The Levites, descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, were set apart for specific religious duties in Israel. Their roles were distinct from those of the other tribes, as they were dedicated to the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The Levites were divided into several groups, each with unique responsibilities, as outlined in the Old Testament.

1. The Sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari

The Levites were divided into three main families, named after Levi's sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Each family had specific duties related to the Tabernacle:

· Gershonites: The descendants of Gershon were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and entrance screens. Numbers 3:25-26 states, "The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were to care for the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."

· Kohathites: The Kohathites, descendants of Kohath, were tasked with the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering. Numbers 3:31 notes, "Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and all the service thereof."

· Merarites: The descendants of Merari were responsible for the framework of the Tabernacle, including the boards, bars, pillars, and bases. Numbers 3:36-37 describes their duties: "The Merarites were appointed over the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service thereof."

2. The Role of the Levites

The Levites were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were given cities to dwell in, scattered throughout the land, as described in Joshua 21. Their primary role was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. They were responsible for the maintenance of the holy place, the preparation of offerings, and the teaching of the Law to the people.

3. The Levitical Priesthood

While all priests were Levites, not all Levites were priests. The priesthood was specifically reserved for the descendants of Aaron, Moses' brother, who was from the Kohathite line. The priests performed the sacrifices and rituals, while the other Levites supported them in various capacities.

4. The Levitical Musicians and Gatekeepers

In addition to their duties related to the Tabernacle and Temple, some Levites were appointed as musicians and singers, playing a crucial role in worship. 1 Chronicles 15:16 records, "David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments: harps, lyres, and cymbals."

Others served as gatekeepers, responsible for the security and order of the Temple. 1 Chronicles 9:22-23 states, "In all, those chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent."

5. The Levitical Cities and Tithes

The Levites were supported by the tithes of the Israelites, as they had no inheritance of land. Numbers 18:21 declares, "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." The Levitical cities provided them with places to live and pasture for their livestock.

The divisions of the Levites highlight the organized structure of worship and service in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of dedicated roles in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation.