Merari, Merarites
Merari, Merarites
MERARI, MERARITES.1. The third son of Levi, to whom a division of the Levites traced their descent (Gen 46:11, Exo 6:16, Num 3:17, 1Ch 6:1; 1Ch 6:16; 1Ch 23:6. The title Merarites is found only in Num 26:57; elsewhere they are called sons of Merari (Exo 6:19, Num 3:20; Num 4:29; Num 4:33; Num 4:42; Num 4:46; Num 7:8; Num 10:17, Jos 21:7; Jos 21:34; Jos 21:39, 1Ch 6:19; 1Ch 6:29; 1Ch 6:44; 1Ch 6:63; 1Ch 6:77; 1Ch 9:14; 1Ch 15:6; 1Ch 15:17; 1Ch 23:21; 1Ch 24:27; 1Ch 26:19, 2Ch 29:12, Ezr 8:19). They were subdivided into two groups, the Mahlites and the Mushites (Num 3:33; Num 26:58), each being traced to a son of Merari (Exo 6:19, Num 3:20, 1Ch 6:19; 1Ch 6:29; 1Ch 6:17; 1Ch 23:21). From these families fragments of genealogies remain, some branches being traced through the daughters of Mahli (see 1Ch 23:2).
Very little is related of the Merarites after the Exile. Certain Merarites are mentioned in 1Ch 9:14; 1Ch 9:16-18 = Neh 11:15; Neh 11:17-19 as dwelling in Jerusalem immediately after the Return, and certain others as accompanying Ezra to the city in 454 b.c. (Ezr 8:18 f.). But P [Note: Priestly Narrative.] and the Chronicler introduce the family into the earlier history. (1) During the desert wanderings the Merarites were on the north side of the Tent (Num 3:35); their duty was to carry the less sacred parts of it, the boards (or rather frames), pegs, cords, etc. (Num 3:38 f., Num 4:31 f., Num 10:17), for which they were given four waggons and eight oxen (Num 7:8); and they were superintended by Ithamar, the youngest son of Aaron (Num 4:33). (2) After the settlement in Palestine, twelve cities were assigned to them (Jos 21:7; Jos 21:34-40 = 1Ch 6:63; 1Ch 6:77-81). (3) In Davids reign the Chronicler relates that the Temple music was superintended partly by Ethan, or Jeduthun, a Merarite, and his family (1Ch 6:44-47; 1Ch 16:41 f., 1Ch 25:1; 1Ch 25:3; 1Ch 25:6; 1Ch 25:11; 1Ch 25:16; 1Ch 25:18; 1Ch 25:21 f.; and see 1Ch 15:6; 1Ch 15:17-19). David divided the Levites into courses according to the sons of Levi (1Ch 23:8; Merarites, 1Ch 23:21-24; 1Ch 23:26-30), and particular offices of certain Merarites are detailed in 1Ch 26:10-13; 1Ch 26:16-18. (4) They took part in the cleansing of the Temple under Hezekiah (2Ch 29:12; 2Ch 29:14). Cf. also art. Kohath.
2. The father of Judith (Jdt 8:1; Jdt 16:7).
A. H. MNeile.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Merari, Merarites
[Mera’ri] [Mera’rites]
Third son of Levi, and his descendants. He entered into Egypt with his family, but nothing is further recorded of him personally. The MERARITES became a large branch of the Levites. They had charge of the heavier parts of the tabernacle, to carry which they had four wagons and eight oxen. In the land they had twelve cities from among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun, including the city of Ramoth-gilead. They shared in the duties devolving on the Levites during the kingdom, a third part of the singers and a third part of the door-keepers being Merarites. Some of their descendants returned from exile. Exo 6:16; Exo 6:19; Num 3:17-37; Num 4:29-45; Num 7:8; Num 10:17; Num 26:57; Jos 21:7; Jos 21:34-40; 1Ch 6:1-77; Ezr 8:19, etc.