The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites in ancient Israel, descending from Merari, the third son of Levi. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, as ordained by God through Moses. The Merarites played a crucial role in the logistical and practical aspects of the Tabernacle's function and transport.

Ancestry and Lineage

Merari was the youngest son of Levi, as recorded in Genesis 46:11: "The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." The descendants of Merari, known as the Merarites, were one of the three main Levitical clans, alongside the Gershonites and the Kohathites. The Merarites were responsible for specific duties related to the Tabernacle, as outlined in the Book of Numbers.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Merarites were tasked with the care and transportation of the structural components of the Tabernacle. Numbers 3:36-37 states: "The duties of the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes." This responsibility required strength and organization, as the Merarites were entrusted with the heaviest and most cumbersome parts of the Tabernacle.

In Numbers 4:29-33, further instructions are given regarding the Merarites' service: "As for the sons of Merari, you are to register them by their clans and families. From thirty to fifty years old, everyone who is qualified to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. This is the duty of their service for the whole Tent: the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, and bases, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes, and all the equipment for their service. You are to assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry."

Allocation of Cities

In the distribution of the Promised Land, the Merarites were allocated cities within the territories of several tribes. Joshua 21:7 notes: "The Merarites, according to their clans, received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun." This allocation provided the Merarites with places to live and pastureland for their livestock, ensuring their sustenance as they fulfilled their duties.

Role in the Temple

With the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem under King Solomon, the roles of the Levites, including the Merarites, evolved. While the specific duties related to the transport of the Tabernacle ceased, the Merarites continued to serve in various capacities within the Temple, contributing to the maintenance and operation of the sacred space.

Significance

The Merarites exemplify the importance of service and support within the community of faith. Their role, though less visible than that of the priests, was essential for the functioning of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The Merarites' dedication to their duties underscores the value of every member's contribution to the worship and service of God, as each clan and individual played a part in the greater purpose of Israel's covenant relationship with the Lord.Merarites Merari

(bitter, unhappy), third son of Levi and head of the third great division of the Levites, the Merarites. (Genesis 46:8,11) At the time of the exodus and the numbering in the wilderness, the Merarites consisted of two families, the Mahlites and the Mushites, Mahli and Mushi being either the two sons of the son and grandson of Merari. (1 Chronicles 6:19,47) Their chief at that time was Zuriel. Their charge was the cords of the tabernacle and the court, and all the tools connected with setting them up. In the division of the land by Joshua, the merarites had twelve cities assigned to them, out of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun. (Joshua 21:7; 34-40; 1 Chronicles 6:63; 77-81) In the days of Hezekiah the Merarites were still flourishing. (2 Chronicles 29:12,15)

4848. Merari -- descendant of Merari
... Merarites. From Mrariy; a Merarite (collectively), or decendants of Merari -- Merarites.
see HEBREW Mrariy. 4847, 4848. Merari. 4849 . Strong's Numbers.
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