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Leviim

Leviim, or Levites, refers to the descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who formed a distinct tribal and religious community in ancient Israel. The term Leviim is used in Hebrew to indicate the members of the tribe of Levi and, in wider usage, those designated for temple service.

Origins and role

The Levites were chosen for specialized religious duties associated with the worship of the Yahweh in the

Divisions and responsibilities

The Levites are traditionally divided into three main families—Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—each with specific responsibilities related

Legacy and modern context

In biblical times, the Levites’ support came through tithes and offerings, and their service was central to

Notes

Leviim should not be confused with the book of Leviticus or with the broader term “the Levites”

Tabernacle
and
later
in
the
Temple
in
Jerusalem.
Unlike
other
tribes,
the
Levites
did
not
receive
a
contiguous
territorial
inheritance.
Instead,
they
were
allocated
cities
within
the
other
tribes’
territories
and
certain
cities
of
refuge,
while
the
surrounding
tithes
and
offerings
supported
them.
Their
status
and
duties
are
described
in
the
Torah,
particularly
in
connection
with
the
sanctity
of
worship
and
ritual
purity.
to
the
care
and
transport
of
the
Tabernacle’s
sacred
components.
Within
the
Kohathites
were
the
Kohanim,
the
priestly
line
descended
from
Aaron,
who
bore
the
most
sacred
duties.
Other
Levites
served
as
assistants
to
the
priests,
performers
in
liturgical
roles,
gatekeepers,
and
teachers
of
the
Law.
They
also
played
a
key
role
in
musical
and
instructional
aspects
of
temple
life.
the
cultic
life
of
Israel.
In
later
periods,
their
presence
persisted
in
religious
practice
and
legal
roles,
with
some
ceremonial
honors
attached
in
Jewish
communities.
Today,
Leviim
are
recognized
as
a
historical
and
genealogical
group
within
Judaism,
often
identified
by
lineage
and
certain
ceremonial
distinctions,
even
though
the
temple
service
no
longer
functionally
exists.
used
in
various
biblical
passages.