Topical Bible: Levites: Custodians and Administrators of the Tithes and Other offerings

◄ Levites: Custodians and Administrators of the Tithes and Other offerings ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, hold a unique and significant role within the biblical narrative as custodians and administrators of the tithes and other offerings. Their responsibilities are deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, as outlined in the Torah and further expounded upon in various books of the Old Testament.

Origin and Role

The Levites trace their lineage to Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:9 : "That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him."

The Levites were chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, assisting the priests, who were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses and a member of the tribe of Levi. Numbers 3:5-10 describes their appointment: "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle.'"

Custodians of the Tithes

One of the primary responsibilities of the Levites was the collection and management of tithes. The tithe, a tenth of the produce of the land, was commanded by God as a means of supporting the Levites, who had no land of their own to cultivate. 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."

The Levites, in turn, were required to offer a tithe of the tithes they received to the priests, as outlined in Numbers 18:26 : "Speak to the Levites and tell them: 'When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I have given you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the LORD’s offering.'"

Administrators of Other Offerings

In addition to the tithes, the Levites were involved in the administration of various offerings brought by the Israelites. These included grain offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, among others. The Levites played a crucial role in ensuring that these offerings were handled according to the prescriptions laid out in the Mosaic Law.

The Levites also served as teachers and judges, instructing the people in the Law of God and maintaining the spiritual and moral order of the community. Deuteronomy 33:10 highlights this aspect of their service: "They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel. They shall set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar."

Historical Context and Legacy

Throughout Israel's history, the Levites remained integral to the religious life of the nation. During periods of reform, such as under King Hezekiah and King Josiah, the Levites were instrumental in restoring proper worship and adherence to the Law. In 2 Chronicles 31:4-5 , Hezekiah commands the people to support the Levites: "Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and Levites, so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD."

The legacy of the Levites extends beyond the Old Testament, as their dedication to service and worship set a precedent for spiritual leadership and stewardship within the community of faith. Their role as custodians and administrators of the tithes and offerings underscores the importance of supporting those who minister in the name of the Lord, a principle that continues to resonate within the Christian tradition.

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1 Chronicles 9:26-29
For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.
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1 Chronicles 26:28
And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brothers.
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1 Chronicles 29:8
And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
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2 Chronicles 24:5,11
And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you hasten the matter. However, the Levites hastened it not.
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2 Chronicles 31:11-19
Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,
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2 Chronicles 34:9
And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem.
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Ezra 8:29,30,33
Watch you, and keep them, until you weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD.
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Nehemiah 12:44
And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the first fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
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