Who is a Levite?
A brief historical review....
Levites are members of the tribe of Levi, the third son of the patriarch Jacob. Members of the tribe are either priests (Kohanim) or Levites, their status being established by family tradition. The family name Levi or Levine generally denotes that the members of the family are Levites.
In Temple times the offering of the sacrifices was the function of the priests. The function of the Levites was to provide the musical accompaniment to the sacrifices, vocally and with musical instruments, and to act as gate-keepers and general guards. They were also the teachers of the Israelites regarding the nations Law, and relationship with God. They also carried the Ark of the covenant [only they could do that because of their purity].
Nowadays, a Levite is given the privilege of being called, second to the Kohen, to the reading of the Torah in the synagogue, and a Levite washes the hands of the Kohanim before the latter deliver the priestly blessing.
The redemption of the first-born is not held where the father of the child is a Levite or the mother the daughter of a Levite.
They are a shadow of good things to come. See (Hebrews 10:1) and take note of (2 Timothy 3:16). Their future was foretold when Jacob pronounced over his sons: (Gen 49:1, 5-7). Jacob’s words where fulfilled when the tribe of Levi was assigned 48 cities throughout the land.
When the Israelites fell away under the mount, building the golden Calf, and Moses came down challenged the people saying who is for the Lord? The Levites took a stand with the Lord. (Exodus 32:26-29). Notice also what Jesus said in (Matthew 10:32-33). The separation of the tribe by the Lord was recorded in (Numbers 3:11-13). God did the choosing. (John 6:44, 65)
Levites are members of the tribe of Levi, the third son of the patriarch Jacob. Members of the tribe are either priests (Kohanim) or Levites, their status being established by family tradition. The family name Levi or Levine generally denotes that the members of the family are Levites.
In Temple times the offering of the sacrifices was the function of the priests. The function of the Levites was to provide the musical accompaniment to the sacrifices, vocally and with musical instruments, and to act as gate-keepers and general guards. They were also the teachers of the Israelites regarding the nations Law, and relationship with God. They also carried the Ark of the covenant [only they could do that because of their purity].
Nowadays, a Levite is given the privilege of being called, second to the Kohen, to the reading of the Torah in the synagogue, and a Levite washes the hands of the Kohanim before the latter deliver the priestly blessing.
The redemption of the first-born is not held where the father of the child is a Levite or the mother the daughter of a Levite.
They are a shadow of good things to come. See (Hebrews 10:1) and take note of (2 Timothy 3:16). Their future was foretold when Jacob pronounced over his sons: (Gen 49:1, 5-7). Jacob’s words where fulfilled when the tribe of Levi was assigned 48 cities throughout the land.
When the Israelites fell away under the mount, building the golden Calf, and Moses came down challenged the people saying who is for the Lord? The Levites took a stand with the Lord. (Exodus 32:26-29). Notice also what Jesus said in (Matthew 10:32-33). The separation of the tribe by the Lord was recorded in (Numbers 3:11-13). God did the choosing. (John 6:44, 65)
There were not enough Levites to cover all the first born. God therefore declared in Numbers 3:46-47. God required an equal number, and when this was not possible, the balance had to be ransomed with money (Numbers 18:16). The ransom for mankind had to be a perfect life for a perfect life. It could not fall short and meet God’s standard.
For the Church to be reckoned worthy requires the blood of Christ to make up for the short fall of fallen man. God made a promise to the children of Israel in (Exodus 19:3-6). But I don’t think they counted the cost before they replied in verse 8. They did not keep it, just like in the present day. Our commitment is in (2 Timothy 4:6-8). |
DIVISIONS OF THE TRIBE OF LEVI
The High Priest (Leviticus 8:12)
The Priesthood (Leviticus 8:24)
The sons of Kohath – nearest in Kin to the Priest (Numbers 3:31)
The sons of Gershon (Numbers 4:25-26)
The sons of Merari (Numbers 4:31-32).
The Levites where under the direction of Aaron and his sons.
THEIR DUTIES
Leviticus 6:12-13, Numbers 18, Exodus 27:20-21, Exodus 29:38-42, Leviticus 10:8-11, Numbers 4:15. Other duties included blowing the trumpet to signal the start of each days march, and in the cities of refuge, they were the ones that made the decision on whether the death was man-slaughter or murder. Also (Numbers 4:15), (Numbers 1:53)
AGE REQUIREMENTS OF SERVICE
Numbers 8:24, Numbers 4:3, 23, 35, 47.
This stipulates they entered on their work at 25, as pupils and probationers, under the superintendence and direction of their senior brethren; and at 30, they were admitted to the full discharge of their official functions. Their work needed matured strength so their service started at 30, but Military service began at 20 and ceased at 50 (Numbers 8:24-26). 1 chronicles 23:24-27.
THEIR INHERITANCE
Numbers 18:20, 24
They don’t do secular work. It’s more important for them to do the work of the Lord. They shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire. The Lord is their inheritance.
There is a similarity between the duties and life of the Levites and Priest that correlates with our present walk with God.
*Aaron – Christ (Hebrews 5:1-5) Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 9:11
*The Priests – Aarons sons – The Bride (1Peter 2:5, Revelation 20:6)
Question: Who do the Levites represent in the Millennium?
1. They were all set aside by God
2. They had no inheritance in the land
3. They had access to the tabernacle to assist the Priest in their duties
4. They played the instruments and sang in the tabernacle
God is calling out a people for His name to be His children. They make a covenant of sacrifice to Him and aspire to a Heavenly call. However not all become more than conquerors [The Bride], but become part of the great multitude (Revelations 7:9, 13-17).
Colossians 3:1, Mark 4:20
The Bride produces 100 fold. And the multitude has different level of fruit, of service, just like the Levites did.
The High Priest, Priests and Levites were chosen by God. Their positions and duties were also set out by God. So it is now. Our High Priest was chosen by God. The Bride and great Multitude are also chosen. Their positions and duties are also set out by God.
Their duties changed from the tabernacle to Solomon’s temple. The work we do in this age is like that of the tabernacle, which keeps changing also. No permanent place, because it keeps moving. Being dismantled and setup occasionally, just like the trials we face in present day Christianity at different times. So we need to be matured to do the work. By the time they came to the temple, they had come to rest. Their duties were different.
The High Priest (Leviticus 8:12)
The Priesthood (Leviticus 8:24)
The sons of Kohath – nearest in Kin to the Priest (Numbers 3:31)
The sons of Gershon (Numbers 4:25-26)
The sons of Merari (Numbers 4:31-32).
The Levites where under the direction of Aaron and his sons.
THEIR DUTIES
Leviticus 6:12-13, Numbers 18, Exodus 27:20-21, Exodus 29:38-42, Leviticus 10:8-11, Numbers 4:15. Other duties included blowing the trumpet to signal the start of each days march, and in the cities of refuge, they were the ones that made the decision on whether the death was man-slaughter or murder. Also (Numbers 4:15), (Numbers 1:53)
AGE REQUIREMENTS OF SERVICE
Numbers 8:24, Numbers 4:3, 23, 35, 47.
This stipulates they entered on their work at 25, as pupils and probationers, under the superintendence and direction of their senior brethren; and at 30, they were admitted to the full discharge of their official functions. Their work needed matured strength so their service started at 30, but Military service began at 20 and ceased at 50 (Numbers 8:24-26). 1 chronicles 23:24-27.
THEIR INHERITANCE
Numbers 18:20, 24
They don’t do secular work. It’s more important for them to do the work of the Lord. They shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire. The Lord is their inheritance.
There is a similarity between the duties and life of the Levites and Priest that correlates with our present walk with God.
*Aaron – Christ (Hebrews 5:1-5) Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 9:11
*The Priests – Aarons sons – The Bride (1Peter 2:5, Revelation 20:6)
Question: Who do the Levites represent in the Millennium?
1. They were all set aside by God
2. They had no inheritance in the land
3. They had access to the tabernacle to assist the Priest in their duties
4. They played the instruments and sang in the tabernacle
God is calling out a people for His name to be His children. They make a covenant of sacrifice to Him and aspire to a Heavenly call. However not all become more than conquerors [The Bride], but become part of the great multitude (Revelations 7:9, 13-17).
Colossians 3:1, Mark 4:20
The Bride produces 100 fold. And the multitude has different level of fruit, of service, just like the Levites did.
The High Priest, Priests and Levites were chosen by God. Their positions and duties were also set out by God. So it is now. Our High Priest was chosen by God. The Bride and great Multitude are also chosen. Their positions and duties are also set out by God.
Their duties changed from the tabernacle to Solomon’s temple. The work we do in this age is like that of the tabernacle, which keeps changing also. No permanent place, because it keeps moving. Being dismantled and setup occasionally, just like the trials we face in present day Christianity at different times. So we need to be matured to do the work. By the time they came to the temple, they had come to rest. Their duties were different.
So, being a Levite does not necessarily mean that you are a musician in the church. It generally applies to the great multitude of believers, for you are a Levite in typology, not in reality. You are expected, like the Levites, to be separate unto God [holy].
And if you want to call yourself a Levite based on what they performed in the old testament, then, are you of the tribe of Levi by birth? Know that the Priesthood is not an appointment by choice, but you are appointed by birth into that family. A family separated by God himself, of the twelve tribes of Israel.
We couldn’t be Priests based on selection by birth, but Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, abolished all the other Priesthood in His ressurection. He has attained a Priestly ministry after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7, Hebrews 8), and now, we are separated unto him by adoption (ephesians 1:4-8, Galatians 4:4-5, Romans 8:15)
So, we are not in a Music Ministry. It doesn’t exist. There are only the 5 or 4 fold Ministry gifts given after ressurection (Ephesians 4:8-13). So in other words, you are either a Prophet, Apostle, Evangelist, Pastor / Teacher on the Keyboard, Guitar, Ushering, etc. There is no Music Ministry, just Musicians in Ministry. Get that into your minds. We will only come to the full realization of our Office when we see that Music in church is not void of the technical skill and professionalism, with the cover-up of spirituality. Notice the specific qualities of a Musician who has the Spirit of God in him (1 Samuel 16:16-18). Of all qualities mentioned, spirituality is last, because that is not a cover-up for laziness, indiscipline, and lack of skill in your Office. And mind you, even though David is seen as our model as a Psalmist, he is NEVER referred to as a Levite.
And if you want to call yourself a Levite based on what they performed in the old testament, then, are you of the tribe of Levi by birth? Know that the Priesthood is not an appointment by choice, but you are appointed by birth into that family. A family separated by God himself, of the twelve tribes of Israel.
We couldn’t be Priests based on selection by birth, but Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, abolished all the other Priesthood in His ressurection. He has attained a Priestly ministry after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7, Hebrews 8), and now, we are separated unto him by adoption (ephesians 1:4-8, Galatians 4:4-5, Romans 8:15)
So, we are not in a Music Ministry. It doesn’t exist. There are only the 5 or 4 fold Ministry gifts given after ressurection (Ephesians 4:8-13). So in other words, you are either a Prophet, Apostle, Evangelist, Pastor / Teacher on the Keyboard, Guitar, Ushering, etc. There is no Music Ministry, just Musicians in Ministry. Get that into your minds. We will only come to the full realization of our Office when we see that Music in church is not void of the technical skill and professionalism, with the cover-up of spirituality. Notice the specific qualities of a Musician who has the Spirit of God in him (1 Samuel 16:16-18). Of all qualities mentioned, spirituality is last, because that is not a cover-up for laziness, indiscipline, and lack of skill in your Office. And mind you, even though David is seen as our model as a Psalmist, he is NEVER referred to as a Levite.