Levites(korhites)
Summary
The tribe descended from Levi, son of Jacob, set apart by God as ministers of religion who served the priests and cared for the tabernacle and temple, receiving tithes instead of territorial inheritance.
☩Origin and Consecration
The Levites' consecrated character emerged from the crisis of the golden calf when Moses called 'Who is on the Lord's side?' and all sons of Levi gathered to him, executing judgment even on their own families (Exodus 32:26-29). God then chose them as substitutes for Israel's firstborn, whom He claimed when He spared Israel from Egypt's plague (Numbers 3:12, 40-51). At the first census, there were 22,000 Levites, closely matching the 22,273 firstborn males in Israel; the surplus 273 were redeemed with silver. Their consecration involved bathing, shaving, washing clothes, the laying on of hands by all Israel, and being 'waved' as an offering to Jehovah, followed by sacrifices (Numbers 8:5-26).
☩Organization and Duties
The tribe divided into three main branches descended from Levi's sons: Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites (Numbers 3:17). The Kohathites held highest honor, bearing the ark and sacred vessels on their shoulders after the priests covered them (Numbers 4:1-15). The Gershonites transported the tent hangings and curtains, while the Merarites carried the heavier boards, bars, and pillars (Numbers 4:21-33). Service began at age 30 (with five years' probation from 25) and continued until age 50 (Numbers 8:24-26). Later, David lowered the starting age to 20 since the burden of carrying the tabernacle had ceased (1 Chronicles 23:24-27).
☩Cities and Support
The Levites received no territorial inheritance with the other tribes; 'the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance' (Joshua 13:33). Instead, 48 cities with surrounding pasture lands were assigned throughout all tribes, including six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:1-8; Joshua 21). They received tithes of all Israel's produce, from which they in turn gave a tenth to the priests (Numbers 18:21-32). They also shared in festival meals, third-year tithes, and portions of certain sacrifices (Deuteronomy 14:27-29; 18:1-8). This distribution ensured their presence throughout the land for teaching and judging.
☩Functions in Temple Worship
Under David's organization, Levites became 'the gatekeepers, vergers, sacristans, and choristers' of Israel's central sanctuary. They waited on the priests for service in courts and chambers, purifying holy things, and assisting in burnt offerings (1 Chronicles 23:24-32). They stood morning and evening to thank and praise the Lord, with some as singers and others playing various instruments (1 Chronicles 15:16; 25:1). Beyond worship, 'the priests the Levites' served as judges, interpreters and transcribers of the Law, chroniclers, and teachers of the people (Deuteronomy 17:9-12; 2 Chronicles 17:8-9; Nehemiah 8:7-9).
☩New Testament References
In the New Testament, Levites appear only twice. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, a Levite passed by the wounded man on the other side (Luke 10:32), representing religious officialdom that prioritized ritual purity over compassion. In John's Gospel, priests and Levites were sent from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist about his identity and authority (John 1:19). The relation of Levites to priests—as assistants or subordinates—may have influenced the early church's development of deacons assisting bishops. Spiritually, Levites typify Christians who are redeemed, cleansed, and consecrated to God's service.
Related Verses321 mentions
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Levites," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Levites," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Levites," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).