Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  1000 God  »  1300 God, work of  »  1345 covenant  »  1350 covenant, God's with Israel's priests

God's promise to the Levites, and to the family of Phinehas in particular, to maintain those who serve him faithfully in a lasting priesthood.

God's covenant with Phinehas

Numbers 25:12-13 Phinehas was the grandson of Aaron. God's pledge of “a lasting priesthood”, granted to him as a result of his zeal, probably means that the high priesthood would remain in his family. See also Numbers 25:10-11; Ezra 7:1-5; Psalm 106:30-31

God's covenant with the Levites

An everlasting covenant

Numbers 18:19 This covenant confirms the privileges and responsibilities of Aaron and his fellow Levites who have been called to Israel's priesthood. The reference to “salt” may underline the permanent nature of the covenant. God's covenant with David is also described as a “covenant of salt”. See also 2 Chronicles 13:5; Jeremiah 33:18-22

Requirements of the covenant

Malachi 2:5-6

The Levites' portion is the LORD

Deuteronomy 10:8-9 See also Numbers 3:12

The covenant violated

Malachi 2:8 By their unfaithfulness, Judah's priests have forfeited the blessings of God's promise to Levi. See also Nehemiah 13:29

See also

5073  Aaron, priest
7364  fellowship offering
7376  high priest
7390  Levites
7412  priesthood
7766  priests