Definition: Unto the sons of Merari [were given] by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 6:63. It's a really important passage about how God chose who would be leaders in Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God chose twelve people from different tribes to lead the Israelites after the death of King Saul. Let's unpack that a little further: “To the sons of Merari”: This refers to a specific family named Merari. It was a prominent tribe within the larger group of Reuben and Gad. “…were given”: This means they were selected – God chose them. “…by lot”: This is a bit tricky, but it means that God decided who would be leaders based on a random process. It wasn’t a vote or a decision made by humans. “…out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun”: This tells us these twelve chosen people were members of different tribes – Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. These tribes had important roles in Israel’s history. “…and out of the tribe of Merari…”: This is the key part! They were chosen specifically from the tribe of Merari. So, what does this tell us about the leadership? It suggests that God was prioritizing those tribes based on their lineage and importance in Israel’s past. It highlights a system of choosing leaders based on family history and tradition – a practice common in ancient Israel. Important Note: This story is part of a larger narrative about the division of Israel after the conquest. It's a significant event that shows God’s plan for establishing a righteous leadership. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this happened? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail?