Merari in Smiths Bible Dictionary

(bitter, unhappy), third son of Levi and head of the third great division of the Levites, the Merarites. Ge 46:8,11 At the time of the exodus and the numbering in the wilderness, the Merarites consisted of two families, the Mahlites and the Mushites, Mahli and Mushi being either the two sons of the son and grandson of Merari. 1Ch 6:19,47 Their chief at that time was Zuriel. Their charge was the cords of the tabernacle and the court, and all the tools connected with setting them up. In the division of the land by Joshua, the merarites had twelve cities assigned to them, out of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun. Jos 21:7, 34-40; 1Ch 6:63, 77-81 In the days of Hezekiah the Merarites were still flourishing. 2Ch 29:12,15