Levi

by Brad Scott

The third son of Ya'aqov (Jacob), Levi, finds himself tied to Simeon quite often. This son is also tied to the same prophetic destiny as Simeon. They are to be divided in Ya'aqov and scattered in Israel.

Levi is the tribe that is to receive no inheritance and place in the land, but rather to be supported by the other tribes because of their service in the tabernacle. The meaning of his name is, like the others, found at his birth.

B^ere’shiyt (Genesis) 29:34And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.

Levi's name means to be joined. His name comes from the root word lavah (לוה), which is many times translated as to borrow or lend. The idea of being "joined together" is what takes place when one lends or borrows, as in helping to support or be supported. The meaning of Levi can also be found in the commandments concerning his support.

B^emid^ebar (Numbers)18:2-4And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die. And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

One interesting side note may be the curious fact that out of all of the professions of Yeshua''s disciples, the one who was most connected to the exchange of money, which was his support, was Mattityahu. His surname was Levi (Luke 5:27).

Shalom Alecheim! ◊