in a general sense, means all the descendants of Levi, among whom were the Jewish priests themselves, who, being descended from Aaron, were likewise of the race of Levi.—In a more particular sense, Levite is used for an order of officers in that church, who were employed in performing the manual service of the temple; such as in fetching wood, water, and other things necessary for the sacrifices; and in singing, and playing upon instruments of music.

The consecration of the Levites was to be performed with the following ceremonies: They were to be sprinkled with the water of expiation, to shave all their flesh, and wash their clothes: they were then to bring two bullocks before the door of the tabernacle, where the whole congregation laid their hands upon the Levites heads: the bullocks were then sacrificed, one for a burnt-offering, and the other for a sin-offering; and, lastly,