Levites, << LEE vyts, >> were a tribe of ancient Israel. According to the Bible, all Levites were descendants of Jacob’s son Levi. During the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness from Egypt to Canaan, the Levites were given charge of the Tabernacle (see Tabernacle ). Canaan was roughly an area from east of the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. Later, they cared for the temple in Jerusalem. Levites from the family of Aaron served as priests. When Canaan was divided among the 12 tribes of Israel, no section was given to the Levites. But they received 48 scattered towns and were supported by a tithe (tax) levied on the other 11 tribes.
