Service of the Levites/0

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Service of the Levites

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Chosen for Service

When was the Tribe of Levi designated to assume their special responsibilities and why did they merit them?

Age of Service

While Bemidbar 4 sets 30-50 as the age of Levite service, Bemidbar 8 instead sets 25 as the lower age limit. How can this contradiction be understood? 

Types of Work

What were the various functions of the Levites in the Mishkan and Mikdash?

  • TransportBemidbar 1:50Bemidbar 3:21-38 and Bemidbar 4 describe how it was the task of the Levites to carry the Tabernacle and its vessels. Kehat carried the various vessels, Gershon transported the curtains, and Merari was in charge of the boards.
  • Assembly – The Levites (perhpas Gershon and Merari specifically) were responsible for dismantling and erecting of the Mishkan throughout the travels in the Wilderness (see Bemidbar 1:51 and Bemidbar 10:17-21).
  • Service of the Mishkan/ Priests - Bemidbar 1:50 speaks of the Levites serving the Tabernacle, while 3:6 and 18:1-3 speak of serving Aharon.1 What is included in this "service"?
    • Guard duty - Rashi,

Supervisors

Was Elazar or Itamar assigned to supervise the Levites?