MERARI mĭ râr’ ī (מְרָרִֽי, LXX Μεραρ(ε, G1567) ί, Μαραρεί, the meaning prob. derives from the root m-r-r meaning to strengthen or bless (Ugaritic Textbook, p. 438, no. 1556). One of the three sons of Levi and father of an important Levitical family (Gen 46:11; Exod 6:16, 19). His family the Mahlites and Mushites (Num 3:20) were charged with carrying the frames, the bars, pillars, bases and accessories of the tabernacle (Num 3:36, 37; 4:31-33; 7:8; 10:17; Josh 21:7, 34, 40). Numerous references to Merari’s family in the Chronicles show their importance as workers in the Temple in late OT times (1 Chron chs. 6; 9; 15; 23; 24; 26; 2 Chron 29; 34; Ezra 8).