Le·vite /ˈliˌvaɪt/
 利未夫


 Le·vite n.
 1. Bib. Hist. One of the tribe or family of Levi; a descendant of Levi; esp., one subordinate to the priests (who were of the same tribe) and employed in various duties connected with the tabernacle first, and afterward the temple, such as the care of the building, bringing of wood and other necessaries for the sacrifices, the music of the services, etc.
 2. A priest; -- so called in contempt or ridicule.

 ◄ ►


 Levite
      n : a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi (especially the branch
          that provided male assistants to the Temple priests)


 Levite
    a descendant of the tribe of Levi (Ex. 6:25; Lev. 25:32; Num.
    35:2; Josh. 21:3, 41). This name is, however, generally used as
    the title of that portion of the tribe which was set apart for
    the subordinate offices of the sanctuary service (1 Kings 8:4;
    Ezra 2:70), as assistants to the priests.

      When the Israelites left Egypt, the ancient manner of worship
    was still observed by them, the eldest son of each house
    inheriting the priest's office. At Sinai the first change in
    this ancient practice was made. A hereditary priesthood in the
    family of Aaron was then instituted (Ex. 28:1). But it was not
    till that terrible scene in connection with the sin of the
    golden calf that the tribe of Levi stood apart and began to
    occupy a distinct position (Ex. 32). The religious primogeniture
    was then conferred on this tribe, which henceforth was devoted
    to the service of the sanctuary (Num. 3:11-13). They were
    selected for this purpose because of their zeal for the glory of
    God (Ex. 32:26), and because, as the tribe to which Moses and
    Aaron belonged, they would naturally stand by the lawgiver in
    his work.

      The Levitical order consisted of all the descendants of Levi's
    three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; whilst Aaron, Amram's
    son (Amram, son of Kohat), and his issue constituted the
    priestly order.

      The age and qualification for Levitical service are specified
    in Num. 4:3, 23, 30, 39, 43, 47.

      They were not included among the armies of Israel (Num. 1:47;
    2:33; 26:62), but were reckoned by themselves. They were the
    special guardians of the tabernacle (Num. 1:51; 18:22-24). The
    Gershonites pitched their tents on the west of the tabernacle
    (3:23), the Kohathites on the south (3:29), the Merarites on the
    north (3:35), and the priests on the east (3:38). It was their
    duty to move the tent and carry the parts of the sacred
    structure from place to place. They were given to Aaron and his
    sons the priests to wait upon them and do work for them at the
    sanctuary services (Num. 8:19; 18:2-6).

      As being wholly consecrated to the service of the Lord, they
    had no territorial possessions. Jehovah was their inheritance
    (Num. 18:20; 26:62; Deut. 10:9; 18:1, 2), and for their support
    it was ordained that they should receive from the other tribes
    the tithes of the produce of the land. Forty-eight cities also
    were assigned to them, thirteen of which were for the priests
    "to dwell in", i.e., along with their other inhabitants. Along
    with their dwellings they had "suburbs", i.e., "commons", for
    their herds and flocks, and also fields and vineyards (Num.
    35:2-5). Nine of these cities were in Judah, three in Naphtali,
    and four in each of the other tribes (Josh. 21). Six of the
    Levitical cities were set apart as "cities of refuge" (q.v.).
    Thus the Levites were scattered among the tribes to keep alive
    among them the knowledge and service of God. (See PRIEST.)