Levites

The Levites are one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:34). The tribe of Levi was set apart for special religious duties and service to God, distinct from the other tribes of Israel. The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes; instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the service of the tabernacle and later the temple (Numbers 18:20-24).

The Levites were divided into three main families: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites, each with specific duties related to the care and transportation of the tabernacle and its furnishings (Numbers 3:17-37). The Kohathites, for example, were responsible for the most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant (Numbers 4:4-15).

The Levites served as assistants to the priests, who were also Levites but specifically descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses. They were responsible for various tasks, including singing and playing instruments during worship, maintaining the temple, and teaching the Law to the people (1 Chronicles 23:28-32; 2 Chronicles 5:12-13; Nehemiah 8:7-9).

Priests

The priesthood in Israel was established through Aaron and his descendants, forming the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed as the first high priest, and his sons were consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle (Exodus 28:1-3). The role of the priests was to act as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices, burning incense, and performing various rituals as prescribed in the Law of Moses.

The high priest held a unique position, entering the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34). The high priest wore special garments, including the ephod, breastplate, and turban, symbolizing his sacred duties (Exodus 28:4-39).

Priests were required to adhere to strict standards of holiness and purity, as they were responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the worship and sacrifices offered to God (Leviticus 21:6-8). They were also tasked with teaching the Israelites God's statutes and laws (Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 33:10).

The priesthood was hereditary, passed down through the line of Aaron. However, the New Testament reveals a shift in the priesthood with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 7:11-28). This new covenant priesthood emphasizes the believer's direct access to God through Christ, the ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16).

Biblical References

· Genesis 29:34: "Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, 'Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.' So he was named Levi."
· Numbers 18:20-24: "The LORD said to Aaron, 'You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites.'"
· Numbers 3:17-37: Details the duties of the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites.
· Exodus 28:1-3: "Now you are to instruct the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually."
· Leviticus 16:2-34: Describes the Day of Atonement and the high priest's duties.
· Hebrews 7:11-28: Discusses Jesus as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek.