lighter furniture of the tabernacle, such as the curtains, hangings, etc., while
the former had to carry the heavier portion, as the boards, bars, sockets,
pillars, etc., and consequently needed a greater supply of oxen and
waggons. This is a coincidence illustrative of the truth of the narrative.
Their place in marching and in the camp was on the north of the tabernacle.
The Merarites afterwards took part with the other Levitical families in the
various functions of their office (1 Chronicles 23:6, 21-23; 2 Chronicles
29:12, 13). Twelve cities with their suburbs were assigned to them (Joshua
21:7, 34-40).
- MERATHAIM double rebellion, probably a symbolical name given to
Babylon (Jeremiah 50:21), denoting rebellion exceeding that of other
nations. - MERCHANT The Hebrew word so rendered is from a root meaning “to
travel about,” “to migrate,” and hence “a traveller.” In the East, in ancient
times, merchants travelled about with their merchandise from place to
place (Genesis 37:25; Job 6:18), and carried on their trade mainly by
bartering (Genesis 37:28; 39:1). After the Hebrews became settled in
Palestine they began to engage in commercial pursuits, which gradually
expanded (49:13; Deuteronomy 33:18; Judges 5:17), till in the time of
Solomon they are found in the chief marts of the world (1 Kings 9:26;
10:11, 26, 28; 22:48; 2 Chronicles 1:16; 9:10, 21). After Solomon’s time
their trade with foreign nations began to decline. After the Exile it again
expanded into wider foreign relations, because now the Jews were
scattered in many lands. - MERCURIUS the Hermes (i.e., “the speaker”) of the Greeks (Acts
14:12), a heathen God represented as the constant attendant of Jupiter,
and the God of eloquence. The inhabitants of Lystra took Paul for this
God because he was the “chief speaker.” - MERCY compassion for the miserable. Its object is misery. By the
atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards
the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness
(Genesis 19:19; Exodus 20:6; 34:6, 7; Psalm 85:10; 86:15, 16). In Christ
mercy and truth meet together. Mercy is also a Christian grace (Matthew
5:7; 18:33-35). - MERCY-SEAT (Hebrews kapporeth, a “covering;” LXX. and N.T.,
hilasterion; Vulg., propitiatorium), the covering or lid of the ark of the