Thematic Bible: Zeal against idolatry a cause of their appointment

then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Whoever is on the LORD's side, come to me." All the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. He said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.'" The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.

who said of his father, and of his mother, 'I have not seen him;' Neither did he acknowledge his brothers, Nor did he know his own children: For they have observed your word, and keep your covenant. They shall teach Jacob your ordinances, and Israel your law. They shall put incense before you, and whole burnt offering on your altar.