The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of Levi according to their records. Numbers 3:33–37 assigns the Merarites the structural elements of the tabernacle: the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases — the wooden and metal skeleton that held the entire sanctuary together. The three sons of Levi cover the complete structure of the sanctuary between them: Gershon the coverings, Kohath the holy furniture, Merari the frame. The genealogy that appears to interrupt the Exodus narrative is in fact already organizing the worship structure that the Exodus is designed to produce. Before the tabernacle is commanded in Exodus 25, its servants are being named in Exodus 6. Revelation 7:9 pictures a great multitude from every tribe and nation standing before the throne — the long genealogical work of Scripture is gathering toward a worship assembly that will need no tabernacle, because God and the Lamb are its temple.

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