The “twelve tribes of Israel,” the descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons, divided up the land of Israel among themselves.
But the Levites, descendants of Jacob’s son Levi, were a special case. Instead of a large chunk of land, the Levites received certain cities (forty-eight in all) scattered throughout Israel.
More important, Levites served as the “priestly tribe,” ministering in the temple as priests, aides, and musicians.
Moses and his brother Aaron, Israel’s first high priest, were Levites (see 445 [Aaron]).
The Old Testament’s book of Leviticus, consisting mostly of ceremonial laws, takes its name from the Levites.
