The role of the Levites was to assist the priests in the tabernacle service (Num 3:6–8; 16:9; 1 Chr 23:28–32; Ezra 3:8) including caring for the tabernacle (Num 1:53) and its furniture, its setting up, dismantling and transporting (Num 3–4). In addition, they assisted the priests by preparing the cereal offering (1 Chr 23:29).
What does the Bible say about the Levites?
“The priests, the Levites—all the tribe of Levi—shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and His portion. New American Standard Bible
What is the difference between a priest and a Levite?
- I. Terminology. The word “priest,” with and without modifiers, appears over 700 times in the OT and over 80 times in the NT.
- II. Origins. A. ...
- III. Significance of Levitical priesthood. ...
- IV. Threefold division of hierarchy. ...
- V. Consecration of priests. ...
- VI. History and development
- A. Traditional view. ...
- B. Critical position. ...
- VII. Reevaluations. ...
- VIII. Priests in LXX and NT. ...
Who were the Levites and what did they do?
Who were the Levites and what did they do? The priests of Aaron clearly acquired sole right to the Jewish priesthood. Those who performed subordinate services associated with public worship were known as Levites. In this capacity, the Levites were musicians, gate keepers, guardians, Temple officials, judges, and craftsmen.
What does the Bible say about the Levites in Revalations?
“Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe. And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes.
Who were the Levites and what was their function?
Those who performed subordinate services associated with public worship were known as Levites. In this capacity, the Levites were musicians, gate keepers, guardians, Temple officials, judges, and craftsmen.
What role did Levi play in the Bible?
Levi (/ˈliːvaɪ/; Hebrew: לֵוִי, Modern: Levī, Tiberian: Lēwī) was, according to the Book of Genesis, the third of the six sons of Jacob and Leah (Jacob's third son), and the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Levi (the Levites, including the Kohanim) and the great-grandfather of Aaron, Moses and Miriam.
Why was the Tribe of Levi chosen for the priesthood?
Levi's priesthood, according to this passage, was apparently granted to him as a reward for his zealous action in avenging his sister.
What is the difference between Levites and Israelites?
Levites (or Levi) (/ˈliːvaɪt/, Hebrew: לְוִיִּם Lēvīyyīm) are Israelites who claim patrilineal descent from the Tribe of Levi. The Tribe of Levi descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah.
Where is the Levite grave?
By Menachem Posner. This pitcher graces a 19th century grave of a Levite in the Jewish cemetery in Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Photo: Dietrich Krieger). The Levites , descendants of Jacob ’s son Levi, were selected to serve G‑d in the Holy Temple . Most served in peripheral roles, playing music, opening and closing the gates, and standing guard.
How many mishmarot were there in the Levites?
In later generations, as the population grew, the Levites were divided into 24 mishmarot (guards). Each group served one week in the Temple before relinquishing their place to the next mishmar in the roster.
How Was Levi Selected?
Originally, the firstborn sons were to have been the priests. When G‑d spared the Jewish firstborns in Egypt, He “acquired” them and designated them for this special role.
How many sons did Levi have?
Levi had three sons, Gershon, Kehot, and Merari. When transporting the Temple, each clan had different duties. Kehot would transport the Holy Ark and other accouterments, Gershon carried the curtains, Merari carried the beams, sockets, and bars. In later generations, as the population grew, the Levites were divided into 24 mishmarot (guards).
What are some examples of Levi names?
Levine, Levy, Segal, Horowitz, and their various iterations are all trademark Levi surnames. Cohen, Kagan, Katz, and Azulay are some examples of common kohen names. It is important to note, however, that many people of kohen or Levite ancestry do not have surnames that reflect this aspect of their ancestry, and many people with these last names don’t have a tradition indicating that they are Levites.
Why did the priests give the mitzvah?
The priests were given the mitzvah to bless the people of Israel using a special formula, which is still done today. In every generation, there was a High Priest ( Kohen Gadol ), heir to Aaron, who was tasked with performing the most sacred Temple duties.
How were the Jewish people supported?
They were supported through a system of tithes and other “gifts” outlined in the Torah. Every Jewish farmer gave maaser, a tenth of his produce, to the Levite, and terumah , a smaller amount, to a kohen. The kohanim would also receive portions of the animals and meal offerings brought to the Temple.
What did the Amram Levites represent?
EAST: The AMRAM Levites (signifying highly exalted, very high) represented the “Little Flock” (144,000), the Bride. These had full charge of all things religious—their brethren—even all the Levites—being their honoured assistants or servants. “The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework.” ( Psalm 45:13–14 ).
What does the Levites washing their clothes mean?
The Levites washing their clothes reminds us of the Great Company class washing their robes in the blood of the lamb, to cleanse them for their service in glory ( Revelation 7:14–15 ). This distinction between the priests (the Church in glory) and the Levites (the Great Company in glory ), also appears in Ezekiel 44:10–14 (Levites), compared to verses 15-24 (priests).
What does Merari Levites mean?
NORTH: The MERARI Levites (signifying bitterness ) represented the “Great Company” of spirit-begotten ones (before the throne), the Bride’s “allies” and Companions who fail to win the prize of the Royal Priesthood, and are “saved so as by fire,” coming up through great tribulation and bitter experiences to the position of honor and service which they will occupy.
What does the firstborn represent on Passover?
However, on Passover night only the firstborn were in jeopardy of death. The firstborn represent the consecrated, spirit begotten of the present Gospel Age, who are under jeopardy of losing their spiritual life if they do not remain in the house sanctified by the blood of the lamb. Paul refers to the “Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,” linking the symbol of firstborn to those begotten to a heavenly hope (Hebrews 12:23).
What did the Gershom Levites charge?
The Gershom Levites had charge of the least important services — the porterage, etc., of the cords, outer curtains, hangings, gate, etc. which they first transported on two wagons and four oxen ( Numbers 3:25–26; 4:22–26; 7:7 ).
What is the distinction in Numbers chapter 8?
In Numbers chapter eight, the Levites will be distinguished from the priests. In this distinction, the Levites represent the Great Company class, who will be distinguished from the elect Priest class, following the completion of the judgment period by the end of the Gospel Age.
What tribes were in the Tabernacle?
The Levites that served the Tabernacle (from thirty to fifty years of age, Numbers 4:3, 23, 30, 35, 39) were from the clans of the Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites. All were descendants of Levi, a tribe which had no inheritance in the land but lived off the tithes paid by their brethren ( Leviticus 27:32–33; Numbers 18:21, 24 ), and the farming they did around the Levitical cities. A tenth of the tithe was also to be given to the priests ( Numbers 18:26–28 ).
What were the responsibilities of the Levites?
During the temple period, with the ark permanently in Jerusalem and in view of their numbers, the Levites were given additional responsibilities as officials, judges, gatekeepers, and musicians, all of which assisted the priests ( 1 Chron 23:4-5 ). They also continued to serve as teachers and administrators of the law.
What did the Levites receive at the time of the conquest?
Preexilic Historical Books. At the conquest the Levites received no tribal inheritance but were given forty-eight cities with their pastures ( Joshua 21:1-42 ). This along with the tithe was to be their means of support as they pursued their work as aides to the priests and helpers at the sanctuary. This lack of land inheritance is to be understood by the statement that "the priestly service of the Lord is their inheritance" ( Joshua 18:7 ).
How many Levites returned from captivity?
Postexilic Historical Books. While 4, 289 priests (approximately one-tenth of the entire returning number of exiles) returned from captivity with Zerubbabel, only 341 Levites, singers, and gatekeepers are recorded as returning ( Ezra 2:36-58 ). Ezra succeeded in persuading only thirty-eight Levites to return with him ( Ezra 8:15-19 ). The fact that many of the menial tasks of temple service were the responsibility of the Levites and that the temple first had to be rebuilt and when it was, it was not as glorious as Solomon's temple ( Ezra 3:12 ), may have affected the willingness of the Levites to return. Some of the Levites became involved, however, in the interpretation and teaching of the law ( Neh 8:7-8 ) and in the leading of the people in worship ( Neh 9:4-5 ; Nehemiah 12:8-9 Nehemiah 12:27-47 ).
Why were the Levites given an additional duty in Deuteronomy?
In Deuteronomy, with a view to entering the land, the Levites were given an additional duty since their tabernacle transport obligations would be diminished. It was now the important duty of the Levites and the levitical priests, who would live throughout the land, to instruct the people in the law ( Deut 33:10 ).
What is the meaning of the word "levite"?
Levite. Pentateuch. The Hebrew word for Levite ( lew") indicates a descendant of Levi, the son of Jacob and Leah ( Gen 29:34 ). There were three family clans within the tribe of Levi — Gershon, Kohath, and Merari but it was only Kohath who supplied the Aaronic priests.
Where did the Levites get their support?
Part of the support of the Levites was to come from the tithe they were to be allotted of the income of the other tribes ( Num 18:20-25 ). Since the reception of this tithe was dependent on the faithfulness of all the people, the financial position of the Levite was unpredictable. The Levites are therefore included in the legislation, along with the aliens, fatherless, and widows, as those whom the people must remember to care for ( Deut 12:19 ; 14:27-29 ).
How is the progression of the Levites demonstrated?
The Levites' "set apart" status is demonstrated by their taking the place of the firstborn, who by right belonged to God ( Num 3:41 ).
What is the role of the Levites?
The Role of the Levites. 1. The tribe of Levi was elevated to perform holy service, in the Tabernacle of the desert and in the Temple. Hence, it is a affirmative command for all Levites to be available and prepared for Temple Service, as stated in the Torah, "The Levites shall be for Me" (Numbers 18:14), indicating that ...
Why were the Levites called Levites?
The Levites were able to apply their physical and spiritual strength to the fulfillment of God's will and gain forever the role of God's trusted servants. 3. The name Levi is derived from the words "he shall accompany".
How did the Levites avoid slavery?
During the period of the Egyptian bondage, the Levites avoided the slavery suffered by the others, by maintaining their separateness in the land of Goshen immersed in the tents of learning, and maintaining the spiritual tradition of the Fathers. 5.
What does Jeremiah say about the covenant?
The prophet Jeremiah relates God's promise that there will always be Kohanim and Levites fit to serve: "As I will never renege on My covenant with day and night, so is my covenant with...the Levites, the Kohanim, My servants" (Jeremiah 33:21). 2.
Why was the tribe of Levi chosen for the highest spiritual service?
2. The choice of the tribe of Levi for the highest spiritual service was due to their ability to channel their strong character in the service of God. Levi, the son of Jacob, was chastised for his anger by his father: "Cursed is their zealousness for it is brazen and their wrath for it is hard.
How were Levites dependent on others?
Whereas the other tribes worked the land, the Levite was dependent on the tithes and food gifts of others. Levites were made to be economically dependent on others for their income. In exchange for his life's service, the Levite received God's ordained sustenance through the required tithing of the nation.
What is Levites' role as a spiritual example?
His role as teacher and spiritual example is to lead and, thereby, accompany others back to their spiritual purpose. The Midrash relates that in the future, Levites will lead the people of Israel back to their Father in Heaven. 4.
Why did the Levites not follow the law?
It did not follow that because the Levites received these material elements, therefore, Faith and obedience to the Law automatically came into the hearts of the people. Yet for them to have it, it was ordained to be so by God. 2. GOD’S ORDAINED REQUIREMENTS.
What was the purpose of the tribe of Levi?
In the O.T. the Tribe of Levi was chosen and set aside to serve God in various Capacities and Sections of the Tabernacle. 1. THE LEVITES WERE CHOSEN BY GOD, CONSECRATED AND SET ASIDE FOR SERVICE. [Num.18: 6a]
How many thrones did Jesus sit on?
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
What did the Ravens feed Elijah?
He commanded Ravens to feed Elijah The Pophet during the dought and famine time. Ravens brought to him Bread and flesh in the moring and in the evening. [1 Kings 17:6-7]
What did the 11 tribes of Israel give to the Levites?
1. TITHES AND OFFERINGS. In the Old Testament, the 11 tribes of Israel gave tithes and offerings to the one tribe, t he Levites. Tithes and offerings, were at that time, given in the form of Cattle, sheep, goats, corn, and wheat, Barley, Rye, Wine, and Oil. It was intended to provide food needs.
Who was responsible for the consignment of the Tabernacle?
The consignment of everything to do with the Tabernacle was the sole responsibility of the Levite. N.B, Take note of this fact that all the Levites did not perform the same kind of service in the Tabernacle.
Who packed the vessels for the sacrifice of Aaron?
Vessels packed by Aaron and his sons. They were to bear these items on their shoulders, according to the Word of the Lord to Moses. [Num.7: 9] “But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders.”.
What is the Mishmereth?
Mishmereth principally refers to the Levites’ obligatory duties relating to the service of the temple. Later on, the Levites were involved in teaching and interpreting the Torah ( Neh 8:7, 9; 2 Chr 17:7–9; 35:3 ). There is no indication that the Levites were permitted to offer sacrifices, with the notable exception of Samuel, who was a Levite, ...
Did the Levites offer sacrifices?
There is no indication that the Levites were permitted to offer sacrifices, with the notable exception of Samuel, who was a Levite, but not a priest ( 1 Sam 1:1 cp. 1 Chr 6:28 ).
