Topical Bible: Priest: Duties of Chiefs of Levites

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In the biblical context, the Levites held a unique and significant role among the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties, and within this tribe, certain individuals were designated as priests, while others served in various capacities to support the worship and rituals of the Israelites. The chiefs of the Levites, often referred to as leaders or heads of the Levite families, had specific responsibilities that were crucial for the functioning of the tabernacle and later the temple.

Biblical Foundation

The duties of the Levites, including their chiefs, are primarily outlined in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Numbers and Chronicles. The Levites were chosen by God to assist the priests, who were descendants of Aaron, in the service of the tabernacle. Numbers 3:6-9 states, "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. They are to take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle."

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversight and Administration: The chiefs of the Levites were responsible for overseeing the various divisions and families within the tribe. They ensured that each group performed its assigned tasks efficiently and in accordance with divine instructions. This included the maintenance and transportation of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the preparation of offerings and sacrifices.

2. Guardianship of the Sanctuary: The Levites, under the leadership of their chiefs, were charged with guarding the sanctuary. Numbers 1:53 emphasizes this duty: "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."

3. Instruction and Teaching: The Levites also played a role in teaching the Law to the people of Israel. As spiritual leaders, they were tasked with ensuring that the Israelites understood and adhered to God's commandments. This educational role is highlighted in 2 Chronicles 17:8-9 , where Jehoshaphat sent Levites to teach in the cities of Judah.

4. Musical and Liturgical Roles: The Levites were integral to the musical and liturgical aspects of worship. They were responsible for singing and playing instruments during religious ceremonies, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:16 : "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."

5. Judicial Functions: In addition to their religious duties, the Levites, including their chiefs, sometimes served in judicial capacities. They were involved in the administration of justice and the resolution of disputes, as indicated 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."

Significance in Israelite Society

The chiefs of the Levites held a position of great importance within Israelite society. Their leadership ensured the proper functioning of religious practices and the upholding of the covenant between God and His people. By fulfilling their duties, the Levites helped maintain the spiritual and communal integrity of the nation of Israel.

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Numbers 3:9,32
And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given to him out of the children of Israel.
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Numbers 4:19,28,33
But thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
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1 Chronicles 9:20
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.
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Library

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... high priest is given his particular duties: the priests are ... at the altar, after the
high priest and the ... privilege, Moses bid the twelve tribal chiefs bring him ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... dynasty"Sheshonq I. as king and his son Auputi as high priest of Amon ... or "ruler,"
to whom it rendered absolute obedience, while the united chiefs formed an ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... great men rather than that of the Levites of Judah ... suggested that Hosea must have
been a priest from the ... a marvellously short space of time, and chiefs who till ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... of life as one of the duties incumbent on ... two months, Khelbes ten months, the high
priest Abbar three ... a kind of allied principality, whose chiefs, united to ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... and the local dynasties was responsible for the maintenance of a body of chiefs
ever in ... to do that he would have had to take a serious view of his duties as a ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... But also if any one possess a patrimony liable to the duties of a shipman, although
he may be of higher dignity, the privileges of honor shall be of no avail ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm