1 Chronicles 6:47

KJV

The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

KJV (with Strong's)

The son {H1121} of Mahli {H4249}, the son {H1121} of Mushi {H4187}, the son {H1121} of Merari {H4847}, the son {H1121} of Levi {H3878}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the son of Machli, the son of Mushi, the son of M'rari, the son of Levi.

Berean Standard Bible

the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

American Standard Version

the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:47 provides a concise yet vital segment of the Levitical genealogy, specifically tracing a lineage within the clan of Merari, one of Levi's three foundational sons. This verse, characteristic of the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, underscores the profound significance of established ancestry for tribal identity, inheritance rights, and, most critically, the legitimate performance of sacred duties within Israel's divinely ordained worship system. It highlights the continuity, order, and divine appointment central to God's covenant relationship with His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles is almost entirely dedicated to the meticulous genealogies of the Levites, the tribe divinely appointed for service in the Tabernacle and, subsequently, the Temple. The chapter meticulously details the descendants of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—from whom all Levitical clans originated. Verses 16-30 provide a comprehensive overview of these three branches, specifying the lines of those who served as musicians, gatekeepers, and, preeminently, the priestly line of Aaron, who descended from Kohath. This particular verse, [1 Chronicles 6:47](/1_chronicles/6-47 "1 Chronicles 6:47 - Merarite Lineage"), specifically traces a direct line within the Merarite clan, listing Mahli, Mushi, Merari, and ultimately connecting back to Levi. This detailed recording served to underscore the divine order and the paramount importance of proper lineage for sacred duties, ensuring that only those appointed by God through their verified heritage could perform specific roles in worship, thereby maintaining the purity and legitimacy of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, particularly during the post-exilic period when 1 Chronicles was likely compiled, genealogies functioned as far more than mere family trees; they were indispensable legal, social, and religious documents. They established tribal identity, land rights, and, critically for the Levites, legitimacy for service in the rebuilt Temple. After the Babylonian exile, there was an urgent need to re-establish the covenant community and its divinely ordained worship practices. The meticulous recording of Levitical lines, such as the one found in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Genealogies of the Levites"), ensured that only those with verified lineage could resume their sacred duties, preventing unauthorized individuals from profaning the sanctuary. This emphasis reflected a pervasive cultural understanding where one's identity, status, and functional role were inextricably linked to their ancestry and their adherence to the Mosaic Law.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed genealogical records, including [1 Chronicles 6:47](/1_chronicles/6-47 "1 Chronicles 6:47 - Merarite Lineage"), contribute to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the **Importance of Lineage** is paramount, as it determined identity, tribal affiliation, and the right to sacred service, echoing the significance of ancestry seen from [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") onwards, which meticulously traces the lineage from Adam to Noah. Secondly, these meticulous records highlight **Divine Order and Structure**, reflecting God's precise nature and His desire for an organized, consecrated people. Every role, from the high priest to the gatekeeper, was accounted for within His intricate plan for worship, as prescribed in texts like [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments and Consecration"), which details the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Finally, the emphasis on tracing lines through generations underscores the **Continuity of Service** and God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining His covenant with Israel, ensuring an unbroken succession of those called to minister in the sanctuary, thereby preserving the integrity of Israel's worship and national identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên_):** Derived from the root meaning "to build," this recurring term (H1121) fundamentally signifies a male offspring, but its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing "descendant," "member of a clan," "belonging to a group," or even "one characterized by" a certain quality. In the context of genealogies, its repetitive use emphasizes the direct, verifiable, and unbroken chain of ancestry. It serves to establish legitimacy and continuity, ensuring that each individual's place within the tribal and functional structure of Israel is precisely defined and affirmed, highlighting their role as "builders" or perpetuators of the family name and heritage.
* **Levi (Hebrew, _Lêvîy_):** This name (H3878), meaning "attached," denotes the progenitor of the Levitical tribe. Levi's descendants were divinely set apart to assist the Aaronic priests in the Tabernacle and Temple, bearing the holy vessels, maintaining the sanctuary, and overseeing various aspects of worship. The mention of Levi anchors this specific lineage within the broader divine mandate for the tribe, highlighting their unique and indispensable role in Israel's covenant relationship with God, a role to which they were "attached" by divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The son of Mahli":** This phrase introduces Mahli, one of the two sons of Merari, as recorded in [Exodus 6:19](/exodus/6-19 "Exodus 6:19 - Sons of Merari"). In this genealogical context, "the son of" is used in a broader sense of "a descendant of" or "belonging to the clan of." The Chronicler is tracing a specific, prominent branch of the Merarite clan that descended through Mahli, indicating its significance within the Levitical service.
* **"the son of Mushi":** Mushi was the other son of Merari, and thus the brother of Mahli, as also noted in [Numbers 3:20](/numbers/3-20 "Numbers 3:20 - Sons of Merari"). The repetitive use of "the son of" in this verse, where Mahli and Mushi are brothers rather than father-son, suggests that the verse is listing two distinct, prominent branches of Merari's descendants—the Mahlites and the Mushites—rather than a single linear succession. This highlights the Chronicler's intent to meticulously account for the major divisions within the Merarite lineage, emphasizing their distinct contributions to Levitical service.
* **"the son of Merari":** This phrase anchors the preceding names directly to Merari, one of the three foundational sons of Levi. Merari's descendants, the Merarites, were specifically responsible for the oversight and transport of the Tabernacle's heavy components, such as its frames, bars, pillars, and bases, as detailed in [Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36-37 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Duties of the Merarites"). This connection emphasizes the specific functional role of this lineage within the broader Levitical structure.
* **"the son of Levi":** The ultimate progenitor in this chain, Levi, was the third son of Jacob and Leah, and the tribal head from whom all Levites descended. This final connection establishes the divine appointment of the entire tribe for sacred service, tracing the lineage back to its source and reinforcing the legitimacy and sanctity of their unique role in Israel's worship and covenant life, as outlined from [Exodus 6:16](/exodus/6-16 "Exodus 6:16 - The Sons of Levi") onwards.

#### Literary Devices
While 1 Chronicles 6:47 is primarily a genealogical record, it employs several subtle **Literary Devices** that serve its overarching purpose. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "the son of." This insistent repetition not only emphasizes the direct, unbroken chain of descent but also lends a rhythmic, almost liturgical quality to the genealogical record, reinforcing the idea of an established, divinely ordered succession. Furthermore, the entire section functions as a **Genealogy**, which itself is a powerful literary and theological device in biblical literature. Genealogies are not mere lists; they establish identity, legitimacy, inheritance, and covenant continuity. They serve to connect the present community to its past, rooting it in divine promises and historical precedents. In this context, the genealogy acts as a foundational document, validating the Levitical priesthood and their right to service. The precise **Enumeration** of names, though seemingly dry, conveys a sense of divine meticulousness and human accountability, demonstrating that God cares about every detail of His covenant people and their roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detailing of lineages in 1 Chronicles 6:47 carries significant theological weight, extending beyond mere historical record-keeping. It underscores the biblical principle that God works through specific individuals and families to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The emphasis on the Levites' ancestry highlights the concept of a divinely appointed and consecrated people, set apart for sacred service. This demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises and providing a structured means for His people to approach Him in worship. The precise record ensures legitimacy and accountability, reflecting a God who values order, purity, and the integrity of His worship. It teaches that every role within God's kingdom, even those seemingly mundane, contributes to the larger divine tapestry and is rooted in His sovereign design, revealing His meticulous care for the details of His redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Families of the Sons of Noah")
* [Numbers 3:12](/numbers/3-12 "Numbers 3:12 - The Levites Given to Aaron")
* [Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Christ's Tribe and Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 6:47 might initially appear as a dry list of names, it offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intention, who values every detail of His creation and His redemptive plan. Just as the Levites' identity and service were rooted in their physical lineage, believers today find their identity and purpose in their spiritual lineage, being "in Christ" and part of God's family, adopted into His eternal household. This verse subtly encourages faithfulness in our own God-given roles and callings, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they may appear. Every part of the body of Christ is essential, contributing to the overall health and mission of the church. Understanding our place within God's grand narrative provides a sense of belonging, purpose, and the assurance that our lives, like those meticulously recorded genealogies, are known, cherished, and purposed by our sovereign God. It calls us to embrace our unique contributions to His kingdom with diligence and humility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's attention to detail in genealogies encourage you about His meticulous care for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways do you recognize and embrace your "spiritual lineage" in Christ, and how does that shape your identity and purpose in the world today?**
* **What specific role or calling has God given you within His body, and how can you serve faithfully in it, knowing its vital significance in His larger redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 6:47, so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far more than mere historical records; they serve crucial theological and practical purposes. They establish identity, tribal affiliation, and legitimate claims to land or sacred office, particularly vital for the Levites and priests in the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish proper worship. They also demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant lines, such as the lineage of Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram")) and David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), through whom the Messiah would ultimately come. The repetition emphasizes the unbroken continuity and divine order, assuring the community of their rightful place within God's plan and the legitimacy of their worship practices, thereby reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

**What was the specific role of the Merarites within the Levitical service?**

Answer: The Merarites, descendants of Merari, one of Levi's three sons, had specific and demanding responsibilities in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. As detailed in [Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36-37 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Duties of the Merarites"), their primary duty was the oversight and transport of the heavier, structural components of the Tabernacle: its frames, bars, pillars, and bases. This was a physically demanding but absolutely essential role, ensuring the proper assembly and movement of the sacred dwelling place of God. Their meticulous work underscored the importance of every part of God's sanctuary and the designated roles within it, contributing to the overall integrity and sanctity of Israel's worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:47 meticulously traces a human lineage for sacred service, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate and perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. The Levitical priesthood, with its reliance on genealogical purity and succession, served as a temporary shadow, a type, of the eternal reality found in Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests who inherited their office through birth and died, Christ's priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek," not dependent on human lineage but on an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")). He fulfills the need for perfect mediation, offering a single, definitive sacrifice that forever perfects those who are being made holy ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). In Christ, the emphasis shifts from a physical lineage to a spiritual one; believers are now "a chosen race, a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), not by birthright but by faith in Him. Thus, the meticulous records of the Old Covenant priesthood find their glorious and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both our perfect High Priest and the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making direct access to God possible for all who believe.

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

Numbers 4:42

And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,

1 Chronicles 23:28

Because their office [was] to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;

Joshua 21:7

The children of Merari by their families [had] out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

Numbers 3:33

Of Merari [was] the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these [are] the families of Merari.

Numbers 3:36

And [under] the custody and charge of the sons of Merari [shall be] the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,

Joshua 21:34

And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:40

So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were [by] their lot twelve cities.