MERARI (mē-ra'rī, Heb. merārî, bitter). The youngest son of Levi, patriarch of the tribe of that name. The high priesthood descended through Aaron, and the other Levites assisted in the divine service. The “Merarites” had the responsibility for the wood framing of the tabernacle in its journeys (Num.3.17, Num.3.33-Num.3.37). Later they had twelve cities in Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun (Josh.21.7, Josh.21.34-Josh.21.40).




International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

(merari, "bitter"; Mararei):

(1) The 3rd son of Levi, his brothers, Gershon and Kohath, being always mentioned together with him (Ge 46:11; Ex 6:16 ). He was among those 70 who went down to Egypt with Jacob (Ge 46:8,11; compare 46:26 and Ex 1:5).



(3) The father of Judith (Judith 8:1; 16:7).