Numbers 35:1-8; Joshua 21:1-42; 1 Chronicles 6:39-66
Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi was not allotted any portion in the Promised Land for their inheritance (Numbers 18:20-24; 26:62; Deuteronomy 10:9; 18:1-2; Joshua 18:7). Instead, they were supported by the tithes of the other Israelites and were allotted various towns to inhabit among the other tribes. These towns were not occupied solely by Levites, nor were the Levites required to live in these towns. These towns also continued to be regarded as belonging to the tribes within whose boundaries the towns were located. Each of the four clans of Levites was allotted a specific set of towns from a specific group of tribes, as shown in these maps. Each of the clans were assigned various responsibilities for the upkeep of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Gershonites were responsible for the tent of the Tabernacle, its coverings, and its various curtains and ropes. The Kohathites were responsible for the sanctuary, the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the articles of the sanctuary. The Merarites were responsible for the Tabernacle’s frame, crossbars, posts, bases, and equipment, as well as the equipment of the surrounding courtyard (Numbers 3:25-37).
Priestly Kohathites:
Non-Priestly Kohathites:
Gershonites:
Merarites:
