Bamidbar 3:33 · EXTRA 1 — of Merari the family of the Mahlites EXTRA

Parashas Bamidbar · Side page (no TT primary unit)

The Complete Passuk

לִמְרָרִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַמַּחְלִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַמּוּשִׁ֑י אֵ֥לֶּה הֵ֖ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת מְרָרִֽי׃

To Merari belonged the clan of the Mahlites and the clan of the Mushites; those were the clans of Merari.

Bamidbar Rabbah — EXTRA.

Core Text

למררי משפחת המחלי —\ldots נושאי קרשי המשכן.

English: “Of Merari the family of the Mahlites” — \ldots the carriers of the boards of the Mishkan.

On the midrash / in context: Merari’s charge is the heaviest structural elements; the midrash notes the physical burden assigned to this clan.

Custom

Chazal identify Merari’s families with the transport of the Mishkan’s frames and bars.