Levi, son of Jacob/Israel

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Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. His mother was Leah, who also gave birth to Reuben, Judah, Simeon, Issachar and Zebulun. Levi is the ancestor of the Tribe of Levi.

The Tribe of Levi was not included in the tribes who were given allotments of land during the conquest of Canaan, when the nation of Israel was first established. Instead, Moses singled out the Tribe of Levi to serve as the nation's priests.

Instead of a land allotment, Joshua, who led the conquest of Canaan, gave 48 towns, scattered throughout the land of Israel, to the Tribe of Levi. The descendants of Levi played a role in guarding and serving the tabernacle (Numbers 3:21-37). Moses and his brother, Aaron, were descendants of Levi.

In Revelation 7:1-8 Levi is among the tribes who are promised the Seal of God for 12,000 of their members.

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