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.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909