דברי הימים א, פרק ו׳, פסוק ל״ג

The daily operations of the Tabernacle and the Temple required a highly organized workforce. The division of labor created clear distinctions among the different Levite families, assigning a specific, defined role to each group. While certain family heads were exclusively dedicated to singing and were completely exempt from carrying heavy loads or performing physical labor, the rest of the Levites were assigned to different duties [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These remaining individuals were entrusted with the physical and logistical needs required to keep the Tabernacle and Temple functioning [מצודת דוד].

The primary approach among commentators is that this work centered on guarding the sacred space, with their main role being gatekeepers. Beyond security, they handled a variety of physical tasks. During the years the Israelites wandered in the desert, before the Ark reached its permanent home, these Levites were responsible for physically carrying the Tabernacle [רד״ק]. In later periods, their duties shifted to assisting with the sacrificial offerings, which included tasks like slaughtering the animals and removing their hides [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. Although the general consensus draws a sharp line between the musicians and the physical laborers, a different perspective suggests that the service of this broader group of Levites also included the role of singing [רלב״ג].