(The Lord speaking is red text)
The sons of Merari [were] Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.
The sons of M'rari: Machli and Mushi. The descendants of his son Ya'aziyahu,
The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno.
The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi; the sons of Jaaziah: Beno.
The sons{H1121} of Merari{H4847} were Mahli{H4249} and Mushi{H4187}: the sons{H1121} of Jaaziah{H3269}; Beno{H1121}.
1 Chronicles 24:26 is part of a larger section in the Hebrew Bible that details the organization of the Levitical priesthood during the time of King David. The book of 1 Chronicles is traditionally attributed to the chronicler, believed to be Ezra, and was written to the returned exiles in Judah to give them an understanding of their heritage and the importance of proper worship.
In the context of 1 Chronicles 24, David, with the help of the prophet Samuel and Zadok, a priest, is organizing the priests into divisions to serve in the Tabernacle, which would later be replaced by the Temple built by Solomon. The verse specifically mentions the sons of Merari, who was one of the three sons of Levi, the patriarch of the priestly tribe of Levites. Merari's descendants were responsible for the care and transport of the Tabernacle's structural elements during the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness.
The verse lists two of Merari's sons, Mahli and Mushi, and then mentions the sons of Jaaziah, one of Mahli's descendants, with Beno being one of Jaaziah's sons. This detailed genealogy serves to establish the lineage and rights of the Levites to their hereditary duties in the sanctuary service. It also reflects the meticulous organization of the religious life in ancient Israel, where roles and responsibilities were clearly defined and passed down through generations.
The historical context of this verse is significant because it shows the importance of the priesthood and the meticulous care taken to ensure the proper conduct of worship in accordance with God's instructions. The division of the priests into courses or shifts (mentioned earlier in the chapter) allowed for a systematic approach to the temple service, ensuring that the sacrifices and rituals were carried out continuously and correctly. This organization was essential for maintaining the religious and cultural identity of the Israelites, especially during times of political and social upheaval.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)