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>.