The organization of the Levites and priests is a significant aspect of the religious and social structure of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. The Levites and priests were set apart for specific roles in the worship and service of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This organization is primarily detailed in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Tribal Origin and Selection

The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The tribe of Levi was chosen by God for religious duties, as described in Numbers 3:12: "Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me." This selection was a divine appointment, setting the Levites apart from the other tribes of Israel.

Roles and Duties

The Levites were divided into different families, each with specific responsibilities. The three main families were the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites, each named after Levi's sons. Their duties were related to the care and transportation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings.

1. Gershonites: Responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and entrance screens (Numbers 3:25-26).

2. Kohathites: Charged with the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils (Numbers 3:31).

3. Merarites: Tasked with the maintenance of the Tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37).

The Priesthood

Within the tribe of Levi, the priesthood was established through Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his descendants. The priests, or Kohanim, were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the law to the people. Exodus 28:1 states, "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar."

The high priest held a unique position, serving as the chief religious leader and the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:32-34).

Support and Provision

The Levites and priests were supported by the tithes and offerings of the Israelites. 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 while serving at the Tent of Meeting." This provision allowed them to focus on their religious duties without the need to engage in agricultural labor.

Cities of the Levites

The Levites were not given a specific territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were allocated 48 cities throughout Israel, including six cities of refuge, as described in Numbers 35:6-7. These cities provided them with places to live and pasturelands for their livestock.

Reforms and Changes

Throughout Israel's history, the organization and function of the Levites and priests underwent various reforms, particularly during the reigns of kings such as David and Hezekiah. David reorganized the Levites into divisions for temple service, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 23-26. Hezekiah's reforms, detailed in 2 Chronicles 29-31, sought to restore proper worship and priestly duties after periods of neglect.

The organization of the Levites and priests was integral to the spiritual life of Israel, ensuring that worship and the observance of the law were maintained according to divine instruction.