Merarites
The better to systematize their service,
Moses divided the Levites into three sections by their respective descent from the
sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. They were under the general
supervision of Eleazar, the son of
Aaron, with aides having charge of a section <Num. 3:32>.
Merarites. Zuriel was leader <Num. 3:35>. They numbered 6,200 men, with 3,200
qualified for active service <3:34; 4:44>. They camped on the N side of
the Tabernacle <3:35>. Their duty was to have charge of the frames,
bars, pillars, and
sockets of the Tabernacle; also the pillars of the court, their sockets,
pegs,
cords, and tools pertaining thereto <3:36-37; 4:29-32>. Owing to the heavy nature
of the materials they had to carry,
four wagons and eight oxen were assigned to them; and in the march both they and
the
Gershonites followed immediately after the
standard of
Judah, and before that of
Reuben, that they might set up the Tabernacle before the arrival of the
Kohathites <7:8>.