Numbers 3:30 - Kohatite leadership: Divine appointment?

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Hebrew Text

וּנְשִׂיא בֵית־אָב לְמִשְׁפְּחֹת הַקְּהָתִי אֶלִיצָפָן בֶּן־עֻזִּיאֵל׃

English Translation

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Qehati shall be Eliżafan, the son of ῾Uzzi᾽el.

Transliteration

Un'si beit-av lemishp'chot hak'hati Elitzafan ben-Uzi'el.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּנְשִׂ֥יא בֵֽית־אָ֖ב לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת הַקְּהָתִ֑י אֱלִיצָפָ֖ן בֶּן־עֻזִּיאֵֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 3:30) discusses the leadership structure of the Kehati families within the tribe of Levi. Kehat was one of Levi's three sons, and his descendants were entrusted with carrying the most sacred vessels of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Elitzafan ben Uziel is appointed as their leader.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Elitzafan was chosen despite being the son of Uziel, who was the youngest of Kehat's sons (Shemot 6:22). Ordinarily, leadership would pass to the eldest son's descendants, but here, Hashem selected Elitzafan based on merit. Rashi cites the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 6:6) that this teaches us leadership is not inherited automatically but granted to the worthy.

Rambam on Leadership

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8) emphasizes that positions of sanctity, such as overseeing the Mishkan's vessels, must be filled by individuals of exceptional piety and wisdom. Elitzafan's appointment reflects the principle that spiritual roles require divine approval, not just lineage.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 5) notes that Elitzafan's humility made him fit for leadership. Unlike Korach, who contested Moshe's authority, Elitzafan accepted his role with devotion.
Yalkut Shimoni (Bamidbar 685) connects Elitzafan's name (אליצפן—"My G-d has concealed") to the idea that true leaders serve discreetly, without seeking honor.

Halachic Significance

The Gemara (Yoma 72b) derives from this verse that those who handle sacred objects (like the Aron) must be appointed formally, not merely by default. This principle extends to later halachic roles, such as synagogue gabaim or Torah scribes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Elitzafan ben Uziel in the Torah?
A: Elitzafan ben Uziel was appointed as the chief leader (nasi) over the families of the Kehati clan within the tribe of Levi. His role was significant because the Kehatites were responsible for carrying the most sacred vessels of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), including the Ark, as described in Numbers 4:15. Rashi explains that leadership positions were assigned by Divine command to ensure proper order in the service of the Mishkan.

Q: Why is the appointment of leaders like Elitzafan important in the Torah?
A: The Torah emphasizes structured leadership to maintain holiness and order, especially in sacred duties. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8) notes that roles in the Mishkan were assigned meticulously to prevent chaos. Elitzafan’s appointment teaches that even within a holy tribe like Levi, hierarchy and designated responsibilities are essential for divine service.

Q: What can we learn from Elitzafan’s leadership role today?
A: Elitzafan’s appointment teaches the importance of humility and responsibility in leadership. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 6:7) highlights that leaders must serve the community’s needs, not their own honor. Today, this reminds us that whether in synagogue roles or communal organizations, leadership is a sacred trust requiring dedication to higher principles.

Q: How were leaders like Elitzafan chosen in the Torah?
A: Leaders in the Torah were chosen either through Divine command (as here, where Hashem instructs Moshe) or based on merit and lineage. Rashi (Numbers 3:32) points out that Elitzafan’s lineage (as a grandson of Levi through Kehat) qualified him, but his personal righteousness solidified his role. The Talmud (Horayot 13a) adds that leadership combines divine selection and communal suitability.