Topical Bible: Levites: Functions of had Charge of the Temple

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The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for specific religious duties and played a crucial role in the spiritual life of the nation. Their primary function was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The Levites were entrusted with various responsibilities that ensured the smooth operation and sanctity of the Temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites.

Guardians of the Sanctuary

The Levites were charged with the protection and maintenance of the sanctuary. Numbers 1:53 states, "But the Levites are to camp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelite community." This duty involved guarding the Tabernacle and later the Temple, ensuring that no unauthorized person would approach the sacred areas, thus preserving the holiness of the place.

Assistants to the Priests

The Levites served as assistants to the Aaronic priests, performing tasks that supported the priests in their sacrificial duties. According to Numbers 3:6-9 , "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." This included preparing offerings, maintaining the sacred vessels, and ensuring that the rituals were conducted according to the Law.

Musicians and Singers

Music played a significant role in the worship practices of Israel, and the Levites were appointed as musicians and singers in the Temple. 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." The Levites led the congregation in worship through music, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the Temple services.

Teachers of the Law

The Levites were also responsible for teaching the Law to the people. Deuteronomy 33:10 highlights this role: "They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel." As custodians of the Law, the Levites instructed the Israelites in the statutes and commandments of God, ensuring that the covenantal relationship between God and His people was maintained.

Judicial Functions

In addition to their religious duties, the Levites held judicial responsibilities. They were involved in the administration of justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:9 : "Go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you the verdict." Their role in the judicial system underscored their importance in upholding the moral and legal standards of the community.

Care of the Temple Treasures

The Levites were entrusted with the care and management of the Temple treasures. 1 Chronicles 26:20 states, "Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things." This responsibility included overseeing the offerings and contributions brought to the Temple, ensuring that they were used appropriately for the service and maintenance of the sanctuary.

Conclusion

The Levites' multifaceted roles were integral to the religious and communal life of Israel. Their dedication to the service of the Temple and their various functions underscored their unique position as mediators between God and His people, ensuring that worship was conducted in accordance with divine instructions.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 9:27-29
And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was on them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.
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1 Chronicles 23:2-32
And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.
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Ezra 8:24-34
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them,
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Library

A New Order of Priests and Levites
... of them for priests and for Levites, saith the ... of men, who are discharging regal
functions and sacred ... house, no earthly parent, though he had quite forgiven ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a new order of priests.htm

The Law of God
... that of church discipline,] were the distinct functions of the Priests, the Levites,
the Singers ... idolatry and superstition, to which they had the greatest ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... and your present deacons instead of your Levites; as are ... For as Saul, when he had
offered without Samuel ... a priest, and yet would exercise the functions of the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... perhaps those children of the Levites who acted as ... and Judge, for the three functions
were combined in ... on undeniable testimony, that Jesus had declared Himself ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... desired to know the names and functions of the ... the Shah- Namak at Samarcand in the
temple of the ... display his energy untrammelled: Vohu-mano had charge of cattle ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... All the several functions of Church power, are not ... of that authority which the Lord
had given them ... As Jehosaphat sent Priests and Levites (and them accompanied ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... the sons of Aaron!""But the priests the Levites, the sons ... to their office as if they
had been principals ... the other hand, to perform the high functions of his ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... consisting mostly of priests and Levites, determined henceforward ... and was consequently
qualified to perform priestly functions. ... in which the tenant had found it ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... and sellers are far from being cast out of the Temple.'[876] At ... after the death of
that prelate, made it a special charge against him that he had 'put up ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... [4307] "But unto the married I give charge, yea not I ... which was the proper dress
of the Levites and of the ... And seeing that they had wives, they would be rightly ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm