I Chronicles 4-7

“The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari …” (6:1).  The Chronicles’ lists kept track of which families owned land in Israel, especially when the exiles returned from Babylon.  The tribe of Levites had very little land, because they were set apart to serve in the Temple alongside the priests, who offered sacrifices (6:48-49).   Together, those who served in the Temple and those who farmed land and built cities made up the covenant people of God.

The Levites’ role prepared Israel for the work of Jesus the High Priest, who opened the way into God’s holy presence for every tribe and person – Jews and Gentiles, men and women, farmers and priests – through the sacrifice of himself (Heb 7-8).