1 Chronicles 23:21

KJV

The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Merari {H4847}; Mahli {H4249}, and Mushi {H4187}. The sons {H1121} of Mahli {H4249}; Eleazar {H499}, and Kish {H7027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of M'rari: Machli and Mushi. The sons of Machli: El'azar and Kish

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi.

American Standard Version

The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:21 is a concise yet significant genealogical entry within David's comprehensive reorganization of the Levites, detailing the lineage of Merari, one of Levi's three sons. Specifically, it identifies Mahli and Mushi as Merari's immediate sons, and then further specifies Eleazar and Kish as the sons of Mahli. This verse is part of a larger administrative and spiritual preparation for the future Temple, underscoring the meticulous attention to hereditary roles and structured service essential for sacred duties in ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within 1 Chronicles 23, a pivotal chapter that marks a strategic shift in the Chronicler's narrative. Having established David's military and political dominance, the focus now turns to his meticulous preparations for the spiritual infrastructure of the kingdom—the future Temple. The chapter opens by outlining the general duties and age requirements for Levitical service (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23:3-5](/1-chronicles/23-3-5 "1 Chronicles 23:3-5 - Levitical Duties and Age")) before systematically enumerating the three major Levitical clans: the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites. Verse 21 falls within the section dedicated to the Merarites (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23:21-23](/1-chronicles/23-21-23 "1 Chronicles 23:21-23 - Merarite Descendants")), providing a precise genealogical link within this clan. This detailed record of succession and eligibility for service demonstrates the systematic and comprehensive nature of David's administrative reforms, ensuring that every family and individual had a designated place within the elaborate system of worship. The Chronicler's emphasis on such lists highlights the importance of order and continuity in God's service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this verse is the latter part of King David's reign, a period characterized by relative peace and the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom. Culturally, lineage and tribal affiliation were of paramount importance in ancient Israel, especially for those holding sacred offices. Mosaic Law strictly mandated that only individuals of specific descent could perform certain priestly and Levitical duties, as exemplified in [Numbers 1:49-53](/numbers/1-49-53 "Numbers 1:49-53 - Levites Set Apart for Tabernacle Service"). The Levites, traditionally responsible for the care, dismantling, and transport of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings (e.g., [Numbers 4:29-32](/numbers/4-29-32 "Numbers 4:29-32 - Merarites' Duties Regarding the Tabernacle")), were now being reorganized for a permanent, stationary Temple. This transition necessitated a redefinition of their roles, shifting from mobile sanctuary duties to fixed administrative, musical, gatekeeping, and assistant priestly functions within the soon-to-be-built Temple. David's foresight in organizing this massive workforce before the Temple's construction underscores his deep commitment to orderly and dedicated worship, reflecting a divine blueprint for sacred service.
* **Key Themes:** Though a seemingly dry genealogical listing, 1 Chronicles 23:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Order and Organization** in God's service. David's painstaking efforts to bring structure to the worship of God, meticulously assigning roles to every family and individual, reflects the divine preference for order, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1-corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order"). Secondly, the persistent emphasis on "sons" and specific lineages highlights **Generational Continuity and the Inheritance of Service**. The service to God was not a temporary assignment but a sacred heritage passed down through families, ensuring that the knowledge, skills, and dedication required for sacred duties would be maintained across generations. This continuity is vital for the stability of the worship system. Finally, the specific mention of the Merarite clan and its sub-branches points to the theme of **Dedicated and Specialized Service**. Each branch of Levi's descendants had particular responsibilities, ensuring that all aspects of Temple service were covered by dedicated individuals, foreshadowing the diverse gifts and functions within the body of Christ (e.g., [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Diverse Gifts in One Body")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term (H1121) is fundamental to biblical genealogies, signifying direct descent and establishing familial relationships. Derived from a root meaning "to build," it metaphorically refers to a son as a builder of the family name. In the context of Levitical service, its repeated use underscores the meticulous genealogical record-keeping essential for the proper functioning of Israel's worship system and for validating one's right and responsibility to serve. It highlights the hereditary nature of Levitical duties.
* **Merari (Hebrew, _Mᵉrârîy_):** This name (H4847), meaning "bitter," identifies the youngest of Levi's three sons (along with Gershon and Kohath). The Merarites were a major clan within the Levites, historically tasked with the heavy work of transporting the structural components of the Tabernacle, such as frames, bars, pillars, and bases (e.g., [Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36-37 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Merarite Duties")). In David's reorganization, their roles would evolve from mobile transport to fixed Temple duties, but their distinct identity and importance within the Levitical framework remained crucial for the comprehensive organization of Temple service.
* **Mahli (Hebrew, _Machlîy_):** This name (H4249), meaning "sick," identifies one of the two immediate sons of Merari. Mahli serves as a patriarch of a significant sub-clan within the Merarite lineage. The detailing of his sons, Eleazar and Kish, further emphasizes the granular level of genealogical precision employed by the Chronicler. This level of detail was vital for assigning specific duties and maintaining accountability within the elaborate system of Temple service that David was establishing, ensuring that every family branch had a clear place in the divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi.":** This initial clause identifies the two primary branches of the Merarite clan, stemming directly from Merari, the son of Levi. Mahli and Mushi are established as the patriarchs of these significant sub-clans, whose descendants would form distinct working groups within the broader Levitical structure. This specification was vital for assigning specific duties and maintaining accountability within the elaborate system of Temple service that David was establishing, ensuring a clear chain of command and responsibility.
* **"The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.":** This second clause further details the lineage, focusing specifically on the descendants of Mahli. By naming Eleazar and Kish, the text extends the genealogical record to the next generation within this particular Merarite line. This meticulous tracing of family trees ensured that every individual's place and potential role within the future Temple's operations were clearly defined and recognized, emphasizing the importance of a clear and legitimate claim to service based on hereditary right.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 23:21, and indeed throughout much of this chapter, is **Genealogy** or **Annalistic Record**. This involves the straightforward listing of names and family lines, serving to establish lineage, legitimacy, and the precise organizational structure of the Levitical priesthood. The meticulous detail in naming not just the main branches (Merari, Mahli, Mushi) but also the next generation (Eleazar, Kish) underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on historical accuracy and the divine mandate for order in worship. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "the sons of" reinforces the hierarchical and generational transmission of sacred duties, emphasizing the continuity of service from one generation to the next and the foundational importance of family identity within God's covenant people. This systematic presentation transforms what might seem like a dry list into a profound testament to God's desire for order and the careful planning involved in His sacred service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly dry list of names is deeply theological, reflecting God's character as a God of order, not chaos. David's meticulous organization of the Levites for future Temple service mirrors divine wisdom in preparing His people for worship and ministry. It underscores that every individual, no matter how seemingly minor their role, is part of a larger, divinely ordained structure, a testament to God's intentionality in establishing His kingdom. This emphasis on lineage and designated roles points to the importance of faithful stewardship of one's calling and heritage within the community of faith, ensuring that sacred duties are carried out with precision and dedication across generations. The passage implicitly teaches that God delights in order and intentionality in the service rendered to Him, from the grand design of the Temple to the specific duties of each family, demonstrating that even the most administrative details are significant in His eyes.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order")
* [Numbers 3:1-4](/numbers/3-1-4 "Generations of Aaron and Moses")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Gifts for Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer serve in a physical temple with Levitical duties, the principles embedded in 1 Chronicles 23:21 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse invites us to consider the divine value placed on order, preparation, and dedicated service within God's kingdom. It challenges us to recognize that our individual gifts and callings, no matter how humble or seemingly administrative, contribute to the larger tapestry of God's work. Just as the Levites were meticulously organized for the Tabernacle and Temple, so too are we called to serve with intentionality and faithfulness within the body of Christ, stewarding our unique roles for the glory of God and the building up of His church. This passage reminds us that even the mundane details of administration can be acts of worship when undertaken with a heart committed to God's purposes, demonstrating that every part of God's plan, down to the last name, is significant and purposeful in His grand design for redemption and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Levites challenge my understanding of order and intentionality in my own service to God?**
* **In what ways can I identify and faithfully steward the unique gifts and roles God has given me within my community or church?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of preparing for future ministry or spiritual growth, even in seemingly small details?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogical lists?**

Answer: Genealogical lists, like the one in 1 Chronicles 23:21, serve several crucial purposes in the biblical narrative. Primarily, they establish legitimacy, particularly for roles within the priesthood and monarchy, ensuring that individuals serving in sacred capacities were of the correct lineage as prescribed by God's law (e.g., [Numbers 1:49-53](/numbers/1-49-53 "Numbers 1:49-53 - Levites Set Apart for Service")). They also preserve historical records, demonstrating the fulfillment of divine promises regarding descendants, and highlighting the continuity of God's covenant with specific families and tribes. For the Chronicler, these lists underscore the divine order and meticulous planning involved in Israel's worship system, emphasizing that every part of God's people had a designated place and purpose in His grand design, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations.

**What happened to the Merarites after the Temple was built?**

Answer: While 1 Chronicles 23:21 lists the Merarites in preparation for the Temple, their roles evolved significantly from their wilderness duties of carrying the Tabernacle. Once the permanent Temple was established in Jerusalem, the need for transporting the sanctuary ceased. The Merarites, along with other Levitical clans, transitioned into various fixed roles within the Temple complex. These new duties included serving as gatekeepers, treasurers, musicians, singers, and assistants to the priests in various aspects of Temple worship and administration, as detailed in other parts of Chronicles (e.g., [1 Chronicles 26:1-19](/1-chronicles/26-1-19 "1 Chronicles 26:1-19 - Gatekeepers") for gatekeepers, [1 Chronicles 25:1-31](/1-chronicles/25-1-31 "1 Chronicles 25:1-31 - Musicians") for musicians). Their service remained vital, adapting to the new context of a permanent sanctuary and contributing to the ongoing, elaborate worship system, demonstrating the adaptability of God's people to new contexts of service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 23:21, with its meticulous listing of Levitical lineage for Temple service, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The detailed organization of the Old Covenant priesthood, designed to facilitate a limited and temporary access to God, points forward to Christ, who is the [perfect High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and the [sole mediator](/1-timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Men") between God and humanity. The Levites' dedicated service, though essential for their time, foreshadowed Christ's own [perfect obedience and sacrificial service](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death") on the cross, which opened the way for all believers to approach God directly, without the need for a human intermediary or a physical temple. Moreover, in the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from a specific lineage of priests to the entire body of believers, who are now considered a "[royal priesthood](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation")" in Christ, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. Thus, the Old Testament's precise administrative details, while seemingly mundane, ultimately highlight the divine order that culminated in Christ's perfect work, establishing a new and living way for God's people to serve and worship Him. The "sons of" concept is transformed, as believers become [sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith"), inheriting not a physical office but spiritual adoption and an eternal calling to worship and serve.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 6:19

And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these [are] the families of Levi according to their generations.

1 Chronicles 23:6

And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, [namely], Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:30

Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

1 Chronicles 6:20

Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

1 Chronicles 24:26

The sons of Merari [were] Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.

1 Chronicles 24:30

The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These [were] the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.