’s branch likely participated in the unprecedented worship described in 2 Chronicles 5:12-14.

• The appearance of his name confirms that God traces faithfulness down to individual households (Psalm 112:1-2).


Uzzah

• Not the Uzzah who touched the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-8) but a different man, this Uzzah rounds out four straight generations named in 1 Chronicles 6:29.

• His inclusion assures us that God notices even the final link in a quiet chain of servants. Nothing done for Him is overlooked (Hebrews 6:10).

• Uzzah’s position at the end of the list points forward: the responsibility to guard and support God’s dwelling will pass again, calling the next generation.


summary

1 Chronicles 6:29 is more than a roll call; it displays a living relay of Levitical duty from Merari through Mahli, Libni, Shimei, and Uzzah. Each name marks a generation that faithfully shouldered the physical burdens of worship so Israel could draw near to the LORD. The verse teaches that God values continuity, honors every unseen act of service, and expects each new generation to pick up the work of sustaining true worship.

Why is the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 6:28 important for validating biblical narratives?
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