Lessons on Being a Servant from the Levites

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1 Chron 23:13, 27-32

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was set apart, he and his sons forever, that he should sanctify the most holy things, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister to Him, and to give the blessing in His name forever.

For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above; because their duty was to help the sons of Aaron in the service of the house of the Lord, in the courts and in the chambers, in the purifying of all holy things and the work of the service of the house of God, both with the showbread and the fine flour for the grain offering, with the unleavened cakes and what is baked in the pan, with what is mixed and with all kinds of measures and sizes; to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening; and at every presentation of a burnt offering to the Lord on the Sabbaths and on the New Moons and on the set feasts, by number according to the ordinance governing them, regularly before the Lord; and that they should attend to the needs of the tabernacle of meeting, the needs of the holy place, and the needs of the sons of Aaron their brethren in the work of the house of the Lord.

There is a children’s song that goes:

In the house and out of doors,
Scrubbing pots and sweeping floors, 
Washing, ironing, mending too;
These are things that I can do. 

I’ll do it all for Jesus,
I’ll do it all for Jesus,
I’ll do it all for Jesus,
For He’s coming very soon.

In the house and out of doors,
Chopping wood and doing chores,
Pounding nails or driving screws;
These are things that I can do. 

While it is a cute song for inspiring children to enjoy mundane tasks, as aduts we may smile politely and move on. However, scripture teaches that God is pleased when the believer serves Him even in ordinary, everyday tasks. This truth comes into focus when we look at the Levites and their service in the house of the Lord.

Levi: A Man Set Apart

Before looking at the function of the Levites, I find it helpful to consider the man, Levi, son of Jacob. What did God see in Levi that set him apart? Understanding the character of this man provides us with essential context for appreciating the sacred responsibilities later entrusted to his descendants.

Malachi 2:4–6 reveals the answer:

"…my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity."

What an incredible testimony from God! What God saw in Levi was a man who respected and revered Him. A man who knew God's ways and avoided sin. The Lord recognized in Levi someone who demonstrated genuine fear—not a cowering terror, but a deep, reverent awe that acknowledged God's holiness and majesty. This reverence manifested itself in Levi's speech and conduct, as the "law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips."

Levi was at peace with God. He found true, lasting joy when he walked with God. In doing so, he became a beacon of righteousness. His authentic relationship with the Lord became a powerful testimony that influenced others to abandon their sinful patterns and pursue peace with God.

The Work of the Levites

From this foundation flows their service. The Levites were not priests, but helpers dedicated to supporting the priestly ministry. Their work included seemingly ordinary responsibilities like washing dishes, baking bread, and maintaining the sanctuary.

Many people today might view these types of tasks as menial, mundane, or beneath their dignity—not worth investing significant time or energy into. Yet in God’s sight, these acts were sacred, because they were done in His presence and for His glory. The Levite could not treat a single task casually. Every action—from sweeping the floors of the temple courts to setting the showbread in order—was performed with reverence and careful obedience.

The Levites were required to thoroughly understand the Law. This allowed them to see the sacred nature of even the most basic tasks when performed in service to God. They were entrusted with caring for the holy things of God—items consecrated for divine service. Nothing that entered God's presence could be treated casually or without proper respect.

Through this service, the Levites participated in maintaining the connection between God and His people. It was considered both an important and esteemed position within the community of Israel, regardless of the specific duties assigned. The Levite's work reminds us that in God's economy, there are no insignificant tasks when done with the right heart and proper understanding of their purpose.

From Levites to Us: The Connection

Like many things in the Old Testament, the contemporary believer can glean profound insights about God's nature, His unchanging character, and the appropriate godly response to divine instruction. In this particular passage, the Levites provide us with a uncommon model (by today’s standards) of what it truly means to be devoted servants of the living God. Their example speaks directly to our modern understanding of service.

The position of a steward is highly valued by God, particularly when approached with a reverent, pious attitude that seeks to please Him. Just as the Levite was held in high esteem within the community of Israel for his faithful service, God similarly honors and esteems His faithful servants today who serve with pure hearts and proper motives:

  • in the pulpit, proclaiming God's truth with clarity and conviction
  • in one-on-one prayer, interceding earnestly for others in times of need
  • in visiting the saints, bringing comfort and encouragement
  • in generosity and hospitality, opening both heart and home to others as an expression of Christ's love
  • AND in washing the dishes and preparing meals, understanding that even these seemingly mundane tasks can be acts of worship when done with the right heart

Let us, therefore, continue to be devoted servants in every aspect of our lives. Let us be bold and unashamed to thank God for the privilege and opportunity to serve Him and others in His name. AND when you inevitably feel undervalued or overlooked in your service, remember the comforting truth that your eternal reward IS being carefully preserved for you in heaven by the One who is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Therefore, be encouraged in your faithful service, rejoice in the privilege of being called His servant, and persevere with gladness knowing that no act of service is insignificant when done unto the Lord.

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