Merari was the third son of Levi, the patriarch of the Levitical tribe, and the founder of the Merarite clan. His lineage is significant in the context of the Levitical duties and the organization of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey. The name "Merari" is thought to mean "bitter" or "unhappy," which may reflect the hardships faced by his descendants.

Genealogy and Family

Merari was born to Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah, and had two brothers, Gershon and Kohath. The descendants of Merari, known as the Merarites, were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, alongside the Gershonites and the Kohathites. Merari had two sons, Mahli and Mushi, who became the heads of the Merarite families (Numbers 3:20).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Merarites were assigned specific duties related to the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the Divine Presence during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. According to the Book of Numbers, the Merarites were responsible for the more structural and foundational aspects of the Tabernacle. Their duties included the care and transportation of the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases of the Tabernacle, as well as the surrounding courtyard (Numbers 3:36-37; 4:29-33).

The Merarites were given carts and oxen to assist in their tasks, as their responsibilities involved heavy and cumbersome materials. In Numbers 7:8, it is recorded, "And he gave four carts and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest."

Camp Arrangement

In the arrangement of the Israelite camp, the Merarites were positioned on the north side of the Tabernacle (Numbers 3:35). This strategic placement facilitated their access to the components they were tasked with transporting and maintaining. The Merarites, like other Levites, were not given a specific inheritance of land in Canaan but were instead distributed among the tribes of Israel to perform their sacred duties.

Role in the Temple

The Merarites continued to serve in the Temple after the Israelites settled in the Promised Land. Their responsibilities evolved with the transition from the portable Tabernacle to the more permanent structure of Solomon's Temple. The chronicler notes their involvement in the Temple service, highlighting their ongoing contribution to the worship and religious life of Israel (1 Chronicles 6:31-47).

Significance

The Merarites played a crucial role in the religious and communal life of ancient Israel. Their service ensured the proper functioning and maintenance of the Tabernacle, which was central to the worship and identity of the Israelite people. The Merarites' dedication to their duties exemplifies the broader Levitical commitment to serving God and the community, as outlined in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

The legacy of Merari and his descendants is a testament to the importance of each clan's unique contributions to the spiritual and practical needs of the Israelite nation. Their work, though often behind the scenes, was essential to the worship and religious observance of the people of God.Numbers 3:17,33-35
And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
Nave's Topical Index

Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus