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Numbers 3:22 - Levi's sacred census count

Numbers 3:22 - במדבר 3:22

Hebrew Text

פְּקֻדֵיהֶם בְּמִסְפַּר כָּל־זָכָר מִבֶּן־חֹדֶשׁ וָמָעְלָה פְּקֻדֵיהֶם שִׁבְעַת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand five hundred.

Transliteration

Pekudeihem bemispar kol-zakhar miben-chodesh vama'alah pekudeihem shiv'at alafim vachamesh me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

פְּקֻדֵיהֶם֙ בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר כׇּל־זָכָ֔ר מִבֶּן־חֹ֖דֶשׁ וָמָ֑עְלָה פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם שִׁבְעַ֥ת אֲלָפִ֖ים וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃
פְּקֻדֵיהֶם֙ בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר כׇּל־זָכָ֔ר מִבֶּן־חֹ֖דֶשׁ וָמָ֑עְלָה פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם שִׁבְעַ֥ת אֲלָפִ֖ים וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 3:39) appears in the context of the census of the tribe of Levi, specifically the family of Kehat, one of the three Levitical families. Unlike the other tribes, who were counted from the age of twenty and upward for military service (Bamidbar 1:3), the Levites were counted from one month old and upward, as their role was sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 3:39) explains that the Levites were counted from one month old because their sanctity began at birth, and they were designated for divine service. Unlike other tribes, whose counting was tied to military readiness, the Levites' census reflected their spiritual role. The number 7,500 refers specifically to the male descendants of Kehat.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2) elaborates that the Levites' early counting signifies their unique status as replacements for the firstborns, who were originally intended for service but lost that privilege after the sin of the golden calf. The Levites' dedication from infancy underscores their lifelong commitment to serving Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 6): The counting from one month teaches that even the youngest Levites were considered part of the sacred community, symbolizing that Torah and avodah (service) are not limited by age.
  • Baal HaTurim (Bamidbar 3:39): The number 7,500 hints at the seven days of creation and the five books of the Torah, emphasizing the Levites' role in upholding divine order and Torah study.

Significance of the Number

The figure of 7,500 males from Kehat is notably smaller than other tribes, reflecting the selective and specialized nature of their service. The Talmud (Chullin 24a) notes that the Levites' smaller numbers were a merit, as their quality of devotion outweighed quantity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 3:22 mean?
A: Numbers 3:22 records the census count of the Gershonite family of the tribe of Levi, specifically the number of male Levites from one month old and upward. The verse states there were 7,500 males in this group. According to Rashi, this counting was done to assign specific duties in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) to each Levite family.
Q: Why were the Levites counted from one month old?
A: The Levites were counted from one month old because they had a special status as servants in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Unlike other tribes, which were counted from age 20 for military service (Numbers 1:3), the Levites' count included infants because their sanctity began at birth. Rambam explains that this reflects their unique role in serving Hashem and assisting the Kohanim (priests).
Q: What was the purpose of counting the Levites?
A: The counting of the Levites served to organize their responsibilities in the Mishkan. Each Levite family (Gershon, Kehat, and Merari) had specific tasks related to transporting and maintaining the Mishkan during the Israelites' travels. The Talmud (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that this counting emphasized the importance of every individual's role in communal service to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches that every Jew, even from a young age, has a role in serving Hashem. Just as the Levites were counted and given responsibilities, today we emphasize Torah education for children and recognize that everyone contributes to the Jewish community. The Midrash Tanchuma highlights that each person's unique role is valued in fulfilling the collective mission of Klal Yisrael.