The Merar'ites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel, who were descendants of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The Merar'ites specifically descended from Merari, the third son of Levi, as outlined in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. Their role and responsibilities were distinct within the Levitical duties, which were crucial for the functioning of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

Genealogy and Lineage

The lineage of the Merar'ites is detailed in several passages of the Old Testament. In Genesis 46:11, Merari is listed among the sons of Levi who went to Egypt with Jacob. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 6:1, 16-19 further trace the descendants of Levi, including the sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These two sons became the heads of the Merar'ite families.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Merar'ites were assigned specific duties related to the care and transportation of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 3:36-37 states, "The duties assigned to the sons of Merari pertained to the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service connected with these items." This responsibility was crucial for the mobility of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, as the Tabernacle was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

In Numbers 4:29-33 , further instructions are given regarding the Merar'ites' service: "As for the sons of Merari, you are to number them by their clans and families, from thirty to fifty years old, everyone who can serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, and bases, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes."

Allocation of Cities

As with other Levitical families, the Merar'ites were not given a specific territory in the Promised Land. Instead, they were allocated cities within the territories of other tribes. Joshua 21:7 notes, "The Merarites, according to their clans, received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun." This allocation allowed the Merar'ites to fulfill their priestly duties throughout Israel while also providing them with places to live and pasture their flocks.

Role in the Temple

With the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem under King Solomon, the roles of the Levites, including the Merar'ites, evolved. While the specific duties related to the transportation of the Tabernacle ceased, the Merar'ites continued to serve in various capacities within the Temple. Their responsibilities likely included maintenance and oversight of the Temple's physical structure, reflecting their earlier duties with the Tabernacle.

Significance

The Merar'ites, like the other Levitical families, played a vital role in the religious life of Israel. Their service ensured the proper functioning of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, facilitating the worship and sacrificial system that was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. Through their faithful service, the Merar'ites contributed to the spiritual and communal life of the nation, underscoring the importance of obedience and dedication to God's commands.Merar'ites (3 Occurrences)

Numbers 26:57
And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Merarites.
(See RSV)

Joshua 21:7
The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:77
Unto the rest of the Levites, the sons of Merari, were given, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with the open land about it, Tabor with the open land about it;
(See RSV)

Merar'ites (3 Occurrences)
Merar'ites. Merarites, Merar'ites. Merathaim . Multi-Version Concordance
Merar'ites (3 Occurrences). Numbers 26:57 And these are ...
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Merarites (7 Occurrences)

/m/merarites.htm - 10k

Merathaim (1 Occurrence)

/m/merathaim.htm - 7k

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