Merari

Merari (meaning bitter or to provoke) was the third son of Levi, younger brother of Gershon and Kohath, and founder of the Merarite clan of Levites (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16–19). In the organization of the wilderness tabernacle, the Merarites were responsible for carrying the structural elements of the tabernacle: the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets — the heavy framework that supported the tent structure. They were assigned forty-two cities at the settlement of Canaan, including Jokneam and Kartah in Zebulun, and were given four cities by Reuben and Gad.

The three great Levitical clans — Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites — together served the tabernacle and temple, the Merarites providing the structural backbone of the worship tent as the others carried the sacred furnishings and outer coverings. David reorganized the Levitical assignments for the temple, with Merarites serving as gatekeepers and as musicians appointed to lead praise (1 Chronicles 15:17; 23:21–23).