Merari

Merari was the third son of Levi and the founder of the Merarite clan, one of the three main divisions of the Levites (Gen.46.11; Exo.6.16,19). The Merarites were responsible for the transportation and maintenance of the tabernacle's framework, pillars, bases, and related equipment during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness (Num.3.36; 4.29,33,42,45). They were also given specific duties in the tabernacle service (Num.7.8; 10.17). In the time of David, the Merarites were assigned various roles in the temple service, including gatekeepers, singers, and assistants to the priests (1Ch.6.44,47; 9.14; 15.6,17; 23.6,21; 24.26,27; 26.10,19). The Merarites were allotted cities in the territories of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun (Jos.21.7,34,40; 1Ch.6.63,77). Members of the Merarite clan, such as Asaiah and Shemaiah, were involved in the reforms and restoration of temple worship during the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah (2Ch.29.12; 34.12).