Topical Bible: Law: The Priests and Levites

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The roles of the priests and Levites are integral to the religious and societal structure of ancient Israel as outlined in the Old Testament. These roles are established by divine command and are central to the worship and sacrificial system instituted by God through Moses.

The Tribe of Levi

The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The tribe of Levi was set apart for special religious duties. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites were not allocated a specific territory in the Promised Land. Instead, they were given cities scattered throughout the land (Numbers 35:1-8). Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, as they were to serve Him directly (Deuteronomy 18:1-2).

The Priests

From within the tribe of Levi, the family of Aaron was chosen to serve as priests. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest, and his descendants were to serve in the priestly office (Exodus 28:1). The priests had the exclusive responsibility of performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the people the Law of God (Leviticus 10:11). They acted as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices for atonement and interceding on behalf of the nation.

Duties and Responsibilities

The priests and Levites had distinct but complementary roles. The priests were responsible for the altar and the offerings, while the Levites assisted them and took care of the tabernacle and later the temple. The Levites were also tasked with duties such as singing, playing instruments, and serving as gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 23:3-5).

The high priest held a unique position, entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:32-34). This role foreshadowed the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Regulations and Consecration

The consecration of the priests involved specific rituals, including washing, anointing, and the offering of sacrifices (Exodus 29:1-9). The priests were required to adhere to strict regulations regarding purity, marriage, and conduct (Leviticus 21). Any deviation from these laws could result in severe consequences, as seen in the case of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Support and Provision

The Levites and priests were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people. The Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to the Levites, who in turn gave a tenth of that to the priests (Numbers 18:21-28). This system ensured that those who served in the temple were provided for, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties.

Role in the Community

Beyond their religious functions, the priests and Levites played a crucial role in the community as judges and teachers of the Law. They were responsible for instructing the people in God's commandments and ensuring that justice was administered according to divine standards (Deuteronomy 17:8-11).

Historical Context

Throughout Israel's history, the faithfulness of the priests and Levites varied. During times of national apostasy, they often strayed from their duties, leading to spiritual decline. However, during periods of reform, such as under King Josiah, the priests and Levites were instrumental in restoring proper worship and adherence to the Law (2 Kings 23:1-25).

The roles of the priests and Levites, as established in the Law, underscore the importance of holiness, obedience, and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. Their service pointed forward to the ultimate fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ, who is both the perfect High Priest and the perfect sacrifice.

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Leviticus 10:11
And that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD has spoken to them by the hand of Moses.
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Deuteronomy 33:10
They shall teach Jacob your judgments, and Israel your law: they shall put incense before you, and whole burnt sacrifice on your altar.
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2 Chronicles 35:3
And said to the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy to the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden on your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
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Library

The Cities of the Levites.
... the whole nation, dispersed learning and the knowledge of the law in all the ... of the
church of Israel was not prophets, but priests and Levites, Malachi 2:7 ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 97 the cities of.htm

And the Rulers of the Synagogue, and the Priests and the Levites.. ...
... The blessed and just Symeon himself taught him the law. ... And he said: It is true.
And the rulers of the synagogue, and the priests and the Levites, said to ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 16 and the rulers.htm

A New Order of Priests and Levites
... So in our Savior's days there were priests and Levites"men taught and instructed
in the law, and these were the very men who conspired together against him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a new order of priests.htm

Instructed in the Law of God
... understood by all. Certain of the priests and Levites united with Ezra
in explaining the principles of the law. "They read in the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 56 instructed in the.htm

And the Rulers of the Synagogue, and the Priests and the Levites.. ...
... [1974] The chiefs of the synagogue, and the priests and the Levites, said to each
other how our law holds, saying: His name shall be blessed for ever: His ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 16 and the rulers 2.htm

Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
... But certain things were allotted as a means of livelihood for the priests and Levites
of the Law: such as the tithes and first-fruits, and many like things. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law enjoined.htm

How Pekah Died by the Treachery of Hoshea who was a Little after ...
... charges, and according to the law; and appointed that the tithes and the first-fruits
should be given by the multitude to the priests and Levites, that they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how pekah died.htm

The Book of the Law
... people with its teachings and to lead them, if possible, to cultivate reverence
and love for the law of heaven ... These, with the priests and Levites, met the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 33 the book of.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... special way, it belonged to the priests and Levites, who were the ministers of divine
worship. Consequently, in these sacraments of the Old Law, certain things ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Vain Attempts of Marcion and his Followers, who Exclude Abraham ...
... 3890] And again, "The priests the Levites shall have ... is worthy of his meat." [3895]
And the priests in the ... the service of the Lord, fulfilling the law, but not ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii vain attempts of marcion.htm