MERARITES, THE

MERARITES, THE, one of the three great families, of the tribe of Levi, numbering, when the census was taken in the wilderness, 6200 males above one month old, of whom 3200 were between thirty and fifty years of age, Num 3:34; Num 4:44, and divided into two branches, the Mahlites and the Mushites. Num 3:33. They marched between Judah and Reuben, pitched to the north of the tabernacle, and had charge of all the pillars, bars, boards, etc., belonging to the tabernacle and the surrounding court. Num 3:33-37; Num 4:29-33; Song of Solomon 7:8. When Canaan was conquered, twelve cities in the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun were allotted to them. Josh 21:7, Josh 21:34-39; 1 Chr 6:63, 1 Chr 6:77-81.