1. The third son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 29:34). Very little is recorded of Levi: he joined with Simeon in the treacherous and vindictive dealings with Shechem (Gen. 34:25-31). When Jacob blessed his sons, a curse was pronounced on their cruelty, and it is added “I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” The above illustrates the righteous government of God, which is in no way set aside by the reward of after faithful conduct, which caused this tribe to be chosen for the Levitical service and the priesthood (compare Mal. 2:4, 6). It was sovereign grace. For the blessings on Levi’s descendants by Moses, see Deuteronomy 33:8-11. His three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari were heads of the three branches of the LEVITES.
2. Another name of MATTHEW the apostle (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27,29).
3-4. Son of Melchi, and son of Simeon, in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus (Luke 3:24,29-30).