The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.
The verse records one link in Levi's genealogy, naming the son of Mahli in the line running through Mushi and Merari back to Levi. It belongs to the genealogical records and lists in the opening chapters of Chronicles. Those opening chapters include twelve chapters containing over five hundred verses that are nearly all personal names. Those lists record the tribes and give particular attention to the priesthood, and this verse contributes to the record of Levi, the tribe assigned the priesthood.
Such genealogical records preserved proof of hereditary descent needed after the exile for assigning land and restoring temple duties, preserving the records of God's children and the integrity of Israel's tribes. The preservation of family lines in these records shows God's care for preserving family lines.
As part of a long list of names, the verse illustrates that Scripture includes genealogical details whose value may not be immediately clear to every reader, material that can interest scholars and reward study, while the Bible also contains spiritual truth along the way. It is simply a record of names, not an expressed precious promise, showing that not every verse of the Bible is a distinct promise. From such faithful genealogical records comes the lesson that a faithful record of each soul is kept in heaven.
The verse records one link in Levi's genealogy, naming the son of Mahli in the line running through Mushi and Merari back to Levi. It belongs to the genealogical records and lists in the opening chapters of Chronicles. Those opening chapters include twelve chapters containing over five hundred verses that are nearly all personal names. Those lists record the tribes and give particular attention to the priesthood, and this verse contributes to the record of Levi, the tribe assigned the priesthood.
Such genealogical records preserved proof of hereditary descent needed after the exile for assigning land and restoring temple duties, preserving the records of God's children and the integrity of Israel's tribes. The preservation of family lines in these records shows God's care for preserving family lines.
As part of a long list of names, the verse illustrates that Scripture includes genealogical details whose value may not be immediately clear to every reader, material that can interest scholars and reward study, while the Bible also contains spiritual truth along the way. It is simply a record of names, not an expressed precious promise, showing that not every verse of the Bible is a distinct promise. From such faithful genealogical records comes the lesson that a faithful record of each soul is kept in heaven.