ìNeither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the
tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. But the
Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation,
and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever
throughout your generationsÖî Numbers 18:22-23a
They were also entrusted with the Ark of the Covenant. The inheritance of the
tribe of Levi was the LORD.
ìAt that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the
ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to
minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren;
the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God
promised him.î Deuteronomy 10:8-9
Only a member of the tribe of Levi was allowed to touch the ark. Anyone else
that violated this command died.
ìAnd when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put
forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the
oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against
Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he
died by the ark of God.î 2 Samuel 6:6-7
Since the tribe of Levi was given no inheritance, the tithe was established
under the Law so that the Children of Israel would support the Levites.
ìÖamong the children of Israel they have no inheritance. But
the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave
offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit:
therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel
they shall have no inheritance.î Numbers 18:23b-24
The LORD Himself was the portion of the tribe of Levi.