Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 7:7 mean when it says 'Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon'?
A: This verse describes the gifts given to the Gershonites, a family within the Levite tribe, to help them transport parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that these wagons and oxen were specifically for carrying the Mishkan's curtains and coverings, as the Gershonites were responsible for transporting these items during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness.
Q: Why were the Gershonites given wagons and oxen in Numbers 7:7?
A: The Gershonites were given wagons and oxen to assist them in their sacred duty of transporting parts of the Mishkan. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8) notes that this teaches us the importance of providing the necessary tools for those performing holy work, ensuring they can fulfill their responsibilities properly.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 7:7 about helping others in their work?
A: From this verse, we learn the importance of supporting those who perform sacred or communal work by providing them with the tools they need. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:17) highlights that just as the Gershonites were given wagons to ease their burden, we should always look for ways to assist others in fulfilling their roles effectively.
Q: Why were only two wagons given to the Gershonites in Numbers 7:7?
A: Rashi explains that the number of wagons corresponded to the specific needs of the Gershonites' task. Since they were responsible for transporting the Mishkan's lighter materials (curtains and coverings), two wagons were sufficient. The Merari family, who carried heavier structural parts, received more wagons (Numbers 7:8), showing that resources were allocated based on the work required.
Q: How does the principle in Numbers 7:7 apply to supporting Torah institutions today?
A: Just as the Gershonites were given the tools they needed for their holy work, today we are encouraged to support Torah institutions and those who dedicate themselves to spiritual service. The Talmud (Ketubot 105b) teaches that assisting Torah scholars and communal needs is a great mitzvah, ensuring that sacred work can continue uninterrupted.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 7:7) describes the allocation of wagons and oxen to the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, for their service in transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This distribution followed the dedication offerings brought by the tribal leaders.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bamidbar 7:7) clarifies that the wagons and oxen were given specifically to the sons of Gershon and Merari (as seen in the following verses), but not to the sons of Kehat. This is because the Kehatites carried the sacred vessels (such as the Aron and Mizbeach) on their shoulders, as commanded in Bamidbar 7:9. The Gershonites, however, transported the curtains and coverings of the Mishkan, which were lighter and could be carried by wagons.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (3:8), the Rambam explains that the division of labor among the Levites was based on the nature of their respective duties. The sons of Gershon required wagons because their assigned tasks involved transporting large, bulky materials (like the Mishkan's tapestries), whereas the sons of Kehat carried the most sacred items directly, without wagons, as a sign of honor.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) elaborates that the wagons were a gift from the tribal leaders to assist the Levites in their holy work. The phrase "כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתָם" ("according to their service") emphasizes that the resources were allocated based on the practical needs of each family’s responsibilities in the Mishkan.
Practical Lessons