Levites
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Exod 4:14) - in a broad sense, all descendants of Levi. After one family of Levi's tribe was set apart for priestly duties, however, its members differed in both name and office from their brethren; hence the expression 'priests and Levites' (1 Kgs 8:4; John 1:19). The establishment of priests and Levites gave the political and religious life of the Hebrews a distinctive form throughout their national history. Exodus 32:25-29 describes the circumstances. When Moses descended Sinai with the tablets and saw Israel worshiping the golden calf, he stood at the camp gate and said, 'Who is on the LORD's side?
let him come unto me.' All the sons of Levi gathered to him (v. 26). At his command they struck those who had participated in the idolatry, and about three thousand fell that day.