42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,
42 The Merarites were counted by their clans and families.
42 Those listed of the clans of the sons of Merari, by their clans and their fathers' houses,
42 The Merarites were counted by clan and family.
42 Those of the families of the sons of Merari who were numbered, by their families, by their fathers' house,
42 The Merarite division was also listed by its clans and families.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 4:42
Commentary on Numbers 4:34-49
(Read Numbers 4:34-49)
God so ordered it, that though the Merarites were the fewest in number, yet they should have most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to, he will furnish them for it, give strength in proportion to the work, and grace sufficient. The least of the tribes had many more able men than the Levites: those who engage in the service of this world, are many more than those devoted to the service of God. May our souls be wholly devoted to his service.