The appointed ministers of the sanctuary, the Levites received no landed inheritance; they dwelt together in cities set apart for their use, and received their support from the tithes and the gifts and offerings devoted to God's service. They were the teachers of the people, guests at all their festivities, and everywhere honored as servants and representatives of God. To the whole nation was given the command: "Take heed to thyself that 149 thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth." "Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance." Deuteronomy 12: 19; 10:9.

Som beskikkede tjenere ved helligdommen fik levitterne ingen arv i landet. De boede sammen i byer, der var forbeholdt dem, og fik deres underhold fra tienden og de gaver og ofre, som var viet tjenesten for Gud. De var folkets lærere, var gæster ved alle deres fester og blev alle vegne hædret som Guds tjenere og repræsentanter. Hele folket havde fået denne befaling:»Vogt dig vel for at glemme levitten, så længe du lever i dit land!"»Derfor fik Levi ikke arvelod og del sammen med sine brødre; Herren selv er hans arvelod.« 5Mos. 12,19; 10,9.