+Israel-©-MEA-20170719-Natan(N81) -12 Tribes 3-Levi
The Tribe of Levi
Last week we looked at the symbol and a little history about the Tribe of Simeon. This week we visit Levi, the third son of the Patriarch Jacob (also known as Israel). Levi’s mother was Leah, who also bore his two older brothers, Reuben and Simeon.
When Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Caanan (Joshua 13:33), the Levites were the only tribe to receive cities, but were not allowed to be landowners, “because they will have no inheritance with their brothers, because Adonai is their inheritance – as he has said to them” (Deut. 18:2 CJB). The Tribe of Levi served particular religious duties for the Israelites. In return the other Tribes of Israel were to give a tithe (a tenth) of their increase to the Levitical (including Aaronic) Priesthood who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. In Numbers 18:2-6, the Levites were charged with keeping watch over the Tabernacle itself and ministering to the Kohanim who had higher priestly duties, such as offering the sacrifices.
Unfortunately, Levi had been party to treachery and violence toward the Shechemites, a story which is told in Genesis 34:24-30. Levi’s anger was accompanied by cruelty and fierceness, which led to the promise of dispersing them throughout Israel. Because of God’s grace and their loyalty to Him, the Tribe of Levi were included in the privileged priestly office.
The big lesson that the Tribe of Levi had to learn, which can also apply to us today, is that once God forgave their sins, He then could then use them in the advancement of His Ministry. Famous people in the Bible who were Kohanim include Miriam, John the Baptist, Ezra, Samuel, Ezekiel and Malachi. Catch up with us next week with a glimpse of other Tribe.
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