Keraia
Numbers 3

Numbers 3:33

The Merarites · Numbers 3:33–37
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Translations

Modern
From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans.
Traditional
Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
Literal
From Merari is the family of the Mahlite, and the family of the Mushite; these were the clans of Merari.
Latin
At vero de Merari erunt populi Moholitæ et Musitæ recensiti per nomina sua:

Original

Hebrew
English
From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans.

Notes

Numbers 3:14–39

  • This first phase of a two-part registration of the tribe of Levi summarized each family's special duties. 4:1–33 describes this in more detail (see 4:34–49 for the second phase). This count did not relate to military duties, so it included male Levites from the age of one month (3:40–41).

  • Three family groups descend from the three sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. These clans, often called the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites, later inherited the "cities of refuge" (Joshua 21). They also had various important roles in the Jerusalem temple (2 Chronicles 29:3–17).

Numbers 3:1–4:49

Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.

Parallels

Numbers 4:29–33 1 Chronicles 23:21–23

People

Mahli: Son of Merari, grandson of Levi Merari: The third son of Levi and founder of the Merarites Mushi: A Levite, son of Merari, and head of a clan

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Census Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy Mahli Mahlite Merari, Merarite Mushi, Mushite Numbers, Book of Tabernacle

Topics

Census: The Numbering of Israel by Moses Levites: Enrollment of, at Mount Sinai Levites: Functions of had Charge of the Tabernacle in the Encampments and on the March Levites: Place of, in Encampments and the March Levites: The Merarites Merari: Head the Merarite Levites The Levites: Families, As Numbered of Merari