1 Chronicles 6:29
The descendants of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,
The sons of Merari
This phrase introduces the lineage of Merari, one of the three sons of Levi, who was the third son of Jacob and Leah. The Levites were set apart for religious duties, and Merari's descendants were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's structure. The Hebrew root for Merari means "bitter" or "strong," which may reflect the burdensome yet crucial role his descendants played in maintaining the physical aspects of worship.

Mahli
Mahli is the first son mentioned in this lineage. His name in Hebrew can mean "sick" or "weak," which might seem contradictory to the strength required for the duties of the Merarites. However, this could symbolize the humility and reliance on God that is necessary for those who serve in His house. Mahli's descendants were responsible for carrying the frames of the tabernacle, a task that required both physical strength and spiritual dedication.

Libni his son
Libni, whose name means "white" or "pure," suggests a sense of purity and holiness. This is fitting for a Levite, as the tribe of Levi was set apart for sacred duties. The purity implied by his name reflects the spiritual cleanliness required of those who serve in the presence of God. Libni's role in the lineage underscores the importance of maintaining holiness in service.

Shimei his son
Shimei, meaning "heard" or "hearing," indicates a person who listens or is obedient. In the context of the Levites, this name emphasizes the importance of listening to God's commands and the instructions of the priests. Shimei's position in the genealogy highlights the value of obedience and attentiveness in fulfilling one's divine duties.

Uzzah his son
Uzzah, meaning "strength" or "power," is a name that conveys the might and capability required for the tasks assigned to the Merarites. This name serves as a reminder that while physical strength is necessary, true strength comes from God. Uzzah's inclusion in this lineage is a testament to the divine empowerment given to those who serve faithfully in God's house.

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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