Levite (Jacob's son living at the time of the Patriarchs)

Levites were members of the tribe of Levi set apart to serve in Israel's tabernacle and later temple, assisting the priests, who came from Aaron's branch of the same tribe. Because their work was religious rather than agricultural, they received no tribal land allotment; instead they were given forty eight designated cities scattered among the other tribes and lived on tithes from the rest of Israel. Their duties ranged from carrying and guarding the sacred furnishings during the wilderness journey to serving later as temple musicians, gatekeepers, and teachers of the law.