Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 6:44
On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Chronicler compiles a genealogical record of the Levitical clans to document the assigned roles and family lines for temple service. The passage specifies the placement and ancestry of the Merarite descendants within the broader Levitical structure.
The words — The Hebrew phrase עַל־הַשְּׂמֹאול (‘al-haśśəmōʾl) literally translates to "on the left hand," indicating the designated physical or organizational position of the Merarite kinsmen. The proper name אֵיתָן (ʾÊṯān) identifies the starting ancestor of this specific Merarite branch, son of Kishi.
The thread — The Merarite lineage appears in 1 Chronicles 15:17 as part of the Levitical musicians organized for the ark's transport. David later assigns descendants of the Merarite line to prophetic and musical duties alongside Asaph and Heman in 1 Chronicles 25:1.
Why it lands — The text states the exact placement and genealogy of the Merarite descendants before noting their later liturgical functions. It requires the reader to acknowledge that worship service was structured around specific family assignments rather than arbitrary selection.
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The Hebrew words
King James Version
And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
Cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah;
- 1 Chronicles 25:1 Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:
- 1 Chronicles 25:3 From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 25:6 All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.
- Psalms 89:1 A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the loving devotion of the LORD forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations.