Mahli
Mahli, a son of Mushi and grandson of Merari, was a Levite during the time of David (1Ch.6.47; 23.23; 24.30).
Biography
Mahli was a Levite of the Merarite clan, the son of Mushi and thus the grandson of Merari (1 Chr. 6:47; 23:23; 24:30). He is distinct from the more prominent Mahli who was Merari's direct son, though both figures belong to the same broader Levitical family. This Mahli served during the era of David's administration, when the king organized the Levites into courses and divisions for temple service. According to 1 Chronicles 23:23, Mahli and his brothers Eder and Jeremoth were the sons of Mushi. In the distribution of Levitical duties by lot recorded in 1 Chronicles 24:30, Mahli's family received their designated service assignment. His sons are noted in the genealogical record, though the text observes that some Merarite lines intermarried due to limited numbers within certain families.
Significance
This second Mahli demonstrates the depth of the Merarite genealogies and the care with which Levitical service lines were maintained. His placement within the organized courses of David's temple administration reflects the transition from the portable tabernacle worship of the wilderness to the permanent, institutionalized worship centered on Jerusalem. The detailed recording of even secondary Merarite branches like Mahli son of Mushi affirms that God values every family dedicated to his service. These genealogical records ensured that Levitical responsibilities were distributed fairly and that every qualified family had opportunity to serve, a principle of inclusive, ordered ministry that carries forward into New Testament ecclesiology.
Verse Appearances (3)
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]