Thematic Bible: The Levites
Thematic Bible
the Levites » The jews to be kind and benevolent to
And [so] the Levite may come, because there is no plot of ground for him or an inheritance with you, and the alien [also may come] and the orphan and the widow that [are] in your {towns}, and {they may eat their fill}, so that Yahweh your God may bless you in all [of] the work of your hand that you undertake."
But only {before} Yahweh your God you shall eat it, at the place that Yahweh your God will choose, you and your son and your daughter and your slave and your slave woman and the Levite who [is] in your {towns}, and you must rejoice {before} your God {in all your undertakings}.
And you shall rejoice {before} Yahweh your God, you and your sons and your daughters and your slaves and your slave women and the Levite who [is] in your {towns}, because there is not for him a plot of ground and an inheritance with you.
And you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God, you and your son and your daughter and your slave and your slave woman and the Levite that [is] in your {towns} and the alien and the orphan and the widow who are in your midst in the place that Yahweh your God will choose to let his name dwell there.
and you shall rejoice at your feast, you and your son and your daughter and your slave and your slave woman and the Levite and the orphan and the widow that [are] in your {towns}.
the Levites » Had chiefs or officers over them
[The] leader of {the family} according to the clans of Merari [is] Zuriel son of Abihail; they will encamp of the side of the tabernacle to the north.
Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel his brothers, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jehozabad, commanders of the Levites, contributed to the Levites five thousand Passover [lambs] and five hundred bulls.
and the leader of {the family} of the Gershonites is Eliasaph son of Lael.
The leader of {his family} according to the clans of the Kohathites [is] Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
Guard and look after [them] until you weigh [them] before the chief priests, the Levites, and the heads of the {families} of Israel in Jerusalem, in the chamber of the house of Yahweh."
And David gathered the sons of Aaron and the Levites. Of the sons of Kohath: Uriel the chief and one hundred and twenty of his brothers. Of the sons of Merari: Asaiah the chief and two hundred and twenty of his brothers. read more.
Of the sons of Gershom: Joel the chief and one hundred and thirty of his brothers. Of the sons of Elizaphan: Shemaiah the chief and two hundred of his brothers. Of the sons of Hebron: Eliel the chief and eighty of his brothers. Of the sons of Uzziel: Amminadab the chief and one hundred and twelve of his brothers.
Of the sons of Gershom: Joel the chief and one hundred and thirty of his brothers. Of the sons of Elizaphan: Shemaiah the chief and two hundred of his brothers. Of the sons of Hebron: Eliel the chief and eighty of his brothers. Of the sons of Uzziel: Amminadab the chief and one hundred and twelve of his brothers.
the Levites » Services of » Keeping the gates of the temple
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers standing guard at the storerooms of the gates.
four thousand gatekeepers, [and] four thousand offering praise with the instruments that I have made for praise."
And the singers, the descendants of Asaph, [were] at their stations according to the decree of David and Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun, the seer of the king. And the gatekeepers [were] at {each gate}. They did not need to depart from their service, for their brothers the Levites had made preparations for them.
And the gatekeepers [were] Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their brethren (Shallum [was] the chief); until then they [were] gatekeepers at the gate of the king on the east [side] toward the camps of the Levites. And Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of the house of his fathers, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, the guardians of the entrances to the tent, and their fathers [were] over the camp of Yahweh, guardians of the entrance. read more.
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the leader over them {in time past}; Yahweh [was] with him. Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah [was] gatekeeper at the doorway to the tent of assembly. All of them were chosen as gatekeepers at the entrances, two hundred and twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. They [were] established [by] David and Samuel the seer on account of their faithfulness. So they and their sons [were] over the gates of the house of Yahweh at the house of the tent as guards. The gatekeepers [were] on four sides: east, west, north, and south. And their brethren in their villages [were] to come [every] seven days {by turn} [to be] with these. For the four mighty gatekeepers, they who [were] Levites, {were entrusted} and [were] over the chambers and over the storerooms of the house of God.
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the leader over them {in time past}; Yahweh [was] with him. Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah [was] gatekeeper at the doorway to the tent of assembly. All of them were chosen as gatekeepers at the entrances, two hundred and twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. They [were] established [by] David and Samuel the seer on account of their faithfulness. So they and their sons [were] over the gates of the house of Yahweh at the house of the tent as guards. The gatekeepers [were] on four sides: east, west, north, and south. And their brethren in their villages [were] to come [every] seven days {by turn} [to be] with these. For the four mighty gatekeepers, they who [were] Levites, {were entrusted} and [were] over the chambers and over the storerooms of the house of God.
the Levites » Services of » Teaching the people
and with them the Levites Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-Adonijah; and with them the priests Elisham and Joram.
And Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites were teaching the people from the law while the people were in their places.
And he said to the Levites who [were] teaching all Israel, who were sanctified to Yahweh, "Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built. There is no [need] to carry it on [your] shoulders. Now serve Yahweh your God and his people Israel.
And Hezekiah spoke to the heart of all the Levites {who were skilled at service} to Yahweh. So they ate the feast seven days, offering peace offerings and giving thanks to Yahweh, the God of their ancestors.
the Levites » Encamped round the tabernacle
[The] leader of {the family} according to the clans of Merari [is] Zuriel son of Abihail; they will encamp of the side of the tabernacle to the north.
You will {appoint} them over the tabernacle of the testimony, over all its vessels, and over all that belongs to it. They will carry the tabernacle and all its vessels, and they will care for it; and they will camp around the tabernacle.
The {Israelites} will encamp, each in their own camp, and each by their own banner according to their divisions.
The clan of the descendants of Kohath will encamp on the side of the tabernacle to the south.
the Levites » Services of » Judging and deciding in controversies
then you shall go to the priests and the Levites and to the judge who will be [in office] in those days, and you shall enquire, and they shall announce to you {the verdict}.
Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites and the priests and heads of the {families} of Israel as judges and to decide legal disputes for Yahweh. And they sat [in] Jerusalem.
Of these, [David said,] "Twenty-four thousand [are] to direct the work of the house of Yahweh, along with six thousand judges and officials
the Levites » Taken instead of the first-born of israel
And Yahweh said to Moses, "Muster every firstborn male from the {Israelites} from {one month} and above and {count} their names. And you will receive the Levites for me--I [am] Yahweh--in the place of all [the] firstborn among the {Israelites}, and the animals of the Levites in the place of all [the] firstborn among the animals among the {Israelites}." So Moses mustered all the firstborn among the {Israelites} just as Yahweh commanded him. read more.
And all [the] firstborn males among the number of names from {one month} and above, the {ones counted}, [were] twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three. Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "Receive the Levites in the place of all [the] firstborn among the {Israelites}, and the animals of the Levites in the place of their animals; the Levites will be mine. I [am] Yahweh.
And all [the] firstborn males among the number of names from {one month} and above, the {ones counted}, [were] twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three. Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "Receive the Levites in the place of all [the] firstborn among the {Israelites}, and the animals of the Levites in the place of their animals; the Levites will be mine. I [am] Yahweh.
For they [are] given to me exclusively from the midst of the {Israelites}. I have taken them for myself in place of [the] firstborn of every womb, every firstborn from the {Israelites}. For every firstborn among the {Israelites} [is] mine, both humankind and animal. On the day I destroyed every firstborn in the land of Egypt I consecrated them to me, and I have taken the Levites in the place of every firstborn among the {Israelites}.
"I [myself] receive the Levites from the midst of the {Israelites} in the place of all [the] firstborn of [the] offspring of the womb from the {Israelites}. The Levites will be mine because all [the] firstborn [are] mine; on the day of my killing all [the] firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for myself all [the] firstborn in Israel, {both humankind and animal}; they will be mine. I am Yahweh."
the Levites » The tithes given to, for their support
because the tithes of the {Israelites} that are {offered} to Yahweh as a contribution, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I said to them, 'They will not receive an inheritance in the midst of the {Israelites}.'"
"Behold, I have given to the descendants of Levi every tithe in Israel as an inheritance in return for their service, which they [are] doing, the work of the tent of assembly.
Then he said to the people, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to give a gift for the priests and the Levites, so that they might be strong in the law of Yahweh. And the word spread. The Israelites gave abundantly [from] the firstfruits of grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and all [kinds of] grains from the field. And they brought tithes of everything in abundance.
the Levites » Had no inheritance in israel
Therefore {there was not} for Levi an allotment or an inheritance [along] with his brothers; [rather] Yahweh [is] his inheritance [just] as Yahweh your God {promised} to him.
For Moses had given [an] inheritance of [the] two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan, but to the Levites he gave no inheritance among them.
But to the tribe of Levi Moses did not give an inheritance; Yahweh the God of Israel, he [is] their inheritance, just as {he promised them}.
the Levites » Services of » Conducting the sacred music
and all the Levitical singers--Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, their sons, their brothers, dressed [in] fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and stringed instruments--[they] were standing to the east of the altar. And with them outside [were] one hundred and twenty priests [who were] trumpet blowers. And it was the primary [duty] of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard [with] one voice, to praise and give thanks to Yahweh. And when a sound from the trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments of song was raised to Yahweh--for he [is] good, because his loyal love [is] everlasting--then the house, the house of Yahweh, was filled with a cloud.
four thousand gatekeepers, [and] four thousand offering praise with the instruments that I have made for praise." And David organized them [in] divisions according to the sons of Levi: to Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. For the Gershonites [were] Ladan and Shimei. read more.
The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief and Zetham and Joel, three. The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These [were] the heads of the {families} of Ladan. And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah; these four [were] the sons of Shimei. And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second, but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons. They were enrolled as one for the house of a father. The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. And Aaron was set apart to consecrate the most holy things. He and his sons [were] to burn offerings forever before Yahweh to serve him and to bless in his name forever. But Moses the man of God [and] his sons were reckoned among the tribe of Levi The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. And the sons of Eliezer were Rehabiah, the head. And Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief and Isshiah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish And Eleazar died, and he did not have sons, but only daughters. And the sons of Kish, their relatives, married them. The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three. These [were] the sons of Levi according to the house of their fathers, the heads of the {families}, according to their enrollment, by the number of the names, according to their head count, [who were to] do the work of the service of the house of Yahweh, from twenty years old and above. For David said, "Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And also, the Levites do not [need] to carry the tabernacle and all its vessels for its service." For by the last words of David, they [are] the number of the sons of Levi, from twenty years old and above. For their station [was] {to assist} the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of Yahweh, over the courtyards, over the chambers, and over the cleansing of all the sanctified objects, and [with] the work of the service of the house of God, and with the rows of bread, the flour, the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and for all the amounts and measurements. And [they were] to stand {every morning}, thanking and praising Yahweh, and likewise in the evening,
The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief and Zetham and Joel, three. The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These [were] the heads of the {families} of Ladan. And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah; these four [were] the sons of Shimei. And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second, but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons. They were enrolled as one for the house of a father. The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. And Aaron was set apart to consecrate the most holy things. He and his sons [were] to burn offerings forever before Yahweh to serve him and to bless in his name forever. But Moses the man of God [and] his sons were reckoned among the tribe of Levi The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. And the sons of Eliezer were Rehabiah, the head. And Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief and Isshiah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish And Eleazar died, and he did not have sons, but only daughters. And the sons of Kish, their relatives, married them. The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three. These [were] the sons of Levi according to the house of their fathers, the heads of the {families}, according to their enrollment, by the number of the names, according to their head count, [who were to] do the work of the service of the house of Yahweh, from twenty years old and above. For David said, "Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And also, the Levites do not [need] to carry the tabernacle and all its vessels for its service." For by the last words of David, they [are] the number of the sons of Levi, from twenty years old and above. For their station [was] {to assist} the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of Yahweh, over the courtyards, over the chambers, and over the cleansing of all the sanctified objects, and [with] the work of the service of the house of God, and with the rows of bread, the flour, the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and for all the amounts and measurements. And [they were] to stand {every morning}, thanking and praising Yahweh, and likewise in the evening,
the Levites » David » Made them serve from twenty on account of the lightness of their duties
And also, the Levites do not [need] to carry the tabernacle and all its vessels for its service."
For their station [was] {to assist} the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of Yahweh, over the courtyards, over the chambers, and over the cleansing of all the sanctified objects, and [with] the work of the service of the house of God, and with the rows of bread, the flour, the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and for all the amounts and measurements. And [they were] to stand {every morning}, thanking and praising Yahweh, and likewise in the evening, read more.
and for every burnt offering offered to Yahweh, on Sabbaths, on new moon festivals, and at the appointed feasts, according to the customary number {required of them}, regularly before Yahweh. And they shall keep the responsibility of the tent of assembly, the responsibility of the sanctified objects, and the responsibility of the sons of Aaron, their brothers, to serve the house of Yahweh.
and for every burnt offering offered to Yahweh, on Sabbaths, on new moon festivals, and at the appointed feasts, according to the customary number {required of them}, regularly before Yahweh. And they shall keep the responsibility of the tent of assembly, the responsibility of the sanctified objects, and the responsibility of the sons of Aaron, their brothers, to serve the house of Yahweh.
the Levites » David » Subdivided them into twenty-four courses
And David organized them [in] divisions according to the sons of Levi: to Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
And they cast lots [for] responsibilities {on the principle of small and great alike}, teacher with student. And the first lot for Asaph went out to Joseph; the second to Gedaliahu; he and his brothers and his twelve sons. The third, Zakkur, his sons and his brothers, twelve; read more.
the fourth to Izri, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the fifth, Nethaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the sixth, Bukkiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the seventh, Jesarelah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the eighth, Jeshaiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the ninth, Mattaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the tenth, Shimei, his sons and his brothers, twelve; eleventh, Azarel, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] fifteenth, to Jeremoth, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] sixteenth, to Hananiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] seventeenth, to Joshbekashah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] eighteenth, to Hanani, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] nineteenth, to Mallothi, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twentieth, to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-first, to Hothir, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-second, to Giddalti, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-third, to Mahazioth, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-fourth, to Romamti-ezer, his sons and his brothers, twelve.
the fourth to Izri, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the fifth, Nethaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the sixth, Bukkiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the seventh, Jesarelah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the eighth, Jeshaiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the ninth, Mattaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the tenth, Shimei, his sons and his brothers, twelve; eleventh, Azarel, his sons and his brothers, twelve; the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] fifteenth, to Jeremoth, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] sixteenth, to Hananiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] seventeenth, to Joshbekashah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] eighteenth, to Hanani, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] nineteenth, to Mallothi, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twentieth, to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-first, to Hothir, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-second, to Giddalti, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-third, to Mahazioth, his sons and his brothers, twelve; to [the] twenty-fourth, to Romamti-ezer, his sons and his brothers, twelve.
the Levites » Services of » Preparing the sacrifices for the priests
and for every burnt offering offered to Yahweh, on Sabbaths, on new moon festivals, and at the appointed feasts, according to the customary number {required of them}, regularly before Yahweh.
And they slaughtered the Passover [lamb], and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hand, and the Levites flayed [the sacrifices].
the Levites » David » By his last words had them numbered from twenty years old
These [were] the sons of Levi according to the house of their fathers, the heads of the {families}, according to their enrollment, by the number of the names, according to their head count, [who were to] do the work of the service of the house of Yahweh, from twenty years old and above.
For by the last words of David, they [are] the number of the sons of Levi, from twenty years old and above.
the Levites » Services of » Taking charge of the tithes, offerings, &c
And Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of Yahweh, and they were prepared. Then they brought the offerings and tithes and holy objects faithfully. And over them [as] leader [was] Conaniah the Levite. And Shimei his brother [was] second [in rank]. And Jehiel, Azaziah, Nathan, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah [were] chief officers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei, his brother, by appointment of King Hezekiah. And Azaraiah [was] leader of the house of God. read more.
Now Kore the son of Imlah, the Levite, the gatekeeper of the east gate [was] over the freewill offerings of God, to give offerings to Yahweh and the most holy things. And at his hand [were] Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah in the cities of the priests [and] {entrusted} to give to their brothers by working groups, according to the eldest [to] the youngest, besides their enrollment by genealogy, to males from three years old and upward, to all who came into the house of Yahweh, {as each day required} for their service in their posts according to their working groups. And the enrollment of the priests [was] according to the house of their fathers, and the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, according to their posts by their working groups. And [they were] enrolled with all their little ones, their wives, their sons, and their daughters for the whole assembly because of their faithfulness. And they sanctified themselves in holiness. And for the descendants of Aaron, the priests, [who were] in the fields of the pasturelands of their cities, {in each and every one of their cities} [were] men who were designated by name to give shares to every male among the priests and to everyone enrolled among the Levites.
Now Kore the son of Imlah, the Levite, the gatekeeper of the east gate [was] over the freewill offerings of God, to give offerings to Yahweh and the most holy things. And at his hand [were] Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah in the cities of the priests [and] {entrusted} to give to their brothers by working groups, according to the eldest [to] the youngest, besides their enrollment by genealogy, to males from three years old and upward, to all who came into the house of Yahweh, {as each day required} for their service in their posts according to their working groups. And the enrollment of the priests [was] according to the house of their fathers, and the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, according to their posts by their working groups. And [they were] enrolled with all their little ones, their wives, their sons, and their daughters for the whole assembly because of their faithfulness. And they sanctified themselves in holiness. And for the descendants of Aaron, the priests, [who were] in the fields of the pasturelands of their cities, {in each and every one of their cities} [were] men who were designated by name to give shares to every male among the priests and to everyone enrolled among the Levites.
On that day men were appointed for the storehouse rooms, the offerings, the first fruits, and the tithes, in order to gather in them from the fields of the cities the requirements of the law for the priests and Levites; for the joy of Judah [was] upon the priests and Levites standing there.
the Levites » Services of » Preparing the show bread
and with the rows of bread, the flour, the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and for all the amounts and measurements.
And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite and {was entrusted} with the work of the pan breads.
the Levites » David » Made them attend in courses
And in accord with the ordinance of David his father he appointed working groups of priests for their service, Levites for their responsibilities for praise and cultic service before the priests {according to the daily requirement}, and the gatekeepers in their working groups, gate by gate. For thus David the man of God had commanded.
And the enrollment of the priests [was] according to the house of their fathers, and the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, according to their posts by their working groups.
the Levites » Zeal against idolatry a cause of their appointment
And Moses stood at the entrance of the camp, and he said, "Whoever [is] for Yahweh, to me." And all the sons of Levi were gathered to him. And he said to them, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'Put each his sword on his side. Go {back and forth} from gate to gate in the camp, and kill, each his brother and each his friend and each his close relative.'" And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses, and from the people on that day about three thousand persons fell.
The [one] saying of his father and of his mother, 'I have not regarded them,' and his brothers he [did] not acknowledge, and his children [he did] not know, but [rather] they observed your word, and your covenant they kept. They taught your regulations to Jacob, and your law to Israel; they placed incense smoke {before you}, and whole burnt offerings on your altar.
the Levites » Services of » Guarded king's person and house in times of danger
He commanded them, saying, "This [is] the thing which you must do: one third of you {who go off duty on the Sabbath}, the keepers of the guard in the house of the king, and another third at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the runners, shall guard the post of the palace alternately. Two of the units among you, all {who go on duty on the Sabbath}, guard the post of the temple of Yahweh for the king. read more.
You must surround the king all about, each with his weapon in his hand; whoever comes to the ranks must be killed. Be with the king {wherever he goes}." So the commanders of hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded, and each took his men {who went off duty on the Sabbath} and those {who came on duty on the Sabbath}, and they came to Jehoiada the priest.
You must surround the king all about, each with his weapon in his hand; whoever comes to the ranks must be killed. Be with the king {wherever he goes}." So the commanders of hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded, and each took his men {who went off duty on the Sabbath} and those {who came on duty on the Sabbath}, and they came to Jehoiada the priest.
and one third at the house of the king, and one third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people [shall be] in the courtyards of the house of Yahweh. Let no one enter into the house of Yahweh except the priests and the ministering Levites. They themselves may enter, for they [are] holy, but all the people shall keep the requirements of Yahweh. And the Levites shall surround the king all around, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever comes into the house shall be put to death. You shall be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out."
the Levites » Originally consisted for three families or divisions
These were the sons of Levi according to their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. Now these [are] the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. read more.
The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. Now these [are] the families of the Levites according to their ancestors. Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth, Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. The sons of Samuel: [Joel] his firstborn and Abijah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son. Now these [are the men] whom David appointed for {control of singing} in the house of Yahweh where the ark rested. They were ministering with song before the tabernacle of the tent of assembly until Solomon built the temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem. And they stood according to their order with respect to their duty. Now these [are] those who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, son of Samuel, son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel; and his brother Asaph, who stood on his right [namely], Asaph the son of Berechiah, son of Shimea, son of Michael, son of Baaseiah, son of Malkijah, son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah, son of Ethan, son of Zimmah, son of Shimei, son of Jahath, son of Gershom, son of Levi. On the left [were] their brothers, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch, son of Hashabiah, son of Amaziah, son of Hilkiah, son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shemer, son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi. And their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. Now these [are] the families of the Levites according to their ancestors. Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth, Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. The sons of Samuel: [Joel] his firstborn and Abijah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son. Now these [are the men] whom David appointed for {control of singing} in the house of Yahweh where the ark rested. They were ministering with song before the tabernacle of the tent of assembly until Solomon built the temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem. And they stood according to their order with respect to their duty. Now these [are] those who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, son of Samuel, son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel; and his brother Asaph, who stood on his right [namely], Asaph the son of Berechiah, son of Shimea, son of Michael, son of Baaseiah, son of Malkijah, son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah, son of Ethan, son of Zimmah, son of Shimei, son of Jahath, son of Gershom, son of Levi. On the left [were] their brothers, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch, son of Hashabiah, son of Amaziah, son of Hilkiah, son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shemer, son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi. And their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
the Levites » Services of » Keeping sacred instruments and vessels
And they will keep all the vessels of the tent of assembly and the responsibilities of the {Israelites}, to do the work of the tabernacle.
And some of them [were] over the utensils of the service, for {they count them} [when] they are brought in and {they count them} [when] they are brought out. And some of them were appointed over the objects, over the objects of the sanctuary, and over the wheat flour and the wine, the olive oil, the frankincense, and the spices.
the Levites » Services of » Keeping the charge of the sanctuary
They will keep your responsibility and the responsibility of all the tent, only they may not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, so both you and they will not die.
And they shall keep the responsibility of the tent of assembly, the responsibility of the sanctified objects, and the responsibility of the sons of Aaron, their brothers, to serve the house of Yahweh.
the Levites » Were all under control of the high priest's deputy
The {chief of the leaders} of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest [who had] oversight of those keeping the responsibility of the sanctuary.
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the leader over them {in time past}; Yahweh [was] with him.
the Levites » Chosen by God for service of the sanctuary
Then David ordered [that] none except the Levites should carry the ark of God, for Yahweh had chosen them to carry the ark of Yahweh and to serve him forever.
"Bring near the tribe of Levi, and {set the tribe} {before Aaron} the priest, and they will minister to him.
the Levites » Families as numbered » Of gershom
And these [are] the names of the sons of Gershon according to their clans: Libni and Shimei.
{To Gershon belonged} the clan of the Libnites and the clan of the Shimeites; these [are] the clans of the Gershonites. The {ones counted} according to the number of every male from {one month} and above [were] seven thousand five hundred.
the Levites » Families as numbered » Of kohath
And the sons of Kohath according to their clans: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
{To Kohath belonged} the clan of Amramites, the clan of the Izharites, the clan of the Hebronites, and the clan [of] the Uzzielites; these [were] the clans of the Kohathites. According to [the] number of every male from {one month} and above [there were] eight thousand six hundred keeping the responsibility of the sanctuary.
the Levites » Families as numbered » Of merari
The sons of Merari according to their tribes: Mahli and Mushi. These [are] the clans of the Levites according to {their families}.
{To Merari belonged} the clan of Mahlites and the clan of the Mushites: these [are] the clans of Merari. The {ones counted} according to the number of every male from {one month} and above [were] six thousand two hundred.
the Levites » Numbered separately after the people from a month old
Yahweh spoke to Moses in the desert of Sinai, saying, "Muster the descendants of Levi according to {their families}, according to their clans. You will count every male from {one month} and above." So Moses mustered them according to the {command of Yahweh}, just as he commanded.
All those counted from the Levites whom Moses and Aaron mustered according to {the word of Yahweh}, according to their clans, every male from {one month} and above [were] twenty-two thousand.
the Levites » Descended from jacob's third son
And she conceived again and gave birth to a son. Then she said, "Now this time my husband will be joined to me, for I have borne him three sons." Therefore, she called his name Levi.
And, {so to speak}, even Levi, the one who receives tithes, has paid tithes through Abraham. For he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
the Levites » Services of » Taking down, putting up, and carrying the tabernacle, &c
You will {appoint} them over the tabernacle of the testimony, over all its vessels, and over all that belongs to it. They will carry the tabernacle and all its vessels, and they will care for it; and they will camp around the tabernacle.
When setting out the camp, Aaron and his sons will go and lower the curtain of the covering and cover with it the ark of the testimony. They will put on it a covering of {fine leather}, and they will spread a cloth of perfect blue over it, and they will place its poles. And over the table of the presence they will spread [out] a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes, and libation bowls, and the pitchers of the libation; and the bread of continuity will be on it. read more.
They will spread over it a scarlet cloth, and they will cover it with a covering of {fine leather}, and they will place its poles. They will take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand for the light source, its lamps, a pair of its tongs, its small pans, and all the vessels of its oil with which they attend to it. They will put it and all its vessels inside a covering of {fine leather} and put it on the carrying frame. Over the altar of gold they will spread a blue cloth, and they will cover it with a covering of {fine leather} and place its poles. They will take all the vessels of the cultic service with which they serve in the sanctuary and put [them] on a blue cloth, and they will cover them with a covering of {fine leather}; and they will put [them] on the carrying frame. They will remove the fat-soaked ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it; they will put on it all the vessels with which they serve, the fire pans, forks, shovels, and bowls--all the vessels of the altar. They will spread on it a covering of {fine leather}; and they will place its poles. And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the vessels of the sanctuary when the camp sets out, the descendants of Kohath will come after to carry [these], but they must not touch the sanctuary, or they will die. These [are] the load of the descendants of Kohath in the tent of assembly. "Eleazar son of Aaron the priest is to supervise the oil of the light source, the incense, {the regular grain offering}, the oil of anointment, the supervision of all the tabernacle and all that [is] in it, in the sanctuary and in its vessels." Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "You must not cut off the tribe of the clan of the Kohathites from the midst of the Levites. Do this to them and they will live and not die when they come near the most holy things. Aaron and his sons will go and appoint them, each one to his task and burden. But they must not go and look {for a moment} at the holy objects." Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "{Take a census} of the descendants of Gershon also, according to {their families} and clans, from {those twenty years old} and above until {fifty years old}; you will muster them, all who come to help to do the work of the tent of assembly. This [is] the work of the clans of the Gershonites: to serve and to carry. They will carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of assembly [and] its covering and the covering of {fine leather}, which {is on top of it}, and the curtain of the doorway of the tent of assembly, and the curtains of the courtyard, and the covering for the doorway of the gate of the courtyard, which [is] all around on the tabernacle and altar, and their cords and all the vessels of their work; and all that is done to them they will do. And all the work of the descendants of the Gershonites will be at {the command} of Aaron and his sons, for all they [are to] carry and for all their work, and you will appoint to them responsibility for all they [are to] carry. This [is] the work of the clan of the descendants of the Gershonites in the tent of assembly, and their responsibility [lies] {under the direction} of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. "[For] the descendants of Merari according to their clans, according to {their families}, you will muster them; from {those thirty years old} and above until {fifty years old}; you will muster them, all who come to do the work of the tent of assembly. And this [is] the responsibility of {those who are to carry}, all their work in the tent of assembly: the frames of the tabernacle and its bars, pillars, and bases, and the pillars of the courtyard all around, and their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their vessels and for all their work. You will appoint by name the vessels that they [are] responsible to carry. This [is] the work of the clan of the descendants of Merari, for all their work in the tent of assembly {under the direction} of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest."
They will spread over it a scarlet cloth, and they will cover it with a covering of {fine leather}, and they will place its poles. They will take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand for the light source, its lamps, a pair of its tongs, its small pans, and all the vessels of its oil with which they attend to it. They will put it and all its vessels inside a covering of {fine leather} and put it on the carrying frame. Over the altar of gold they will spread a blue cloth, and they will cover it with a covering of {fine leather} and place its poles. They will take all the vessels of the cultic service with which they serve in the sanctuary and put [them] on a blue cloth, and they will cover them with a covering of {fine leather}; and they will put [them] on the carrying frame. They will remove the fat-soaked ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it; they will put on it all the vessels with which they serve, the fire pans, forks, shovels, and bowls--all the vessels of the altar. They will spread on it a covering of {fine leather}; and they will place its poles. And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the vessels of the sanctuary when the camp sets out, the descendants of Kohath will come after to carry [these], but they must not touch the sanctuary, or they will die. These [are] the load of the descendants of Kohath in the tent of assembly. "Eleazar son of Aaron the priest is to supervise the oil of the light source, the incense, {the regular grain offering}, the oil of anointment, the supervision of all the tabernacle and all that [is] in it, in the sanctuary and in its vessels." Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "You must not cut off the tribe of the clan of the Kohathites from the midst of the Levites. Do this to them and they will live and not die when they come near the most holy things. Aaron and his sons will go and appoint them, each one to his task and burden. But they must not go and look {for a moment} at the holy objects." Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "{Take a census} of the descendants of Gershon also, according to {their families} and clans, from {those twenty years old} and above until {fifty years old}; you will muster them, all who come to help to do the work of the tent of assembly. This [is] the work of the clans of the Gershonites: to serve and to carry. They will carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of assembly [and] its covering and the covering of {fine leather}, which {is on top of it}, and the curtain of the doorway of the tent of assembly, and the curtains of the courtyard, and the covering for the doorway of the gate of the courtyard, which [is] all around on the tabernacle and altar, and their cords and all the vessels of their work; and all that is done to them they will do. And all the work of the descendants of the Gershonites will be at {the command} of Aaron and his sons, for all they [are to] carry and for all their work, and you will appoint to them responsibility for all they [are to] carry. This [is] the work of the clan of the descendants of the Gershonites in the tent of assembly, and their responsibility [lies] {under the direction} of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. "[For] the descendants of Merari according to their clans, according to {their families}, you will muster them; from {those thirty years old} and above until {fifty years old}; you will muster them, all who come to do the work of the tent of assembly. And this [is] the responsibility of {those who are to carry}, all their work in the tent of assembly: the frames of the tabernacle and its bars, pillars, and bases, and the pillars of the courtyard all around, and their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their vessels and for all their work. You will appoint by name the vessels that they [are] responsible to carry. This [is] the work of the clan of the descendants of Merari, for all their work in the tent of assembly {under the direction} of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest."
the Levites » Ceremonies at consecration of » Presenting them to God as an offering for the people
and {Aaron will offer} the Levites [as] a wave offering {before Yahweh} from the {Israelites}, and they will do the work of Yahweh.
And after this the Levites will come to serve [at] the tent of assembly, and you will purify them, and you {will offer} them [as] a wave offering.
the Levites » Services of » Doing the service of tabernacle
And I have given the Levites; they are given to Aaron and his sons from the midst of the {Israelites} to do the work of the {Israelites} in the tent of the assembly and to make atonement for the {Israelites}, so a plague will not be among the {Israelites} when the {Israelites} come near the sanctuary."
After this the Levites came to do their work in the tent of assembly before Aaron and his sons. Just as Yahweh commanded Moses concerning the Levities, so they did to them.
the Levites » Prophecies respecting
Cursed be their anger, for [it is] fierce, and their wrath, for [it is] cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and I will scatter them in Israel.
Simeon and Levi [are] brothers; weapons of violence [are] their swords. Let me not come into their council.
the Levites » Ceremonies at consecration of » Making a sin-offering for
And the Levites will lay their hands on the head of the one bull and offer [it] as a sin offering and the other one as a burnt offering to Yahweh, to make atonement for the Levites.
And they will take a {young bull} and its grain offering of finely milled flour mixed with oil, and you will take a second {young bull} as a sin offering.
the Levites » Services of » Ministering to priests
"Bring near the tribe of Levi, and {set the tribe} {before Aaron} the priest, and they will minister to him.
Moreover, bring your brothers with you, the tribe of Levi the tribe of your father, that they may be joined to you and minister [to] you, you and your sons with you before the tent of testimony.
the Levites » Given to aaron and sons
And I have given the Levites; they are given to Aaron and his sons from the midst of the {Israelites} to do the work of the {Israelites} in the tent of the assembly and to make atonement for the {Israelites}, so a plague will not be among the {Israelites} when the {Israelites} come near the sanctuary."
You will give the Levites to Aaron and to his descendants; they [are] surely assigned to him from among the {Israelites}.
the Levites » Were consecrated
"And you will separate the Levites from the midst of the {Israelites}, and the Levites will be for me.
the Levites » Services of » Singing praises before the army
And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed singers to Yahweh [who were] giving praise to the splendor of [his] holiness when they went out before the army. And they said, "Give thanks to Yahweh, for his loyal love [is] everlasting!" And {when} they began with singing and praise, Yahweh set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who were coming against Judah. And they were defeated
the Levites » Services of » Keeping sacred oil, flour, &c
And some of them were appointed over the objects, over the objects of the sanctuary, and over the wheat flour and the wine, the olive oil, the frankincense, and the spices. And some of the sons of the priests mixed the fragrant ointment for the spices.
the Levites » David » Numbered them first from thirty years old
And he assembled all the commanders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. And the Levites thirty years old and above were counted, and their number according to their head count for the men [was] thirty-eight thousand.
the Levites » David » Divided them into four classes
Of these, [David said,] "Twenty-four thousand [are] to direct the work of the house of Yahweh, along with six thousand judges and officials four thousand gatekeepers, [and] four thousand offering praise with the instruments that I have made for praise." And David organized them [in] divisions according to the sons of Levi: to Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
the Levites » Services of » Regulating weights and measures
and with the rows of bread, the flour, the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and for all the amounts and measurements.
the Levites » Services of » Purifying the holy things
For their station [was] {to assist} the sons of Aaron with the service of the house of Yahweh, over the courtyards, over the chambers, and over the cleansing of all the sanctified objects, and [with] the work of the service of the house of God,
the Levites » Services of » Keeping sacred treasures
And of the Levites: Ahijah [was] over the treasuries of the house of God and over the treasuries of the sanctified objects.
the Levites » Had a part of the offerings
"And there shall not be for the Levitical priests, the whole tribe of Levi, a plot of ground and an inheritance with Israel, [rather] they may eat an offering made by fire [as] their inheritance, for Yahweh. And there shall not be for them an inheritance [of land] in the midst of his brothers; [rather] Yahweh is his inheritance, [just] as he {promised} to them.
the Levites » Services of » Ministering to the people
And he said to the Levites who [were] teaching all Israel, who were sanctified to Yahweh, "Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built. There is no [need] to carry it on [your] shoulders. Now serve Yahweh your God and his people Israel.
the Levites » While in attendance lodged around the temple
And they lodged all around the house of God, for upon them [was] a responsibility. And {they had charge of opening [the house of God] every morning}.
the Levites » Services of » Ministering to the lord
At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to stand {before} Yahweh, to serve him and to bless [the people] in his name until this day.
the Levites » Services of » Blessing the people
At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to stand {before} Yahweh, to serve him and to bless [the people] in his name until this day.
the Levites » Bound to give a tenth of their tithes to the priests
"You will speak to the Levites and say to them, 'When you receive the tithe from the {Israelites} that I have given to you from them for your inheritance, {you will present} a contribution from it to Yahweh, a tithe from a tithe. Your contribution will be credited to you like the grain from the threshing floor and like the produce from the press. So {you will present} your own contribution to Yahweh from all your tithes that you receive from the {Israelites}; from it you will give the contribution of Yahweh to Aaron the priest. read more.
From all your gifts {you will present} every contribution of Yahweh, from all its fat, the part [that is] sacred.' You will say to them, 'When {you are presenting} its fat, the rest will be credited to the Levites like a yield of the threshing floor and like a yield from the press. You may eat it anywhere, you and your household, because it [is] a wage in return for your service in the tent of assembly. You will not bear any sin because {you have presented} its fat; you will not defile the holy objects of the {Israelites}, or you will die.'"
From all your gifts {you will present} every contribution of Yahweh, from all its fat, the part [that is] sacred.' You will say to them, 'When {you are presenting} its fat, the rest will be credited to the Levites like a yield of the threshing floor and like a yield from the press. You may eat it anywhere, you and your household, because it [is] a wage in return for your service in the tent of assembly. You will not bear any sin because {you have presented} its fat; you will not defile the holy objects of the {Israelites}, or you will die.'"
the Levites » Punishment of korah and others of, for offering incense
Now Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, the descendants of Reuben, took two hundred and fifty men from the {Israelites}, leaders of the community summoned from the assembly, {renowned men}, and {they confronted} Moses. They were assembled in front of Moses and Aaron, and they said to them, "{You take too much upon yourselves}! All of the community is holy, every one of them, and Yahweh [is] in their midst, so why do you raise yourselves over the assembly of Yahweh?" read more.
When Moses heard [this], he fell on his face. And he said to Korah and to his entire company, saying, "[Tomorrow] morning Yahweh will make known who [is] his and [who] is holy, and he will bring him near to him, whomever he chooses he will bring near to him. Do this: take for yourselves censers, Korah and all of your company; tomorrow put fire in them and place incense on them {before} Yahweh; the man whom Yahweh chooses [will be] the holy [one]. You take too much upon yourselves, sons of Levi!" And Moses said to Korah, "Please listen, sons of Levi! [Is it] too little for you that the God of Israel set you apart from the community of Israel {to allow you to approach him} to do the work of the tabernacle of Yahweh, to stand {before} the community to serve them? {He has allowed you to approach him}, you with all your brothers, the descendants of Levi, but yet you also seek the priesthood. Therefore you and your company that has banded together against Yahweh. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?" Moses sent to call [for] Dathan and Abiram son of Eliab, but they said, "We will not come! Is it too little that you have brought us from a land that flows with milk and honey to kill us in the desert, and that you also appoint yourself as a ruler over us? Surely, you have not brought us to a land that flows with milk and honey, and you have not given us the inheritance of fields and a vineyard. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? We will not come!" Then Moses became angry, and he said to Yahweh, "Do not notice their grain offering. I have not offered one donkey from them, and I have not mistreated one of them." And Moses said to Korah, "You and your entire company will be {before} Yahweh tomorrow, you and they and Aaron. Each one take his censer, and put incense on it and you will present it {before} Yahweh, and each of you bring his censer, two hundred and fifty censers, you and Aaron, each his censer." So each of them took his censer, and they put fire on them, and they placed incense on them; they stood [at the] doorway of the tent of the assembly of Moses and Aaron. And Korah summoned them, the entire community, by the doorway of the tent of assembly, and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the community. And Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "Separate yourselves from the midst of this community, that I can destroy them in a moment." And they fell on their faces, and they said, "God, God of the spirits of all flesh, will one man sin and you become angry toward the entire community?" Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the community, saying, 'Move away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.'" So Moses stood up and went to Dathan and Abiram; the elders of Israel followed after him. He said to the community, saying, "Please turn away from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything {that belongs to them}, or you will be destroyed with all their sins." And so they moved away from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out standing [at] the doorway of their tents, with their wives, sons, and little children. And Moses said, "In this you will know that Yahweh has sent me to do all these works; [it is] not from my heart. {If they die a natural death} or {if a natural fate is visited upon them}, Yahweh has not sent me. But if Yahweh creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up and {all that belongs to them}, and they go down alive [to] Sheol, and you will know that these men have despised Yahweh." And it happened, as soon as he finished {speaking} all these words, the ground that [was] under them split open. The land opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their houses and every person {that belonged to Korah} and all the property. They went down alive [to] Sheol, they and all that belonged to them, and the land covered over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. All Israel who [were] around them fled at their cry, because they said, "Lest the land swallow us up!" And fire went out from Yahweh, and it consumed the two hundred and fifty men presenting the incense.
When Moses heard [this], he fell on his face. And he said to Korah and to his entire company, saying, "[Tomorrow] morning Yahweh will make known who [is] his and [who] is holy, and he will bring him near to him, whomever he chooses he will bring near to him. Do this: take for yourselves censers, Korah and all of your company; tomorrow put fire in them and place incense on them {before} Yahweh; the man whom Yahweh chooses [will be] the holy [one]. You take too much upon yourselves, sons of Levi!" And Moses said to Korah, "Please listen, sons of Levi! [Is it] too little for you that the God of Israel set you apart from the community of Israel {to allow you to approach him} to do the work of the tabernacle of Yahweh, to stand {before} the community to serve them? {He has allowed you to approach him}, you with all your brothers, the descendants of Levi, but yet you also seek the priesthood. Therefore you and your company that has banded together against Yahweh. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?" Moses sent to call [for] Dathan and Abiram son of Eliab, but they said, "We will not come! Is it too little that you have brought us from a land that flows with milk and honey to kill us in the desert, and that you also appoint yourself as a ruler over us? Surely, you have not brought us to a land that flows with milk and honey, and you have not given us the inheritance of fields and a vineyard. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? We will not come!" Then Moses became angry, and he said to Yahweh, "Do not notice their grain offering. I have not offered one donkey from them, and I have not mistreated one of them." And Moses said to Korah, "You and your entire company will be {before} Yahweh tomorrow, you and they and Aaron. Each one take his censer, and put incense on it and you will present it {before} Yahweh, and each of you bring his censer, two hundred and fifty censers, you and Aaron, each his censer." So each of them took his censer, and they put fire on them, and they placed incense on them; they stood [at the] doorway of the tent of the assembly of Moses and Aaron. And Korah summoned them, the entire community, by the doorway of the tent of assembly, and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the community. And Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "Separate yourselves from the midst of this community, that I can destroy them in a moment." And they fell on their faces, and they said, "God, God of the spirits of all flesh, will one man sin and you become angry toward the entire community?" Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the community, saying, 'Move away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.'" So Moses stood up and went to Dathan and Abiram; the elders of Israel followed after him. He said to the community, saying, "Please turn away from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything {that belongs to them}, or you will be destroyed with all their sins." And so they moved away from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out standing [at] the doorway of their tents, with their wives, sons, and little children. And Moses said, "In this you will know that Yahweh has sent me to do all these works; [it is] not from my heart. {If they die a natural death} or {if a natural fate is visited upon them}, Yahweh has not sent me. But if Yahweh creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up and {all that belongs to them}, and they go down alive [to] Sheol, and you will know that these men have despised Yahweh." And it happened, as soon as he finished {speaking} all these words, the ground that [was] under them split open. The land opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their houses and every person {that belonged to Korah} and all the property. They went down alive [to] Sheol, they and all that belonged to them, and the land covered over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. All Israel who [were] around them fled at their cry, because they said, "Lest the land swallow us up!" And fire went out from Yahweh, and it consumed the two hundred and fifty men presenting the incense.
the Levites » Not numbered with israel
The Levites from their ancestors' tribe were not mustered in their midst. And Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "You will not muster the tribe of Levi, and you will not {take a census of} them in the midst of the {Israelites}.
the Levites » Ceremonies at consecration of » Elders of israel laying their hands on them
You will bring the Levites {before} the tent of assembly, and you will summon the entire community of the {Israelites}. And you will bring the Levites {before Yahweh}, and the {Israelites} will lay their hands on the Levites,
the Levites » Eight and forty cities with extensive suburbs, appointed for
"Command the {Israelites} that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their property cities to live in; and you will give to the Levites pastureland all around the cities. The cities will be theirs to live in, and their pasturelands will be for their domestic animals, for their possessions, and their animals. "The pasturelands of the cities that you will give to the Levites [will extend] from the wall of the city to [a distance of] a thousand cubits all around. read more.
You will measure outside the city the eastern edge two thousand cubits, for the southern edge two thousand cubits, for the western edge two thousand cubits, and for the northern edge two thousand cubits, with the city in the middle; this will be for them the pasturelands of the cities. "All the cities that you will give the Levites will be six cities of refuge, to which the killer can flee; in addition to them you will give forty-two cities. All the cities that you will give to the Levites will be forty-eight cities, them with their pasturelands. And the cities that you will give from the property of the {Israelites}, you will take more from the larger group and less from the smaller group; each of them will give according to the portion of their inheritance according to the portion that he inherits."
You will measure outside the city the eastern edge two thousand cubits, for the southern edge two thousand cubits, for the western edge two thousand cubits, and for the northern edge two thousand cubits, with the city in the middle; this will be for them the pasturelands of the cities. "All the cities that you will give the Levites will be six cities of refuge, to which the killer can flee; in addition to them you will give forty-two cities. All the cities that you will give to the Levites will be forty-eight cities, them with their pasturelands. And the cities that you will give from the property of the {Israelites}, you will take more from the larger group and less from the smaller group; each of them will give according to the portion of their inheritance according to the portion that he inherits."
the Levites » Ceremonies at consecration of » Setting before the priest and presenting them as their offering to God
And you will present the Levites {before} Aaron and {before} his sons, and he {will offer} them [as] a wave offering to Yahweh.
the Levites » When superannuated, required to perform the less arduous duties
They can attend their brothers in the tent of assembly to keep [their] responsibilities, but they will not do work. This is what you will do concerning the Levities and their responsibilities."
the Levites » Punished with death for encroaching on the priestly office
They will keep your responsibility and the responsibility of all the tent, only they may not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, so both you and they will not die.
the Levites » Entered on their service at twenty-five years of age
"This [is] what is for the Levites: {those twenty-five years old} and above will come to help [with the] service in the work of the tent of assembly;
the Levites » Marched in the centre of israel
"The tent of assembly the camp of the Levites will set out in the midst of the camps; they will set out just as they encamped, {each according to their standards}.
the Levites » Superannuated at fifty
and {those fifty years old} will return from the service of the work and will serve no longer.
the Levites » Numbered as ministers at thirty » Nu 4:3
the Levites » Ceremonies at consecration of » Cleansing and purifying
So you will do to them, to purify them: sprinkle on them waters of purification, and {they will shave their whole body} and wash their garments.
the Levites » Served in courses after captivity
Then they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their sections for the work of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
Tabernacle » the Levites » Pitched their tents around
[The] leader of {the family} according to the clans of Merari [is] Zuriel son of Abihail; they will encamp of the side of the tabernacle to the north.
The clan of the descendants of Kohath will encamp on the side of the tabernacle to the south.
But the Levites will encamp around the tabernacle of the testimony, and there will not be wrath on the community of the {Israelites}; and the Levites will keep the requirements of the tabernacle of the testimony."
Tabernacle » the Levites » Appointed over, and had charge of
You will {appoint} them over the tabernacle of the testimony, over all its vessels, and over all that belongs to it. They will carry the tabernacle and all its vessels, and they will care for it; and they will camp around the tabernacle.
"This [is] what is for the Levites: {those twenty-five years old} and above will come to help [with the] service in the work of the tent of assembly;
Moreover, bring your brothers with you, the tribe of Levi the tribe of your father, that they may be joined to you and minister [to] you, you and your sons with you before the tent of testimony. They will keep your responsibility and the responsibility of all the tent, only they may not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, so both you and they will not die. They will be joined to you, and they will keep the responsibility of the tent of assembly for the entire service of the tent; a stranger may not come near you.
Tabernacle » the Levites » Carried
And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the vessels of the sanctuary when the camp sets out, the descendants of Kohath will come after to carry [these], but they must not touch the sanctuary, or they will die. These [are] the load of the descendants of Kohath in the tent of assembly.
They will carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of assembly [and] its covering and the covering of {fine leather}, which {is on top of it}, and the curtain of the doorway of the tent of assembly,
And this [is] the responsibility of {those who are to carry}, all their work in the tent of assembly: the frames of the tabernacle and its bars, pillars, and bases,
Tabernacle » the Levites » Did the inferior service of
"Bring near the tribe of Levi, and {set the tribe} {before Aaron} the priest, and they will minister to him. They shall observe his duties and the duties of the entire community before the tent of assembly, to do the work of the tabernacle. And they will keep all the vessels of the tent of assembly and the responsibilities of the {Israelites}, to do the work of the tabernacle.
Tabernacle » the Levites » Took down, and put up
And when the tabernacle is set out, the Levites will {take it down}, and when encamping the tabernacle the Levites will set it up; the stranger that approaches [it] will be put to death.