Numbers 3:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֵ֧י
And the sons
H1121
וּבְנֵ֧י
And the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
by their families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
by their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 11
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
by their families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
by their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
8 of 11
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
Historical Context
The Merarites descended from Levi's third son Merari (Exodus 6:19). They camped on the north side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:35) and handled the heavy structural components, receiving wagons and oxen to assist their work (Numbers 7:8) unlike the Kohathites who carried the holy furnishings on their shoulders.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Merarites' structural support work illustrate that kingdom service includes necessary but less visible responsibilities?
- What does this teach us about valuing the foundational support work that enables more visible ministries to function?
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Analysis & Commentary
The naming of Merari's sons completes the Levitical genealogical record, demonstrating that God's care extends to the seemingly least prominent. The Merarites transported the tabernacle's structural framework—boards, bars, pillars, and sockets (Numbers 3:36-37)—the heavy, foundational components. This illustrates that kingdom work includes both spectacular and mundane tasks, with the structural support work being as necessary as the more visible responsibilities.