The Levites were given as a gift to Aaron and his sons to assist them in the service of the tabernacle. As priests, Aaron and his sons had the most sacred duties, but they could not perform all the work alone. The Levites were appointed to support them by carrying out necessary tasks, maintaining order, and guarding the sanctuary.
“Bring the Levites before the Lord, and Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord like a wave offering from the children of Israel, that they may perform the work of the Lord. Then the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the young bulls, and you shall offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the Lord, to make atonement for the Levites. And you shall stand the Levites before Aaron and his sons, and then offer them like a wave offering to the Lord. Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine.” (Numbers 8:11–14)
By assigning the Levites to Aaron, God ensured that the priesthood was supported in its ministry. This arrangement reinforced that worship and service were to be orderly and according to His design. The Levites’ role as a gift also emphasized that ministry was not about personal ambition but about God’s calling and provision.
