The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were supported through the tithes and offerings of the other Israelites (Numbers 18:20-24).

Role and Support of the Levites

The Levites were responsible for various duties related to the worship and rituals of Israel. They assisted the priests, who were also Levites but specifically from the line of Aaron, in the maintenance and operation of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their responsibilities included the care of the sacred objects, the performance of music, and the teaching of the Law.

To support the Levites in their service, God commanded the Israelites to provide for them through tithes and offerings. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting." This provision ensured that the Levites could focus on their religious duties without the need to engage in agriculture or other forms of labor for sustenance.

Livestock and Offerings

While the Levites did not own large herds of livestock as the other tribes might have, they did receive portions of the offerings brought by the Israelites. These offerings included animals for sacrifices, which provided meat for the Levites and their families. Leviticus 7:31-34 outlines the portions of the peace offerings that were designated for the priests, including the breast and the right thigh.

Additionally, the Levites received the firstborn of the livestock, which were dedicated to the Lord. Numbers 18:15-18 explains that the firstborn of clean animals were to be sacrificed, and their meat was given to the priests. This provision was part of the broader system of support for the Levites, ensuring they had access to necessary resources.

Cities and Pasturelands

Although the Levites did not have a territorial inheritance, they were given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. Joshua 21:2-3 records the request of the Levites for cities and pasturelands, which were granted by the Israelites: "They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, 'The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to dwell in, along with pasturelands for our livestock.' So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance."

These cities and pasturelands provided the Levites with the means to maintain some livestock, which would have been necessary for their daily needs and for fulfilling their roles in the sacrificial system.

Spiritual Significance

The provision for the Levites, including their livestock, underscores the importance of their role in the spiritual life of Israel. By dedicating a portion of the nation's resources to the Levites, God ensured that His chosen ministers could devote themselves fully to their sacred duties. This system highlights the principle of supporting those who serve in spiritual capacities, a concept echoed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

In summary, while the Levites did not possess large herds of livestock like other tribes, they were sustained through the tithes, offerings, and designated portions of sacrificial animals. Their unique position within Israelite society was marked by a reliance on God's provision through the community, allowing them to fulfill their vital role in the worship and spiritual instruction of the nation.