1 Chronicles 24 26

1 Chronicles 24:26 kjv

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

1 Chronicles 24:26 nkjv

The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi; the son of Jaaziah, Beno.

1 Chronicles 24:26 niv

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

1 Chronicles 24:26 esv

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

1 Chronicles 24:26 nlt

From the descendants of Merari, the leaders were Mahli and Mushi.
From the descendants of Jaaziah, the leader was Beno.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 26 Meaning

1 Chronicles 24:26 systematically records part of the genealogical lineage of the Merarite branch of the Levites, who were crucial for maintaining the temple and its services. It specifically identifies Merari's direct sons, Mahli and Mushi, whose families formed primary divisions. Following this, it lists a further family branch through Jaaziah, indicating "Beno" or "his son(s)" as his descendants, suggesting that Jaaziah's lineage constituted another division or sub-group within the broader Merarite families designated for service, ensuring a comprehensive account of those qualified for temple duties under David's organized structure.

1 Chronicles 24 26 Context

1 Chronicles 24 is situated within a broader section (1 Chronicles 23-27) that meticulously details King David's extensive organization of the Levitical and priestly roles for temple service before the Temple was even built. This chapter specifically outlines the divisions of the priests (sons of Aaron) and then the other Levites (Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites). Verse 26, therefore, provides specific genealogical information concerning the Merarite clan, vital for determining who was qualified for the assigned tasks in the worship system. The historical context for the Chronicler, writing post-exile, was to re-establish the legitimate priestly and Levitical lines and practices for the returned community, demonstrating continuity with Davidic and Mosaic ordinances, thereby reaffirming God's ongoing covenant with Israel through the ordered and consecrated worship system centered on the Temple.

1 Chronicles 24 26 Word analysis

• The sons of Merari: Hebrew: בְּנֵי מְרָרִי (bênê Mᵉrārî). "Merari" (מְרָרִי) means "bitter" or "sad," representing one of the three foundational branches of the Levites, the descendants of Levi's third son. This phrase establishes the specific Levitical clan being addressed. In the Chronicler's post-exilic context, meticulously identifying "sons of" validated one's lineage and, therefore, one's qualification for priestly or Levitical service, rooting the current generation in the ancient, divinely established order.

• Mahli and Mushi: Hebrew: מַחְלִי וּמוּשִׁי (Maḥlî ûmûšî). These are the two immediate and direct sons of Merari, foundational for the two primary divisions within the Merarite clan. Their names appear consistently across biblical texts when listing Levi's descendants, confirming their historical and theological significance as patriarchal heads of major Levitical family lines.

• The sons of Jaaziah: Hebrew: בְּנֵי יַעֲזִיָּהוּ (bênê Ya‘ăzīyāhû). "Jaaziah" (יַעֲזִיָּהוּ) means "Yahweh strengthens" or "God strengthens." He is a descendant further down the Merarite line (not a direct son of Merari, but within his larger lineage), highlighting the detailed recording of all the established family heads designated for temple duties. This phrase introduces another specific family grouping within the Merarite descendants.

• Beno: Hebrew: בְּנוֹ (bənô). This is the most linguistically significant term here. It is not a proper name. It literally means "his son" (or "his sons," or "from him," referring to Jaaziah). This implies that Jaaziah had sons whose collective descendants formed a recognized group, but their individual names were not specified or relevant for this particular census of chieftain families. Scholars suggest it may indicate a collective group of descendants from Jaaziah without individually prominent family heads as Mahli and Mushi, or that these details were considered less critical for the primary divisions of service at the time of the Chronicler's writing. This highlights the comprehensiveness of the Chronicler's records, accounting for all branches, even those not further individualized.

• "The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi." This phrase confirms the principal, long-established branches descending directly from Merari, vital for the early organization and later service of the Tabernacle and Temple. The meticulous repetition across Exodus, Numbers, and Chronicles underlines the consistent and divinely recognized legitimacy of these lineages.

• "The sons of Jaaziah: Beno." This distinct grouping follows the primary branches, demonstrating the granular detail of David's administrative organization. By including "Beno," the text assures the reader that all lines contributing to the Merarite division were accounted for, not just the most prominent or oldest. It signals completeness in the genealogical record for those designated for the Lord's service, emphasizing divine order and continuity for future generations.

1 Chronicles 24 26 Bonus section

The deliberate distinction between the specified sons of Merari (Mahli and Mushi) and the generalized "Beno" for Jaaziah's descendants suggests a practical approach by the Chronicler. While Mahli and Mushi represent major ancestral heads of divisions, "Beno" might represent a smaller, possibly composite, or less independently structured group within the overall Merarite assignment. This method ensures that every part of the Merarite family, regardless of the size of its sub-divisions, was counted and its purpose validated for temple service, affirming God's comprehensive oversight of His house and His people. It highlights that the details, no matter how small, contribute to the greater picture of God's perfect order.

1 Chronicles 24 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:26 is a precise, technical record of Levitical lineages, seemingly dry, but it undergirds profound theological concepts for the Chronicler. It underscores the paramount importance of order and legitimate succession in worship. By detailing the "sons of Merari" including Mahli, Mushi, and "Beno" (Jaaziah's "son/descendants"), the Chronicler affirms the unbroken line of consecrated service tracing back to Levi. This provided post-exilic Israel with reassurance that their worship practices were divinely ordained and rooted in the traditions established by David and Moses. Every position, even down to a collective "his son," was deemed significant in the holistic, organized service of God, reflecting the divine expectation for decorum and precision in handling sacred duties. The verse reinforces the idea that true worship is not arbitrary but conducted according to divine prescription and authorized personnel, a blueprint for communal faithfulness.