Who was Merari in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about 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).

Where does Merari appear in the Bible?

Merari is referenced in 23 verses across 6 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 1 Chronicles 6:1
• 1 Chronicles 6:16
• 1 Chronicles 6:19
• 1 Chronicles 6:29
• 1 Chronicles 6:44
• 1 Chronicles 6:47
• 1 Chronicles 23:6
• 1 Chronicles 23:21
• 1 Chronicles 24:26
• 1 Chronicles 24:27
• 1 Chronicles 26:19
• 2 Chronicles 34:12
• Exodus 6:16
• Exodus 6:19
• Ezra 8:19
• Joshua 21:7
• Joshua 21:40
• Numbers 3:17
• Numbers 3:20
• Numbers 3:33
• Numbers 3:36
• Numbers 4:29
• Numbers 26:57

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Merari.