Levites
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Role: Tribe set apart for tabernacle and temple service
- Family: Descendants of Levi
Biography
The Levites descend from Levi, son of Jacob and Leah. After the golden calf episode, the tribe is set apart for service connected to the sanctuary. They do not receive a single tribal territory like the other tribes; instead, they receive cities throughout Israel. In 1 Chronicles, they come into sharp focus as singers, gatekeepers, treasurers, and worship servants ordered for temple life.
Key Events
- Golden Calf
- Levitical Cities
- Division of the Land
- David Organizes Worship
- Temple Preparations by David
Relationships
- Aaron - Priestly line comes from Levi
- Zadok - Priestly leadership in the monarchy
- Asaph - Worship leader
- Heman the Singer - Worship leader
- Jeduthun - Worship leader
Important Verses
“The LORD is his inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 10:9