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Numbers 8:20 - Israel obeys divine Levite commands

Numbers 8:20 - במדבר 8:20

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן וְכָל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לַלְוִיִּם כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה לַלְוִיִּם כֵּן־עָשׂוּ לָהֶם בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And Moshe, and Aharon, and all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el did to the Levites according to all that the Lord commanded Moshe concerning the Levites, so did the children of Yisra᾽el to them.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Moshe ve'Aharon ve'khol-adat Bnei-Yisra'el la'Levi'im ke'khol asher-tziva Hashem et-Moshe la'Levi'im ken-asu lahem Bnei Yisra'el.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֧ה וְאַהֲרֹ֛ן וְכׇל־עֲדַ֥ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַלְוִיִּ֑ם כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה֙ לַלְוִיִּ֔ם כֵּן־עָשׂ֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֧ה וְאַהֲרֹ֛ן וְכׇל־עֲדַ֥ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַלְוִיִּ֑ם כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה֙ לַלְוִיִּ֔ם כֵּן־עָשׂ֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 8:20) describes the fulfillment of Hashem's commandments regarding the consecration of the Levi'im (Levites) for their sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse emphasizes the collective participation of Moshe, Aharon, and the entire congregation of Bnei Yisrael in carrying out these instructions precisely as commanded.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 8:20) highlights the phrase "כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה ה' אֶת־מֹשֶׁה" ("according to all that the Lord commanded Moshe") to teach that the people meticulously followed every detail of the mitzvah without deviation. He notes that this underscores the principle of כָּל הַמְשַׁנֶּה מִדִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים חַיָּב מִיתָה ("one who alters the words of the Sages is liable for death")—emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to divine commandments as transmitted through Moshe Rabbeinu.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Klei HaMikdash (3:1-2), the Rambam elaborates on the unique role of the Levi'im, explaining that their consecration involved specific rituals—such as sprinkling with purifying waters, shaving their bodies, and bringing korbanot (offerings). This verse demonstrates the unity of Klal Yisrael in fulfilling these requirements, setting a precedent for collective responsibility in avodas Hashem (divine service).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 6): Compares the Levi'im to a "terumah (offering)" to Hashem, symbolizing their separation from mundane pursuits for sacred duties. The verse's emphasis on communal action teaches that the entire nation shared in elevating the Levi'im to their role.
  • Sifrei (Bamidbar 67): Notes that the inclusion of "all the congregation" stresses that even those not directly involved in the rituals (e.g., women and children) participated through their support and approval.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 392) derives from this verse the importance of communal involvement in appointing and honoring those who serve in sacred roles. The Levi'im's consecration serves as a model for later institutions, such as the appointment of kohanim and Torah scholars, requiring broad consensus and respect from the community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 8:20 teach us about the Levites?
A: Numbers 8:20 teaches that Moshe, Aharon, and all of Bnei Yisrael faithfully carried out Hashem's commandments regarding the Levites. The Levites had a special role in serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and this verse emphasizes the importance of following divine instructions precisely, as Rashi explains.
Q: Why were the Levites treated differently in this verse?
A: The Levites were chosen by Hashem to serve in the Mishkan in place of the firstborns (Bamidbar 3:12-13). This verse shows that Bnei Yisrael respected their unique role, as commanded by Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3) elaborates on their special duties and status.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Bnei Yisrael treated the Levites?
A: This verse teaches the importance of kevod haTorah (honoring Torah) and those who dedicate their lives to divine service. Just as Bnei Yisrael respected the Levites' role, we must honor Torah scholars and community leaders who serve Hashem, as the Talmud (Kiddushin 33b) discusses regarding giving proper respect.
Q: How does the obedience shown in this verse apply today?
A: Just as Bnei Yisrael carefully followed Hashem's commands regarding the Levites, we must also strive to fulfill mitzvot with precision and respect for halacha (Jewish law). The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar) praises their exactness in fulfilling the divine will, setting an example for all generations.
Q: What was the main commandment regarding the Levites in this verse?
A: The main commandment was to appoint and sanctify the Levites for their service in the Mishkan, as described earlier in Numbers 8. This included rituals like sprinkling purifying water and bringing offerings (Rashi on Numbers 8:7). The verse emphasizes that everything was done exactly as Hashem instructed Moshe.