THE TRIBE OF LEVI The importance of the tribe of Levi: In this chapter we find the genealogies of the priests and the Levites, and their dwelling locations. Giving special care to the tribe of Levi, on account of their specific role in the ministry of the temple; the genealogies of the descendants of Aaron came in some detail, particularly those of his son Eleazar It so seems that the goal of this work is to present the main priestly line; up to the time of captivity (4 -15); to be completed by what came in (Nehemiah 12: 10-11); of a list of the high priests after the captivity; to confirm the legitimacy of the priests after the return from captivity (see Ezra 2: 62-63; Nehemiah 7: 64-65).. As the genealogies of Judah were important for making sure of having the kings from the house of David, chosen by God; so was the high importance of the genealogies of the Levites for the continuity of the ministry in the house of the Lord; All the persons who carry out religious works in the tabernacle of meetings or in the temple, had to be of the descendants of Levi. The Levites who, although being truly children of the priests, yet, “having sought their listings among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found, therefore they were excluded from the priesthood, and were denied eating of the most holy things” (Ezra 2: 62-63). Levi has been the third among Jacob’s sons from Leah; and when certain of his descendants showed jealousy for the Lord, He separated the Levites from all the tribes of Israel for the ministry in the house of the Lord (Deuteronomy 10: 8-9); and chose them instead of all the firstborn of all the tribes (Exodus 13: 11-13; Numbers 3: 44-45). The priests were descendants of Aaron of the tribe of Levi; and the rest of them were Levites who carried out the following tasks: 1- They carried the ark of the covenant on the departure of the congregation, and set it up on their arrival 2- As their tribe had no portion in the promised land, they were given cities in the midst of all the tribes, to teach them the law of God. 3- They had the right of the tithes in livestock, crops, and revenues. 4- David separated 24,000 of them for the holy ministry; 6000 for teaching; 4000 as gatekeepers; and 4000 for singing praise and playing music (2 Chronicles 23: 3-5). The Levites represent a group, bound together, on account, not of their presence in a certain place, but through carrying out a specific task wherever they go. The genealogies of the tribe of Levi: In the list of the genealogies of the Levites, it is to be noticed: a- It is an incomplete list; having omitted ‘Jehoiada’, mentioned in (2 Chronicles 23-24); and ‘Uriah the priest, mentioned in (Ezra 8: 33). b- This list included 12 priestly generations from Aaron to the temple of Solomon (1 – 10); and 12 priestly generations from the temple of Solomon to the temple rebuilt after the return from captivity (11 – 15; Ezra 3: 2). Those 24 priestly generations carry a portrait reflecting upon what came in the book of Revelation (4: 10) c- The tribe of Levi could be followed through the three families of the sons of ‘Gershon’, ‘Kohath’, and ‘Merari’. 1- The origin of the family of Levi 1 - 3 2- The series of priests up to the time of captivity 4 - 15 3- The other Levite families 16 - 30 4- The singers of praise in the house of the Lord 31 - 48 5- The task of the priests 49 - 53 6- The dwelling places of the Levites, and the cities of refuge 54 – 81 1- THE ORIGIN OF THE FAMILY OF LEVI: “The sons of Levi were: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari” (1) From Levi to ‘Jehozadak’, who was carried into captivity, was 25 generations, covering a period of about 1300 years. Yet, the list here does not include some of the high priests, like ‘Jehoiada’ (2 kings 11), ‘Azariah’ (2 Chronicles 26: 17), ‘Uriah’ (2 kings 16: 15), ‘Azariah (2 kings 31: 10). For the book was not preoccupied with presenting a complete list of the high priests, as much as with presenting the genealogies of ‘Jehozadak’, who was the high priest in the time of captivity, and his son ‘Joshua’ the high priest after the captivity (Haggai 1: 1). The tribe of Levi were separated for ministry in the ark of the covenant (Numbers 3-4); then in the temple (1 Chronicles 23-26). Aaron the brother of the prophet Moses was set as the first high priest (1 Chronicles 6: 3); And, according to God’s command, all the priests were descendants of Aaron; whereas the rest of the tribe of Levi, had their important role in the ministry of the house of the Lord, as assistants to the priests in their ministry; as well as they dwelt in the midst of the tribes to teach the people the word of God, and to help them obey the divine commandment. The children of Levi in the order of birth were ‘Gershon’, ‘Kohath’, and “Merari. “Gershon”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a bell); the firstborn of Levi, and founder of the Gershonite family (1 Chronicles 6: 16-17) “Kohath”; A Hebrew name, probably meaning (a synagogue); the second son of Levi, and the founder of the Kohathite family. He lived 133 years, and begot four sons, among whom were ‘Amram’ father of Moses, and Izhar father of ‘Korah’ who rebelled against his cousin Moses (1 Chronicles 6: 1’ 16; 23: 6). He had a sister by the name of ‘Jocabed’, married to his son ‘Amram’, from whom he begot Aaron, Miriam, and the prophet Moses. ‘Omram’, therefore was married to his aunt. As all the priests were children of the ‘Kohathites’, every priest was therefore a Levite; but not every Levite is a priest. “The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel” (2) He does not start with ‘Gershon’ by the natural order of birth, but according to the choice of grace; namely by ‘Kohath’ as the origin of the Aaronite priesthood. “Amram”; A Hebrew name, meaning (high) “Izhar”; A Hebrew name, meaning (illuminates or shines) (1 Chronicles 6: 18) “Hebron”; A Hebrew name, meaning (company, bond, or unity): the founder of a family (1 Chronicles 6: 2, 18; 23: 12). Beside Levi the son of Kohath the founder of the family, a town by the same name ‘Hebron’ had villages annexed to it, given to the priests; and was one of the cities of refuge (1 Chronicles 6: 54-57) “The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses, and Miriam; and the sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar” (3) ‘Aaron’ represents priesthood; Moses represents the law; and Miriam represents the prophecy. Moses and Aaron were honored by the Lord; having used them as tools for the salvation of the people, and as His representatives. He starts by priesthood, and not by the law; as it symbolizes the Lord Christ, the heavenly High Priest, who intercedes, reconciling us by His blood with the Father; to let us understand the law or the divine commandments. As it is customary in the genealogies, he starts by the natural man then opens the way for the spiritual man. He starts here with ‘Nadab’ and ‘Abihu’, according to nature; who were consecrated as priests to the Lord (Exodus 28: 1). But, having offered profane fire, the Lord allowed for them to be killed (Leviticus 10: 1-7; Numbers 26: 61). They probably have been drunk when they so did; hence the Lord forbade the priests to enter the tabernacle of meeting after drinking wine (Leviticus 10: 9). They are followed by ‘Eleazar’ and ‘Ithamar’. The first a priest according to the choice of grace; and the second ‘Ithamar’, who was sent away to leave his place to ‘Eleazar’. As Abiathar helped ‘Adonijah’ son of David, in his attempt to take the throne by force (1 Kings 1: 7); he and his descendants were sent away by Solomon once he sat on the throne (1 Kings 2: 26-27); and gave the honor of priesthood to ‘Eleazar’ and his descendants. The prophet Moses, the priest Aaron, and their sister Miriam, the prophetess, were a work group to the account of the kingdom of God; each according to his talent and mission; but the three of them worked with harmony under the leadership of God Himself; Each was in need of the others; for there is no perfect leader except the Lord Christ alone. “The prophet Moses”; He led the people in exodus; received the ten commandments and the law; encountered God as a representative of the people; The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend; and enjoyed beholding the glory of God from the back. “Aaron”; The first high priest; accompanied his brother to encounter with Pharaoh; and was the speaker on his behalf, for Moses was of heavy mouth and tongue. However, in spite of his exalted position, being chosen by the Lord to be the first high priest; yet Aaron had his weaknesses: a- He surrendered to the request of the people, to make for them a golden calf, when Moses delayed on Mount Sinai b- Together with Moses, they disobeyed the Lord’s command concerning bringing water out of the rock. c- He joined his sister Miriam in criticizing their brother Moses’ marriage to the Ethiopian woman. + Aaron’s dry rod gave fruition; Today the secret is revealed; when the womb of the Virgin bore a child. + Seeing how his rod ate the serpents (Exodus 7: 12), Aaron understood how the Lord’s cross eats the serpent that ate Adam and Eve. (St. (Mar) Ephraim the Syrian) “The prophetess Miriam”; Led the women in praising God after crossing over the Red Sea; But she joined her brother Aaron in criticizing their brother Moses; for which she was inflicted with leprosy, and was separated from the camp for a week. + Moses, made like God over the camp, ordered and commanded the children of Jacob; Miriam, like a bride of God; held the guitar among the tribes; Aaron, carrying his censor, entered into the dome of time (the tabernacle of meetings), for the sake of the forgiveness of his people’s sins. By his censor he drove the horrible death away, and instantly stopped the work of the angel of perdition; Moses and Aaron saved the people from bondage in Egypt; and Aaron the priest became a forgiver and a purifier; (St. (Mar) Jacob el-Serougi) “Nadab” and “Abihu”; Nadab, a Hebrew name, meaning (generous); the firstborn of Aaron, from ‘Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab (Exodus 6: 23; Numbers 3: 2); He was among the few who were allowed by the Lord to approach Mount Sinai. ‘Abihu’ A Hebrew name, meaning (My Father, He is) Nadab and Abihu died for their disobedience to God, through offering a profane fire (Leviticus 10: 1-7). Most probably they were drunk; hence God denied the priests to enter into the tabernacle of meeting after drinking wine (Deuteronomy 1): 9); And ‘Eleazar became a high priest after the death of his father Aaron (Numbers 20: 28). “Eleazar”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God is Help); became a high priest after the death of his father Aaron (Numbers 20: 24-28) “Ithamar”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Coast of palm trees); carried out an important role in organizing the ministries of worship in the tabernacle of the covenant (Numbers 4: 28, 33; 7: 8). 2- THE SERIES OF PRIESTS UP TO THE TIME OF CAPTIVITY: “Eleazar begot Phinehas, and Phinehas begot Abishua” (4) ‘Eleazar begot ‘Phinehas’, a man of zeal and valor; Like ‘Caleb’ who in his faith, presented virtue; He was chosen by the Lord to continue the line of priesthood, with no break, until ‘Azariah’ (9) who ministered in the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem (10). Then to ‘Jehozadak’ who was carried into captivity in Babylon (15). In captivity their genealogy stopped and became vague; as well as that of the line of royalty. “Abishua begot Bukki, and Bukki begot Uzzi” (5) “Bukki”; A Hebrew name, an abbreviation of the same word (in Arabic); a descendant of high priests, who most probably did not reach that position. “Uzzi”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is power); a descendant of high priests, and an ancestor of ‘Ezra’ (1 Chronicles 6: 5, 6, 51). “Uzzi begot Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begot Meraioth” (6) “Zerahiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (the Lord shined); a priest descendant of ‘Eleazar” (1 Chronicles 6: 6, 51) “Meraioth”; meaning (disobedience); a priest, son of ‘Zerahiah; a contemporary of ‘Eli’ the priest (1 Chronicles 6: 6-7; 52) “Meraioth begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub” (7) It is to be noticed that there is repetition of some names like ‘Amariah’ (7); different from ‘Amariah’ in verse (11). “Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Ahimaz” (8 Ahitub and Zadok in verse (8) are different from those in verse 12. Azariah in (9) is different from ‘Azariah’ in (10), and from him in (14) “Ahimaz”; A Hebrew name, meaning (brother of disgust or of anger) “Zadok”; A Hebrew name, meaning (righteous); most probably the young man who came to Hebron together with the leaders of Israel, to turn the kingdom from Saul to David (1 Chronicles 12: 27-28). He was one of the two great priests in the days of ‘Abiathar’; ‘Ahimalech’ the son of ‘Abiathar’ was the other priest (2 Samuel 8: 17), who during the rebellion of Absalom, fled together with David from Jerusalem, bearing the Ark of the covenant; but the king commanded them to go back with the Ark to the capital until the rebellion is over (2 Samuel 15: 24-29). When David grew old, and Adonijah his son intended to take the throne by force, Zadok remained faithful to David; while Abiathar helped Adonijah, and was sent away by Solomon. “Ahimaz begot Azariah, and Azariah begot Johanan” (9) “Johanan”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is compassionate); son of Azariah, and father of Azariah the priest (9-10) Azariah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (whom Jehovah helped). Many bore this name, among whom were: a- The grandson of Zadok, son of Ahimaz; a great priest (6:9) b- The son of Johanan, a great priest (10-11) c- The son of Hilkiah, father of Seraiah; a great priest (13-14; 9: 11) d- The son of Zephaniah, a Kohathite; one of whose grandchildren was the prophet Samuel, and Heman, the singer of praise (36) “Johanan begot Azariah (it was he who ministered as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem)”.(10) “Azariah”; The fourth generation from Zadok who was in the days of Solomon (1 Kings 2: 35). The one who was a priest in the days of Solomon was probably not the one mentioned in verse (9). ”Jerusalem”; has been the political capital of Judah and Palestine for a long time; It is a holy city of the Jews, the Christians, and the Muslims. “Azariah begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub” (11) “Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Shallum” (12) “Zadok”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Just or righteous); a priest, a descendant of the great priests, father of Shallum, and son of the second Ahitub (12). “Shallum”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a reward); one of the high priests from Zadok, a precedent of Ezra; lived before Nebuchadnezar put Jerusalem under siege (12-15). “Shallum begot Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begot Azariah” (13) “Hilkiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is my portion); More than one bore this name, among whom: a- A Levi, son of Amaziah, of the children of Merari (45-46) b- The high priest, contemporary of king ‘Josiah’ who helped the king in his religious reform, found the book of the law, while he was counting the silver entering the temple. “Azariah begot Seraiah, and Seraiah begot Jehozadak” (14) “Jehozadak”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is just). When Nebuchadnezzar killed the great high priest ‘Seraiah’, he took his son ‘Jehozadak’ captive (15) to Babylon; He was the father of Josiah the priest who returned together with Zerubbabel from Babylon, to rebuild the temple and the Jewish synagogue (Haggai 1: 1, 12, 14). “Seraiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God has overcome); the great priest during the reign of Zedekiah, was taken into captivity together with many of the great men of the kingdom, and was killed. His name came among those of the high priests (14). “Jehozadak went into captivity when the Lord carried Judah and Jerusalem into captivity by the hand of Nebuchadnezar” (15) In the last chapter we saw how God used ‘Tiglath-Pileser’ the Assyrian king, as a historical tool against the Northern kingdom (5: 26). Now we see His hand chastising Judah by the Babylonian captivity (15) This historical concept reveals what is behind this book of theological concept of the historical events. 3- THE OTHER LEVITE FAMILIES: “The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari” (16) The ritual singing of praise (the praise and thanksgiving) were the essence of the sacrificial worship (Hosea 14: 3; Isaiah12: 25-26; Malachi 1: 11) After mentioning the descendants of Kohath; of whom were the priests; he mentions the descendants of Gershon, the firstborn. “Gershon”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a stranger) or (godly); derived from the Hebrew word, meaning (drive away, or exile); called Gershon the son of Levi in (6: 1); and Gershon in (1 Chronicles 16: 16-17). “These were the names of the sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei” (17) The goal of the following genealogies is to present a list of the descendants of Levi, who were not priests, but regular Levites. “The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Heron, and Uzziel” (18) “Amram”; Father of Aaron, and the whole line of the high priests. As to the rest of the priests, they go back to Kohath from his other sons: Izhar, Heron, and Uzziel. As to the descendants of Levi, not from Kohath, it was definitely impossible for them to be set as priests. “Uzziel”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God is power). “The sons of Merari were Mahli, and Mushi. Now these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers” (19) “Mahli”; A Hebrew name, meaning (ill); a grandson of Merari (47) Mushi”; the son of Merari the son of Levi (19) “Of Gershon were Libni his son, Johath his son, Zimmah his son” (20) “Zimmah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a counsel( or (deception); one of the children of Gershon; son of Shimei, and grandson of Johath. “Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son” (21) “Joah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is Brother); the name of a Levite, son of Zinmmah (21); he may probably be Ethan, a Gershonite. “Iddo”; (its plural is enemies in Hebrew), on whom God exhorted us to have compassion, to keep their possessions, to love, pray for them, help them; to treat them gently, and not to rejoice on their affliction, fall, and death; Yet He also warned against friendship with the wicked, and exhorted us to seek protection from them. “Zerah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (the shining of the light); A Levite of the children of Gershon; Many of the men of the old covenant were called by this name (21; 41). ”Jeatherai”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah guides). A Levite of the children of Gershon; also called Ethni (41). “The sons of Kohath were Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son” (22) “Amminadab”; A Hebrew name, meaning (generous); A Levite; whose name came in other locations as Izhar in (2); and in (38). He is the father of Korah (^: 37, 38; Exodus 6: 21; Numbers 16: 1). “Korah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (joy). This sin of Korah and his group came in (Numbers 26: 9-11). Whereas his descendants lived and became famous in ministering to the temple (22, 37). “Assir”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a captive); By this name, in the Holy Book, the following were called: a-A Levite, born to Korah in Egypt (22) b- A grandson of the man mentioned in (a), and son of Ebiasaph; a captive, a relative of Samuel (23) “Alkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son” (23) “Alkanah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God created or acquired); Among others who bore this name: a- A Levite of the family of Kohath, from the house of Izhar, and of the Korites (36) b- A Levite of the same family, house, and group as the previous one; son of Joel (36) c- A Levite of the same family, house, and group as the previous ones; son of Mahath(26, 35) d- A Levite of the same family, house, and group as the previous ones; son of Jeroham from the mountains of Ephraim; lived in Ramathaim-Zophim; who had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah; father of the prophet Samuel from his wife Hannah In this division, we notice that ‘Alkanah’ and his son ‘Samuel’ were seen as belonging to the Levite line (23-26); while in the first book of Samuel the house of Alkanah was said to an ‘Ephraimite’. It is obvious that they were Levites who lived in the province of Ephraim; No wonder when we take into consideration that the Levites were scattered among all the tribes. “Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son” (24) “Tahath”; A Hebrew name, meaning (what is underneath); A Levite of the family of Korah, of the house of Izhar (24, 37) “Uriel”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God is my light); the son of Taheth of the family of Kohath of the tribe of Levi was mentioned in (24). Uriel here is Zephaniah in (36). And Uzziah and Shaul here are Uzziah and Joel in (36) “Uzziah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is power), A Kohathite Levi; son of Shaul (24) “Shaul”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Was sought from God); A Kohathite Levi (24) “The sons of Alkanah were Amasai, and Ahimoth” (25) “Amasai”; A Hebrew name, meaning (carried by Jehovah); son of Alkanah; a Kohathite Levi; one of the group of Himan the singer of praise in the days of David (25, 35) “Ahimoth”; A Hebrew name, meaning (the brother of death) “As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah were Zophai his son, Nahath his son” (26) “Zophai”;A Hebrew name, meaning (honey); a Kohath Levite, an ancestor of Samuel (35) “Nahath”; A Hebrew name, meaning (rest); a Kohath Levite; probably the same Zuph in (34 and 35) “Eliab his son, Jehoram his son, and Elkanah his son” (27) “Eliab”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God is Father); a Levite, an ancestor of Samuel (27, 34); called Eliel in (34) “The sons of Samuel were Joel the firstborn, and Abijah the second” (28) “The prophet Samuel”; After a period of darkness during the era of the ‘Judges’, came Samuel, the Judge and prophet; he united the people, and drew them to worship God, and to trust in Him. He came as a fruit of his mother’s Hannah prayers (1 Samuel 3: 19-20) He was a man of God. Prayer was his slogan: “As for me, far it be from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you”, but I shall teach you the good and right way” (1 Samuel 12: 23). He was a Judge, priest, prophet, and a counselor to king Saul; whom he rebuked for not heeding his council; He was, as well, a counselor to king David. He was the last judge of Israel; He anointed two kings: Saul and David; but, unfortunately he did not succeed in raising his own two sons. According to some, although Samuel belonged to another tribe; yet he was counted as one of the Levites (28, 16); because of his relationship to the temple. And according to others, he was called an Ephraimite; not because he was of the tribe of Ephraim, but on account of that he dwelt in Remithaim-Zophim within the territory of the tribe of Ephraim; hence he was raised by Eli the priest (1 Samuel 9: 13; 10: 8). “Joel”; the firstborn of Samuel, and the second was Abijah. (1 Chronicles 6: 28; as well as in some of the Greek Septuagint versions, and in the Syrian version). “Abijah”; meaning (God is father) or (God is my Father) “The sons of Merari were Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son” (29) “Uzzah”; A Hebrew name , meaning (strength); a Levite son of Merari. “Shimei his son, Haggiah, and Asaiah his son” (30) “Shimei”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God hears); By this name, a Levite of the Merari family (30), and another Levite of the Gershon family (30-43), were called. “Haggiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Servant of Jehovah). “Asaiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah worked); A Levite, head of the Merari family; took part in bringing the Ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem in the days of king David (30-31; 15: 6, 11). 4- THE SINGERS OF PRAISE IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: Here is included a list of those who led the singing of praise in the temple (see also 1 Chronicles 9: 23). In Israel, singing praise has been developed to a great extent; David so greatly cared for it, to be called “The sweet psalmist of Israel) (2 Samuel 23: 1); Most of the psalms were referred to him; and as many of the psalms were used in worship and praise of the Lord, no wonder that many of them were referred to Asaph (39). “Now these are the men who David appointed over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest” (31) During the journey in the wilderness, the Cohathites had the privilege to carry the tabernacle of meeting with all its inclusions; and were entrusted to carry the Ark of the covenant. Now, as the Ark came to rest in the promised land, and there was no need to carry it, David set of the three families of the Levites, groups for the service of singing praise in the house of the Lord; until Solomon built the temple, when all of them continued their ministry in the temple. The list of the Levite singers of praise came in unusual detail; According to some, the author depended on his own memory, being of the family of Levi; or depended on the registers kept in the possession of his family, and was delivered from generation to generation. The book often talks about the great care of David – “the sweet psalmist of Israel” – as a spiritual musician, who organized the musical work in the liturgical worship (15: 16, 27; 25: 1, 2; 2 Chronicles 29, 26; Nehemiah 12: 46). And who did a great job to assign chief singers, and groups to praise on a regular basis. “They were ministering with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they served in their office according to their order” (32) “And these are the ones who ministered with their sons: Of the sons of the Kohathites were Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel” (33) According to some, the chief singers Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (Jaduthun), were referred to the three Levite families: Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. The continuity and the legitimacy of the singers were set upon two things: (1) Those who were assigned by David, who established the Liturgical music, were Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (Jeduthun 1 Chronicles 25: 1) (2) The genealogies of those three came together with the genealogies of the Levites. After the return from captivity, it was only referred to Asaph’s family (Ezra 2: 41; Nehemiah 7: 44); As to Heman and Ethan, they were mentioned in another place in the first book of the Chronicles, being affiliated to the sanctuary in Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16: 37, 41). As supervisors on the singers of each family: Heman was on the Kohathites, Asaph on the Gershonites, and Ethan on the Merarites. “Heman”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Faithful); the name of the son of Joel, the son of the prophet Samuel; of the Levites, the children of Korah (1 Chronicles 6: 33; 15: 17) “Joel the son of Samuel”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is God); More than one bore this name, among whom were: 1- The firstborn of Samuel ((33; 15: 17) 2- One related to Heman, the Kohathite singer (36) “The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah (34) “Jeroham”; A Hebrew name, meaning (on whom God has mercy); an ancestor of Samuel (27) “Eliel”; A Hebrew name, meaning (ieL is God); A Kohathite Levi, an ancestor of Samuel, also called (Eliab and Elihu (1 Chronicles 6: 1, 24) “Toah”; A Kohathite Levi (34) “The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai” (35) “Mahath”; A Hebrew name, meaning (holder); A Kohathite Levi (35); of the ancestors of the prophet Samuel. “The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah” (36) “The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah” (37) “Zephaniah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah covers up); A Kohathite Levi) (36-38) Despite punishing Korah on his rebellion against Aaron (Numbers 16: 16); his descendants served as musician Levites; And the book of Psalms included some the psalms they composed their music (Psalm 42-49; 84-88). “Ebiasaph”; A Hebrew name, meaning (my father had the increase); a head of one of the Korathite families (23, 37) “The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel” (38) “Izhar”; A Hebrew name, meaning (illuminate or shine) (1 Chronicles 6: 18) “And his brother Asaph, who stood at his right hand, was Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimiah” (39) “Asaph”; A Hebrew name, meaning (the one who gathers together), or probably an abbreviation of (God gathered together); A Levite of the Gershonite family (3(, 43); He, Heman the son of Joel, and Ethan; used to stand among the singers, with musical instruments; Then was given a perpetual position as a cymbal player in the ministry of the temple. Asaph was called ‘a Seer’, like all the other chief singers of praise. And when it was time to set a perfect final system of ministry, his family with Asaph as its head was perpetually appointed to become responsible for the ministry of music accompanying the songs of praise in the house of the Lord; They used to stand on the right side during their ministry (39) He was called a brother of Heman the son of Joel, concerning the profession, and not the family relationship. Asaph stood on the right side, being a descendant of Gershon the firstborn of Levi; Merari stood on the left side, being the younger son of Levi; And Heman stood in the middle; being the middle son among the three Kohathites. “Berachiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning ((blessed by God); A Levite, father of Asaph (39; 15: 17). “The son of Michael, the son of Basaeiah, the son of Malchijah” (40) “Michael”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Who is like God?); A Gershonite Levite (40) “Basaeiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (The work of Jehovah); in some old writings and translations it came as “Maseiah” “Malchijah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is the King); A Gershonite Levite (40). “The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah” (41) “Ethni”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a gift), A Gershonite Levite; probably the same person mentioned in (1 Chronicles 6: 21) by the name of ‘Jeatherai’. “Adaiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (who is adorned by Jehovah); A Gershonite Levite, the son of Ethan, father of Zerah; one of the ‘Asaph’ group of singers in the house of the Lord, in the days of David. “The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei” (42) “Ethan”; A Hebrew name, meaning (steady); More than one bore this name, among whom were: 1- The son of Kishi, of the tribe of Levi; a singer in the tabernacle of meeting in the days of David (44, 47). 2- The son of Zimmah, of the tribe of Levi (42) “The son of Johath, the son of Gershon, the son of Levi” (43) “Johath”; A Hebrew name, meaning (to snatch); A Gershonite Levite (20) “And their brethren , the sons of Merari, on the left hand, were Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch” (44) “Ethan”; Different from Ethan mentioned in verse 42; for this one is a descendant of Merari, while the former was a Gershonite – Jeduthun (42); his name probably changed, as it happened with Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob. “Kishi”; A Levite of the family of Merari. “Malluch”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Owner) “The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah” (45) “Hashabiah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah ordained); A Merari Levite, a descendant of Amaziah; an ancestor of Jeduthun or Ethan (44-45) “Amaziah”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is powerful) (45) “The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer” (46) “Amzi”; A Hebrew name, probably an abbreviation of Amaziah (46) “Bani”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a building); probably an abbreviation of Banaiahh; a Merari Levite (46) “Shamer”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Guard); A Merari Levite (46) “The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi” (47) “Mahli”; A Hebrew name, meaning (ill); a grandson of Merari (47; 23: 23) “Mushi”; The son of Merari the son of Levi (19) “Merari”; A Hebrew name, meaning (bitter); the third son of Levi, and the head of Merari (1 Chronicles 6: 1, 16). And after opening the land of canaan, the children of Merari were given twelve cities from the portion of Reuben, God, and Zebulun (63, 77-81). “And their brethren, the Levites, were appointed to every kind of service of the tabernacle of the house of God” (48) 5- THE TASK OF THE PRIESTS: The family of Aaron: “But Aaron and his sons offered sacrifices on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the Most Holy Place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded” (49) The priest children of Aaron had double task: a- Taking care of the altar of burned offering, and of the golden altar of incense; together with ministering in the Most Holy Place. b- Make atonement for Israel according to the law received by the prophet Moses; a symbol of the work of the Lord Christ: to be a “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrew 2: 17). Aaron and his sons, having alone the right to practice priesthood; particularly offering the sacrifices, symbolizing the Lord Christ, slain for the sake of the salvation of the world; had the need, themselves, to be purified and sanctified; on account of that the goal of their ministry was to sanctify the whole people for the Holy God, They were committed to a specific rite in ministering the house of the Lord; the way the heavenly hosts are committed to a specific rite, as it came in the book of revelation. In the church of the new covenant, although we are, as well, committed to a rite, yet not to be practiced with a deadly literality, but with the Spirit. “Now these are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son” (50) “Eleazar”; A Hebrew name, meaning (God helped) “Phinehas”; An Egyptian name, meaning (Nubian); son of Eleazar, and grandson of Aaron (1 Chronicles 6: 4, 50). “Abishua”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Father of salvation) (4-5, 50) “Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son” (51) “Uzzi”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah is power); the son of Bukki and father of Zeraiah, a descendant of the Levite high priests; and an ancestor of Ezra (5, 6, 51) “Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitab his son” (52) Maraioth”; meaning (disobedience); a priest, son of Zeraiah, a contemporary of Eli the priest (6-7, 52) Amarih”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Jehovah said); More than one bore this name, among whom were: 1- A priest, a son of Meraioth (6-7) 2- A high priest , the son of Azariah (11) “Ahitub”; A Hebrew name, meaning (brother of goodness); More than one in the Holy Book bore this name, among whom were: 1- The son of Amariah, and father of Zadok the priest (7-8) 2- Another Ahitub, of the same family, whose father is also Amariah, and his grandson is Zadok (11-12) “Zadok his son, and Ahimaz his son” (53) “Zadok”; A Hebrew name, meaning ((Just or righteous); a priest descendant of the great priests; father of Shallum; and the son of the second Ahitub (12). Zadok was the head of a priestly family in the days of David, as it came in the second book of Samuel; Yet it was the book of the Chronicles that gave us his genealogy. Unfortunately, the descendants of Zadok, in the days of the Lord Christ (the Sadducees) have rejected and denied the Son of David 5- THE DWELLING PLACES OF THE LEVITES AND THE CITIES OF REFUGE: Some of the names changed from the way it came in (Joshua 21: 13-19) ‘Hilen’ here is ‘Holon’ in Joshua 21; and ‘Alemeth’ here is ‘Almon’ in Joshua 21. Not all the cities mentioned here were from the portion of the tribe of Manasseh, but some of them were from Ephraim and Dan. “Now these are their dwelling places throughout their settlements in their territory, for they were assigned by lot to the sons of Aaron, of the family of the Kohathites” (54) The tribe of Levi were not given a specific portion in the promised land like the other tribes; for the Lord Himself was their portion. And as the Levites were spread all over the land, they were given cities and common-lands within the portions of the tribes, to give them the chance to teach the people the word of God, how to walk according to the will of God, and in obedience to Him’’ The children of Aaron had their possessions close to Jerusalem so as to be always ready to minister there. It is to be noticed that the priests in this chapter were not counted as a group secluded from the rest of Israel. It was befitting of them to live in the midst of the tribes of Israel to be at the service of the people. In the ministry of the new covenant, the priests with their ranks, whether they are bishops, priests, or deacons, are no more chosen from a specific family or tribe. “They gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, with its surrounding common-lands” (55) We know that the Levites were not given a portion of their own in the promised land; the Lord Himself being their portion. Yet they had cities in the midst of the tribes, some of which became cities of refuge. It is to be noticed that all the major cities in the promised lands, beside Jerusalem, were assigned as priestly cities: Debir, Beth-Shemesh, Anathoth, , Sheshem, Gezer, Aijalon, Golan, Jermuth, Kedesh, Tabro, etc. The cities of the Levites included the twelve cities of refuge; the order of which are bound to (Joshua 21); which are: Hebron, Sheshem, Golan, in Bashan, Kedesh, Jattir, Jermuth in Gilead. The city of Hebron came on the top of the list; As in it David received his throne on the tribes of Israel; It was taken by the children of Aaron, and became for them a city of refuge (55, 57). Hence royalty was bound to priesthood. “But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh” (56) Hebron was given to Caleb for the sake of his faithfulness in his task spying the promised land (Joshua 15: 13) Libnah”; A Semite name, meaning (whiteness); a city on the coast between Maceda and Leshesh. It was within the portion of Judah, then was given to the descendants of Aaron. “And to the sons of Aaron they gave one of the cities of refuge, Hebron; also Libnah with its common-lands, Jattir, Eshtomoa with its commonlands” (57) The cities of refuge: For this goal, certain of the cities of the Levites were assigned as cities of refuge, that “any manslayer may flee whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, not having hated him in time past” Deuteronomy 19: 4). Out of the 48 cities, six cities were chosen, spread all over the land east and west of the Jordan, that had their own statute. God is the soul’s refuge; the psalmist says: “God is my refuge” (Psalm 59: 9, 16; 61: 3); “You are my strong refuge” (Psalm 71: 70; Six cities were set: three east of the Jordan, and three in land of Canaan. If the east of the Jordan refers to the church of the old covenant, which did not cross over the holy water of baptism; and if the land of Canaan refers to the church of the new covenant; Man’s refuge, whether in the old or the new covenant, is the Holy Trinity; the One God for all. The figure 6, referring as well to man’s complete days of work. Man, in all the days of his sojourn will find in God his refuge; he will find his arms always open to him; never to be closed. Lest someone may assume that the statute of the cities of refuge implies any softness toward the crime of murder; the following are taken into consideration: a- The crime of murder, is not proved by the testimony of one witness, but by more, and is punished by death b- No ransom is accepted from the guilty party; so that the rich would not assume that, by his money he could get away with murder; but he who kills must be killed. c- Any slothfulness in punishing the killer, would be counted as defilement of the land they dwell in; and where the Lord Himself dwells in its midst. To make clear the idea behind the city of refuge, he confirms that salvation does not mean slothfulness with sin, or with the value of the life of others. In the days of St. John Chrysostom, ‘Atropius, who was an oppressor of the church; When he was accused of treason against the Emperor, and of plotting to have him killed, he took refuge in the altar. The police and the people then expected that St. John Chrysostom will definitely make revenge by having him delivered outside the church to be killed; but the saint proclaimed his love; and gave two sermons about the concept and mission of the church, even toward her oppressors, proclaiming that the beauty of the altar lies in loving the enemies. The city of refuge undoubtedly is the Lord Christ Himself; But the revenge is sought by the law that seeks the divine justice. The Lord Christ came to realize mercy together with justice; having received in His body, as our representative, the death under which the sinner falls; by which He liberates us, and opens before us the way to the Higher Jerusalem. Yet, the sinner is committed to hasten to flee without delay to a city of refuge, to find its gates always open. By that he would not fall under the judgment for which the Savior paid the price in full. “Jattir”; A Hebrew name, meaning (exaltation); a city in the mountains of Judea, given to the priests (57); was a city of refuge; claimed to be 6 miles north of Moladah, and 13 miles south-west of Hebron. “Eshtomoa”; A Hebrew name, meaning (obedience); And also a name of a city in the mountains of Judea, given to the priests (57) “Hilen with its common-lands, Debir with its common-lands” (58) “Hilen”, or Holon; a Hebrew name, probably meaning (Romelah); its location is unknown nowadays. Debir”; A Hebrew name, probably meaning (holy); a city in the mountains of Judea, in the ‘Nakab’ or in the land of the south, given as a portion to the priests (57, 58); claimed by some to be now the village of Dahria, 12 miles south-west of Hebron; but it is most probably Tel-Beth- Mersim, 13 miles west to south-west of Hebron, and three miles north to north-west of Shamir. Excavations in Debir revealed ruins that go back to the era of the Canaanites, the Egyptians, the Heksus, and the Hebrews. Ashan with its common-lands, and Beth Shemesh with its commonlands” (59) “Ashan”; A Hebrew name, meaning (smoke) “Beth Shemesh”; or (house of the sun); a name by which four places were called in the Holy Book. “And from the tribe of Benjamin; Geba and its common-lands, Alemeth with its common-lands, and Anathoth with its common-lands. All their cities among their families were thirteen” (60) “Alemeth”; A Hebrew name, meaning (hiding), A Levite city, a portion given to the children of Benjamin (60); It is probably ‘Alemeth’ 4 miles north-east of Jerusalem, and one mile from Anathah. “Anathoth”; A Canaanite name, plural of ‘Anath’; a city in the portion of Benjamin, given to the Levites (60). “To the rest of the family of the tribe of the Kohathites they gave by lot ten cities from half the tribe of Manasseh” (61) The children of Israel used the lot as a sign of delivering themselves into the hand of the Lord; It was not done before raising a prayer seeking the intervention of the Lord’s hand, seeking the proclamation of His will; so that man would choose, not according to his own will, but to that of God. The children of Israel used the lot to seek the will of God, after raising prayers, for the following purposes: 1- To recognize a sinner (Joshua 7: 16, 18) 2- To appoint someone to a high position (1 Samuel 10: 20; etc.) 3- To assign portions (Numbers 55. etc.) 4- To divide the spoils of war, the garments of those convicted to prison or to death (Matthew 27: 35); As in the choice of the kid goat of the Lord, and the scape goat of Azazel on the day of atonement (Leviticus 16).. 5- To know the day convenient to perform evil things (Esther 3: 7) “Manasseh”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Who will forget?) “And to the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, they gave thirteen cities from the tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan” (62) “To the sons of Merari, throughout their families, they gave twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun” (63) “So the children of Israel gave these cities with their common-lands to the Levites” (64) “And they gave by lot from the tribe of the children of Judah, from the tribe of the children of Simeon, and from the tribe of the children of Benjamin these cities which are called by their names” (65) “Now some of the families of the sons of Kohath were given cities as their as their territory from the tribe of Ephraim” (66) “And they gave them one of the cities of refuge, Shechem with its common-lands, in the mountains of Ephraim, also Gezer with its common-lands” (67) “Shechem”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a shoulder); an ancient town, close to which Abraham set his tents, and built an altar (Genesis 12: 6); where the body of Joseph was buried (Joshua 24: 32); and where Joshua read the book of the law of Jehovah (Joshua 8: 30); and gave his farewell speech (Joshua 24: 1). It was chosen as one of the cities of refuge (Joshua 20: 7; 21: 21); and in it ten tribes rebelled against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, and set Jeroboam a king over them (1 Kings 12: 1-19). Nowadays it is called ‘Nablus’. “Gezer”; A Hebrew name, meaning (A portion) or (a bride’s dowry); an old Canaanite city, whose history goes back to 3000 years BC. It is close to Lechich and the lower Beth Horon, on the border of the portion of Ephraim; and its common-lands were given to the sons of Kohath the Levites. “Jokmeam with its common-lands, Beth Horon with its common-lands” (68) “Horon”; or Horoni: inhabitants of Horonaim, or more probably of Beth Horon. “Jokmeam”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Let the people rise); a city of Ephraim, given to the Levites ( 68). “Aijalon with its common-lands, and Gath Rimmon with its commonlands” (69) “Gath”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a winepress) “And from the half tribe of Manasseh: Aner with its common-lands, and Bileam with its common-lands, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath” (70) Aner”; a Levite town in Manasseh, west of the Jordan; was, together with its common-lands a portion of the sons of Kohath.(70) “Bileam”; A Hebrew name, probably meaning (greed) or (perdition); a place in the land of Manasseh, west of the Jordan, given as a portion to the Levites the sons of Kohath (70) “From the family of the half tribe of Manasseh the sons of Gershon were given Golan in Bashan with its common-lands and Ashtaroth with its common-lands” (71) “Golan”; probably a Canaanite name, probably meaning (a coast), (a side), or (wandering); a famous city of refuge in Bashan, belonged to half the tribe of Manasseh, east of the Jordan (71); And from it the region called ‘Golanetes’ (Golan nowadays), took its name. According to the Historian Josephus, in his ‘History of the Jewish nation’ he said that ‘Alexander Ganisos’ was bitterly defeated close to it; then attacked it later and destroyed it. It is located between Hermon and Yarmouk, divided into two parts: the southern part, has plowable soft soil, and the northern part half rocky. The former part with the riche pasture lands in Syria, had its water by drains from Hermon and several springs; But nowadays it is nothing but ruins. “Ashtaroth”; An old town in Bashan, east of the Jordan; was the base of ‘Og’ king of Bashan; then became a portion of the Levites, the sons of Gershon (71) “And from the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its common-lands, Daberath with its common-lands” (72) “Kedesh”; A Semite name, meaning (holy) 1- A city of Issachar given to the Levites, the sons of Gershon (72); probably ‘Abu-Kedis’, 2 ½ miles south of ‘Mageddo’ 2- A fortified city of Naphtali in the Galilee; given to the Levites, the sons of Gershon (76). “Daberath”; A Hebrew name, meaning (Pasture land); a town within the portion of Issachar, given, together with its common-lands to the Gershonites (72); In its location, nowadays is the village of ‘Deborah’ on the western side of Mount Tabor. “Ramoth with its common lands, and Anem with its common-lands” (73) “Ramoth”; A Hebrew name, meaning (highlands) or (bitter); the third son of Levi, head of the Merari 1, 16). And later twelve cities were assigned to the sons of Merari from the portion of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun (63, 77-81). “Anem”; A Hebrew name, meaning (springs); a Levite city in the portion of Issachar; which was before, together with its common-lands, a portion of the children of Gershon (73) “And from the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its common-lands, Abdon with its common-lands” (74) “Mashal”; a city in Zebulun, assigned to the Levites the children of Merari (77); probably where ‘Hezmet-Deborah’ at the plains of Mount Tabor, is nowadays, called ;Daboria’. “Hukok with its common-lands, and Rehob with its common-lands” (75) “Hukok”; A Hebrew name, meaning (A portion); a city on the border of ‘Asher’, given, together with its common-lands, to the Levites the children of Gershon (75); claimed by some to be, nowadays, ‘Jerka”, 8 ½ miles north-east of ‘Ata’; while according to others it is ‘Tel-el-Hareh. “Rehob”; A Hebrew name, meaning (A wide place); given to the Levites (75); probably nowadays ‘the western Tel-el- Bir’, close to ‘Akka’, to its east. “And from the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with its commonlands, Hannon with its common-lands, and Kirjathaim with its common-lands” (76) “Hannon”; A Hebrew name, meaning (hot springs); A Levite city in the portion of Naphtali (76); most probably ‘Hemma and Hamon-dor; called nowadays ‘Hammamat el-Hemma’; and the land around it is called ‘Land of Hemma’. “Kirjathaim”; A Hebrew name, meaning (two villages or cities); a city in the portion of Naphtali, given to the Gershonite Levites (76). “From the tribe of Zebulun the rest of the children of Merari were given Rimmon with its common-lands and Tabor with its common-land” (77) We have already dealt with the Kohathites and the Gershonites; and we are left with the children of Merari. “Rimmon”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a Pomegranate); a city in the portion of Zebulun, then given to the Lavites, and called ‘Rommono (77). “And on the other side of the Jordan, across from Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, they were given from the tribe of Reuben: Bezer in the wilderness with its common-lands, Jahzah with its common-lands” (78) “Bezer”; A Hebrew name, meaning (a stronghold) “Jahaz”; A Moabite name, meaning (a treaded land); a Moabite city close to the desert in the portion of Reuben, where the Hebrews defeated Sihon, and took over the land between Arnon and Jebuk. But it so seems that the Moabites took it back in later times. Claimed to be one mile south of ‘Zerka Moen’, 12 miles east of the Dead Sea. And also claimed to be the village of ‘Tel- sl-Mawalid’, or ‘Kherbet Iskander’; And if it is proved to be remains of the ‘Iron Era’, it would be the cause of a great interest. “Kedemoth with its common-lands, and Mephaath with its commonlands” (79) “Kedemoth”; A Hebrew name, meaning (eastern regions); a city in the province east of the River of Lot, in the higher valley of Arnon. It was a portion of Reuben, then given to the Levites the children of Merari (79). Its location is not precisely known; although claimed by some to be Kasr-el-Zaafran, 2 ½ miles north-west of the city. “Mephaath”; A Hebrew name, meaning (splendor); a Levite city in the portion of Reuben (79). “And from the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Glead with its commonlands, Mahanaim with its common-lands” (80) “Mahanaim”; A Hebrew name, meaning (two camps); a city east of the Jordan, so called by Jacob; given to Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh; then Gad’s portion in it was given to the children of Merari, to become a city of refuge (80) “Heshbon with its common-lands, and Jazer with its common-lands” (81) “Heshbon”; A Moabite name, meaning (planning); the city of Sihon king of the Amorites; but it so seems to be originally taken from the Moabites. It was assigned by Moses to the children of Reuben; and after the invasion, it was rebuilt by men of this tribe; It was on the border line between Reuben and Gad. After being possessed by the tribe of Gad, it was given to the Levites (81). ------------------------------------ AN INSPIRATION FROM 1 CHRONICLES 6 I CHERISH YOU, O HEAVENLY HIGH PRIEST + Open my eyes, O Lord; To see Your grace and mercies; Who was Aaron, to grant him that authority and the garments of glory?! You commanded the tribe of Levi, as well as every other tribe, to keep their purity; Neither the tribe of Levi would take the royalty by force, nor the king would take the Levite work by force; You came down to me, O King of kings, and the heavenly High Priest; To make me a member in Your holy body; And to make me a king and a priest for God Your Father (Revelation 1: 6); Grant me to cherish that amazing belonging; You granted me the adoption to Your Father in the water of baptism; And sanctified me to be qualified to enter the heavenly sanctuaries And to trust by You, to trample the serpents and the scorpions; How rich are Your grace and Your exalted love! + By Your love, You exalted the Levites, to seek no potion of the land for themselves; For You presented Yourself as their portion; You made their cities a safe refuge; “I say to myself: “The Lord is my portion”; Every broken heart, poor, and miserable would resort to You; To see in his heart a deposit of the exultant heaven; Set me and my brethren cities of refuge, not to be broken by time; Let us be a refuge, even after our departure to You in paradise. + You made for the priests and the Levites, a place in Your city, Jerusalem; You made them dwell in the midst of all the tribes, to become, by You, light for them; And a refuge not to be corrupted by men; They have no palaces like kings; But live in regular homes, among Your people; For all to bear Your sweet fragrance, and delicious taste; As none of them are spared of falling into sin; So that, while moaning in weakness, they would have compassion on the weak sinners; Some among them were corrupted, to be swallowed by earth; To be burned by fire; To be taken in shame and reproach into captivity; Keep me from sin and weakness; Cover me up; to bear Your righteousness and Your holiness, O Holy One. + Out of them You set singers of praise and musicians; To stir up the spirit of Joy by You; and to administer the deposit of Your heavens; What should I say? What should I seek? While in the midst of the afflictions of this world?! Receive my soul, a spiritual guitar, the work of Your hand; Let Your Holy Spirit play on the strings of my senses, emotions, and thoughts; Let Your Holy Spirit play on the strings of my body; To produce in me a magnificent symphony of love, the work of Your grace; To make men as well as the heavenlies hear the praise of my heart; And make all rejoice in the mighty works of Your grace; + Let my joy by You, harmonize with my behavior in Spirit; To proclaim by Your power the deposit of heaven, that never ceases to work; Grant me seriousness in my life; Let every breath in my life have its value; Grant me to live by the rite of heaven, that knows no confusion; Let my hidden and manifest life be controlled by Your amazing ordinance; Let me walk by Your ordinance, yet, not with the deadly literality; Nor with the appearances of false spirituality; Let me walk, neither in deadly dark attitude, nor in loose kind of life; Let me walk by Your Holy spirit according to Your divine will; Divine glory be to You, O who always grant me the abundance of Your love.
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