In the Prophets
The Book of Jeremiah speaks of a covenant with the Kohanim and Levites, connecting it with the covenant with the seed of King David:
- As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured; so will I multiply the seed of David My servant, and the Levites that minister unto Me.
- And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying:
- 'Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying: The two families which the LORD did choose, He hath cast them off?
- Jeremiah 33:22-24, Jewish Publication Society translation, 1917
The Book of Malachi also spoke of a covenant with Levi:
- Know then that I have sent this commandment unto you, that 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, and of fear, and he feared Me, and was afraid of My name.
- The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and did turn many away from iniquity.
- Malachi 2:4-6, Jewish Publication Society translation, 1917
Malachi connected a purification of the "sons of Levi" with the coming of God's messenger:
- Behold, I send My messenger, and he shall clear the way before Me; and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to His temple, and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in, behold, he cometh, saith the LORD of hosts.
- But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap;
- And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver; and there shall be they that shall offer unto the LORDofferings in righteousness.
- Malachi 3:1-3, Jewish Publication Society translation, 1917
