Mushi מוּשִׁי
A Levite, son of Merari, and head of a clan.
Who is Mushi in the Bible?
Mushi was a Levite who lived during the time of Moses and served as the son of Merari and grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:19, Numbers 3:20). He became the founder and head of the Mushite clan, a division within the Levitical tribe whose members are mentioned throughout the genealogies of 1 Chronicles (6:19, 23:21, 24:26). As a Levite, Mushi and his descendants were assigned specific duties in the tabernacle, including carrying the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases whenever the Israelites moved during their wilderness journey (Numbers 3:36-37). The Mushites continued their service in the temple throughout Israel's history, as documented in multiple genealogical records. Mushi's significance lies in his role as an ancestor of a major Levitical family that sustained the worship and maintenance of Israel's sacred spaces for generations.
Biography
Mushi was a Levite who lived during the time of Moses and the Exodus. He was the son of Merari, one of the three sons of Levi, and the grandson of Levi himself (Exo.6.19; Num.3.20; 1Ch.6.19,47). Mushi's descendants formed a clan within the Levitical tribe known as the Mushites (Num.3.33; 26.58).
As a member of the Levitical tribe, Mushi and his descendants were responsible for assisting the priests in the tabernacle and later in the temple. In the wilderness, the Mushites were specifically assigned to carry the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases of the tabernacle whenever the Israelites moved camp (Num.3.36-37).
The descendants of Mushi are mentioned in several genealogies in 1 Chronicles, which trace the lineage of the Levites. These passages highlight the importance of the Levitical clans in maintaining the religious life of ancient Israel (1Ch.23.21-23; 24.26,30).
Mushi's role as the head of a Levitical clan emphasizes the hereditary nature of the Levitical priesthood and the importance of family lineage in determining one's responsibilities within the religious system of ancient Israel. The Mushites, along with the other Levitical clans, played a vital role in supporting the priests and ensuring the proper functioning of the tabernacle and temple worship.
Family
Siblings
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study contentExodus 1 verse
- Exodus 6:19
"The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites according to their records."
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Numbers 3 verses
- Numbers 3:20
"And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families."
- Numbers 3:33
"From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans."
- Numbers 26:58
"These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram,"
1 Chronicles 5 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:19
"The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites listed according to their fathers:"
- 1 Chronicles 6:47
"the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi."
- 1 Chronicles 23:21
"The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish."
- 1 Chronicles 23:23
"The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth—three in all."
- 1 Chronicles 24:26
"The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מוּשִׁי |
| Group | Hebrew | מוּשִׁי |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)