The Levites (Levim)
The Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Kohanim themselves are a subgroup within the tribe of Levi from the sons of Aaron. The Levites served supporting roles to the Kohanim in the religious life of Israel, and their responsibilities included guarding and maintaining the Temple, singing and playing music during services, and helping with various ritual tasks.
Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the land of Israel and instead lived in designated cities supported through offerings and tithes given by the rest of the people. The special role of the Levits is religious service and the spiritual life of the nation.
Throughout the generations, the identity of Levites continues in Jewish tradition. Today, the Kohanim still perform certain roles such as the priestly blessing, with Levites assisting in the preparation. These continued roles preserve a connection to the structure of worship found in the Bible and remembrance of the Temple.
The Kohanim – Israel’s Priests
The Kohanim were appointed as the priests of Israel in the Book of Exodus while the nation was encamped at Mount Sinai. God tells Moses that the Jewish people need a priesthood to serve in the Tabernacle, and that Moses’ older brother Aaron was to be the first Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Aaron and his sons were to be the priests through the generations through a hereditary inheretence. “You shall set apart Aaron and his sons, that they may serve Me as priests.” Their duties in the Temple included offering sacrifices, burning incense, lighting the menorah, and delivering the priestly blessing to the people. God provides instructions for special garments for Aaron and his sons, representing the holiness, of the service they perform in the Temple. The first priests were anointed by Moses through anointing oil, incense, and special garments, and sacrificial offerings were brought as part of the ceremony.
Throughout biblical history the Kohanim served in multiple roles. When they served in the Temple bi-annualy, their daily duty was to perform the sacrifices. These were offered by the Kohanim daily, weekly, and on festivals. In addition, the Kohanim performed the Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) for the nation during festivals and important events. The Kohanim also served as spiritual guides by teaching the Torah and ensuring proper observance of the law. They oversaw Temple operations and managed economic funds from donations and offerings. In certain legal matters related to ritual and inheritance the Kohanim acted as judges. The High Priest performed unique roles on Yom Kippur, entering the Holy of Holies to atone for the nation.
Several Kohanim Stand Out in Israel’s History
Aaron was the first Kohen Gadol and the brother of Moses. Aaron was a prophet who is known for pursuing peace and the performance of miracles to intercede on behalf of the people during times of crisis. Eleazar, the son of Aaron, took over as High Priest after Aaron’s death and played a major role in assisting Moses during the conquest of Canaan. He later oversaw the distribution of the land among the tribes.
Pinchas is famous for zealously stopping idolatry and immorality during Israel’s settlement in Shittim. When the Israelites sinned with Moabite women and worshipped the Baal of Peor, Phinehas stepped forward in an act of leadership to control the situtation and stop the plague. God rewarded him with a covenant of peace and promised that his descendants would hold the priesthood.
Abiathar was the Kohen in King David’s court who was a main supporter of the king during Saul’s reign. Abiathar was a priest from the family of Eli and a descendant of the line of Ithamar, one of Aaron’s sons. During the political struggle with Saul, Abiathar joined David and become his personal priest and spiritual advisor. He carried the Ark of the Covenant with David during his campaigns and offered guidance and blessings.
The incident of Aaron’s Sons Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before God and were then consumed by the fire, emphasizes that the sanctity of priesthood. It is a role that demands strict obedience, and the rituals are not be taken lightly.
During the 40 years in the desert, Korach’s rebellion challenged Aaron’s priesthood by claiming the role is democratic and not directed through lineage. God confirmed Aaron’s leadership through a miracle, where each tribal leader brought a rod with his name and Aaron’s rod budded, producing almonds overnight. Following Korach’s rebellion a deadly plague broke out among the Israelites, and God instructed Aaron to take incense into the midst of the people, standing between the living and the dead. This act stopped the plague and reaffirmed the power invested in the Kohanim through Aarons descendants.
How the Kohanim Performed Their Temple Service
Before performing any sacred service, Kohanim had to be ritually pure. This included a bathing process where the priests washed their hands and feet in the bronze laver. The priests made special care to avoid contact with corpses, leprosy, and certain other ritual impurities. Then the Kohanim would don their priestly garbs. The High Priest wore the breastplate, ephod, robe, tunic, sash, and turban, while regular priests wore simpler linen tunics and sashes.
The Kohanim had daily responsibilities inside of the Temple:
- On the Bronze Altar Kohanim offered animal sacrifices to atone for sin and thanksgiving. The fire on the altar was kept continuously burning.
- The Kohanim burned incense each morning and evening, which only priests could approach and handle.
- The Kohanim were responsible for lighting and tending to the Menorah, ensuring it burned constantly. Olive oil was carefully prepared and supplied to maintain the light.
- The Kohanim arranged the twelve loaves of bread representing the tribes of Israel. The bread was replaced weekly, and the old loaves were eaten by priests.
- On the Sabbath and Festivals Kohanim offered special sacrifices and maintained the sanctuary.
- On Yom Kippur the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies alone to atone for the people.
- The Kohanim also performed Birkat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”