Why is such a detailed listing of families like Merari's important in the Bible?

The detailed listing of families, such as Merari's in Numbers 3:20, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for order in all things, especially in worship and sacred service. Every role within the Tabernacle was divinely appointed, and this precision ensured accountability and proper execution of duties. Secondly, it established the hereditary nature of the Levitical priesthood and service, ensuring continuity and preventing unauthorized individuals from performing sacred tasks. This genealogical record was essential for maintaining the purity and integrity of the priestly line. Finally, it highlights the importance of every individual and family within God's larger plan, demonstrating that even seemingly minor details contribute to the grand design of His covenant relationship with Israel. This level of detail also served as a historical and legal record for the Israelites, affirming the legitimacy of those serving in the Tabernacle.

What specific duties were assigned to the Merarite families later on?

While Numbers 3:20 simply names Mahli and Mushi as the heads of the Merarite families, subsequent chapters elaborate on their specific duties. The Merarites were assigned the responsibility of transporting the heaviest and most cumbersome components of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys. Numbers 4:29-33 explicitly states that their charge included the boards of the Tabernacle, its bars, pillars, sockets, and all its instruments, as well as the pillars of the court round about, their sockets, pins, and cords. This was a physically demanding and crucial task, ensuring the structural integrity of God's dwelling place could be maintained as the Israelites moved from place to place.

3:19 3:19

Numbers 3:20

3:21 3:21

Bible Versions

And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These [are] the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

And the sons {H1121} of Merari {H4847} by their families {H4940}; Mahli {H4249}, and Mushi {H4187}. These are {H1992} the families {H4940} of the Levites {H3881} according to the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}.

and the sons of M'rari -Machli and Mushi. These fathered the clans of the L'vi'im.

And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.

And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.

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.

Verse Lookup

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 6:19

The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these [are] the families of the Levites according to their fathers.
1 Chronicles 6:29

The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,
1 Chronicles 25:3

Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
1 Chronicles 15:6

Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:
1 Chronicles 24:27

The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri.
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.

Bible Versions

Search Scripture