What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6:47? The son of Mahli “the son of Mahli” • Mahli is a prominent branch of the Merarite clan of Levites (Numbers 3:20; 1 Chronicles 23:21). • The phrase signals that the singer Ethan (vv. 44–47) springs from Mahli’s line, anchoring his credentials for tabernacle—and later temple—service. • By naming Mahli, the text reminds us that God tracks individual families within His covenant people, underscoring that every servant counts (cf. Luke 12:7). The son of Mushi “the son of Mushi” • Mushi, another important Merarite figure (1 Chronicles 6:19), connects Mahli’s branch back to the larger clan. • Scripture often compresses generations, so “son” can mean “descendant” (cf. Matthew 1:1). Here the chain may skip links yet still marks an unbroken, trustworthy pedigree. • The Merarites served by caring for the tabernacle’s heavy structural pieces (Numbers 4:29-33). Mentioning Mushi hints that Ethan’s heritage included hands-on, sometimes hidden, labor for God—noble work in His eyes (Colossians 3:23-24). The son of Merari “the son of Merari” • Merari was Levi’s youngest son (Exodus 6:16); his descendants camped on the north side of the tabernacle, hauling boards, bars, and pillars (Numbers 3:36-37). • By the time of David, Merarites like Ethan provided worship music (1 Chronicles 15:17-18). God redeploys gifts across generations, proving that lineage never locks anyone into a single role but always into His purposes. • The continuity from Merari to Ethan showcases God’s faithfulness to keep covenant promises even through centuries of shifting assignments (Psalm 100:5). The son of Levi “the son of Levi” • Levi’s name is the ultimate anchor; everything flows from God’s original selection of this tribe to draw near and serve (Deuteronomy 10:8). • Levi’s lineage produced priests (Aaron) and worship leaders (the three Levitical clans). Ethan’s place in that stream highlights how God weaves individual stories into one great narrative of redemption (Revelation 5:9-10). • Tracing back to Levi also links Ethan—and every believer who worships in spirit and truth—to the larger call to holiness (1 Peter 2:9). summary 1 Chronicles 6:47 is far more than a string of unfamiliar names. Each link—Mahli, Mushi, Merari, Levi—shouts that God remembers families, honors faithful service, and ties every obedient life into His unfolding worship plan. Genealogies like this assure us that our labor in the Lord is never wasted and that, generation after generation, He keeps His word. |
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