1 Chronicles 24:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Merari {H4847} were Mahli {H4249} and Mushi {H4187}: the sons {H1121} of Jaaziah {H3269}; Beno {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of M'rari: Machli and Mushi. The descendants of his son Ya'aziyahu,

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse meticulously records a segment of the Merarite lineage, specifically identifying Mahli and Mushi as the primary sons of Merari, and further detailing a sub-branch through Jaaziah, including Beno. It is part of King David's comprehensive administrative efforts to organize the Levitical families into distinct courses and roles, ensuring an orderly and continuous system of worship and service for the future Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the profound importance of divine order and the precise fulfillment of sacred duties within God's covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 24 is situated within a larger section of the Chronicler's work (1 Chronicles 23-26) that details King David's meticulous organization of the Levites and priests for service in the future Temple. Chapter 24 specifically outlines the division of the Aaronic priests into twenty-four courses ([1 Chronicles 24:1-19](/1_chronicles/24-1 "1 Chronicles 24:1-19 - Division of the Priests")), followed by a detailed listing of the Levitical families and their respective branches ([1 Chronicles 24:20-31](/1_chronicles/24-20 "1 Chronicles 24:20-31 - Division of the Levites")). Verse 26, therefore, serves as a specific genealogical entry within this broader administrative record, focusing on a particular branch of the Merarite clan, one of the three major Levitical divisions. Its placement emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's preparations, ensuring that every family and individual had a designated place in the divine order of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the latter part of King David's reign, a period characterized by consolidation of the kingdom and extensive preparations for the construction of the Temple, which his son Solomon would ultimately build. In ancient Israel, genealogies were not merely historical records; they were vital for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and, critically, legitimacy for priestly and Levitical service. The Merarites, as descendants of Levi's third son, Merari, had specific historical duties related to the Tabernacle's structure during the wilderness wanderings, carrying its heavier components like frames, bars, pillars, and bases ([Numbers 3:36](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36 - Duties of the Merarites")). By David's time, their roles would evolve to include various support functions within the Temple, such as gatekeeping, treasury management, and musical service, as detailed in surrounding chapters like [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Gatekeepers and Treasurers"). The meticulous recording of their lineage in this verse highlights the cultural importance of maintaining an unbroken line for sacred service, ensuring that only those divinely appointed fulfilled these roles.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly dry genealogical entry contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Administration**. David's foresight in organizing the Levites and priests reflects God's character as a God of order, where everything is to be done "decently and in order" ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")). Secondly, it highlights **Faithfulness in Detail**. The inclusion of such specific genealogical details, down to individual sub-branches, emphasizes that every individual and every family's role, no matter how seemingly minor or administrative, was significant in God's grand plan for worship. It speaks to the value God places on meticulousness and faithfulness in all aspects of service. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Continuity of Priesthood and Service**. The detailed genealogies ensured that the rightful individuals were appointed to their sacred duties, maintaining the integrity and unbroken continuity of the Levitical service from generation to generation, thereby upholding the covenant relationship between God and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merari (Hebrew, _mᵉrārî_):** One of the three sons of Levi, the progenitor of the Merarite clan. This clan was responsible for the heavier elements of the Tabernacle during the wilderness period, symbolizing their foundational and structural role in the worship system. Their continued listing here signifies their enduring importance in the Temple service.
* **Mahli (Hebrew, _maḥlî_):** One of the two primary sons of Merari, establishing one of the two main branches of the Merarite family. His name, possibly meaning "sick" or "weak," might ironically point to God's strength being made perfect in weakness, or simply be a common name of the era.
* **Beno (Hebrew, _bēnô_):** This term is unique and its interpretation is debated. While some translations render it as a proper name, "Beno," others interpret it as a common noun meaning "his son" or "his sons." If "Beno" is a proper name, it designates a specific individual within Jaaziah's lineage. If it means "his son," it indicates that Jaaziah had multiple unnamed sons who formed a branch of the Merarite family, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the record even when individual names are not given. The Chronicler's intent is to show a complete, though sometimes abbreviated, genealogical record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Merari [were] Mahli and Mushi":** This clause establishes the two main, foundational branches of the Merarite family, tracing their lineage directly back to Merari, Levi's son. This is consistent with other biblical genealogies that identify the primary divisions of a clan through its most prominent sons, who then become heads of their own sub-clans.
* **"the sons of Jaaziah; Beno":** This clause introduces a more specific sub-lineage within the Merarite clan. Jaaziah is identified as a son (or descendant) of Merari, and "Beno" is then listed in relation to Jaaziah. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," "Beno" could be a specific individual or a collective term for "his sons," indicating that Jaaziah had descendants who formed a recognized branch. This level of detail highlights the Chronicler's commitment to providing a comprehensive, though sometimes selective, genealogical record for the purpose of organizing Temple service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 24:26, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **Annalistic Style**. This involves the systematic listing of names and lineages, serving not merely as historical record-keeping but as a theological statement. The meticulous enumeration of descendants like Mahli, Mushi, Jaaziah, and Beno underscores the legitimacy and continuity of the Levitical priesthood and service. It provides a divine stamp of approval on the established order, ensuring that only those of the proper lineage fulfill sacred roles. This detailed listing also functions as a form of **Enumeration**, systematically categorizing and organizing the vast number of Levites into manageable units for the purpose of Temple administration. The very act of listing these names, even if seemingly dry to a modern reader, conveys the Chronicler's emphasis on order, structure, and the divine appointment of individuals to specific roles within God's covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 24:26, though a brief genealogical entry, is rich with theological implications. It speaks to God's character as a God of order and purpose, who meticulously orchestrates every detail of His kingdom, even down to the specific lineages responsible for sacred service. This divine attention to detail ensures the integrity and continuity of worship, reflecting a God who is not chaotic but sovereignly arranges all things for His glory. The inclusion of such specific names within a broader administrative context reminds us that every individual, every family, and every role, no matter how seemingly mundane or behind-the-scenes, is vital to the functioning of God's plan. It underscores the principle that faithfulness in the small things contributes to the success of the larger divine enterprise.

* [Numbers 3:36](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36 - Duties of the Merarites")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 24:26 might appear as a mere list of names, it offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who values meticulousness and faithfulness in every task, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Just as every Merarite descendant had a designated place and purpose in the Temple service, every member of the body of Christ has a unique and vital role, contributing to the overall health and effectiveness of the church. No task in God's kingdom is truly insignificant if done with faithfulness and purpose, for it contributes to a larger, divine design. This verse encourages us to embrace our specific callings, whether prominent or behind-the-scenes, with diligence and a recognition that our service is part of God's grand, ordered plan for His people and His worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in this verse challenge our perception of "insignificant" tasks or roles within the church or our personal lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of divine order and administration, as seen in David's organization of the Levites, to our own ministries or daily responsibilities?**
* **How does knowing that God pays attention to such minute details, even in ancient genealogies, encourage us in our seemingly small acts of faithfulness today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive in Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed and often repetitive genealogies in Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 24:26, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish legitimacy and authority, particularly for the priestly and Levitical lines. In a post-exilic context, it was vital to prove one's lineage to ensure proper access to Temple service and associated privileges. Secondly, they emphasize continuity, demonstrating an unbroken line of God's covenant people and the enduring nature of His promises. Thirdly, they function as an administrative record, providing the necessary framework for organizing and assigning roles for the Temple service, as seen in David's preparations. Finally, they underscore the Chronicler's theological point: God is a God of order and precision, who cares about every detail of His people and His worship, ensuring that everything is done according to His divine plan.

**What was the specific role of the Merarites, and how does this verse relate to it?**

Answer: The Merarites were one of the three major Levitical clans, descended from Merari, one of Levi's sons. Historically, during the wilderness wanderings, their primary duty was to transport the heavier and more structural components of the Tabernacle, such as its frames, bars, pillars, and bases ([Numbers 3:36](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36 - Duties of the Merarites")). This made them essential to the physical construction and movement of God's dwelling place. In the context of 1 Chronicles, as preparations were being made for the permanent Temple, their roles evolved. While no longer transporting a portable sanctuary, the Merarites, along with other Levites, were assigned various support functions within the Temple, including serving as gatekeepers, treasurers, and musicians, as detailed in chapters like [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Gatekeepers and Treasurers")). 1 Chronicles 24:26, by listing the specific branches of the Merarite family (Mahli, Mushi, Jaaziah, Beno), ensures that their lineage is properly recorded for these ongoing and future responsibilities in the organized Temple service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 24:26 is a detailed genealogical record of the Levitical order, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ and His new covenant. The meticulous organization of the Old Testament priesthood and Levitical service, with its emphasis on lineage and specific duties, foreshadowed the perfect order and ultimate purpose found in Jesus Christ. He is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who, by His single, perfect sacrifice, fulfilled and surpassed all the Levitical offerings and the need for a continuous priestly succession ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from a physical lineage to a spiritual one; all believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. The detailed organization of the Merarites for Temple service finds its ultimate expression in the body of Christ, the church, where every member is uniquely gifted and strategically placed by the Holy Spirit to serve for the building up of the whole ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Body of Christ")). Just as each Merarite had a vital role in the physical Temple, so too does every believer have an indispensable function in the spiritual temple, under the headship of Christ, ensuring that God's worship and work continue in perfect divine order ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as Head of the Church")).

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.