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Numbers 18:6 - Levites: Divine gift for service

Numbers 18:6 - במדבר 18:6

Hebrew Text

וַאֲנִי הִנֵּה לָקַחְתִּי אֶת־אֲחֵיכֶם הַלְוִיִּם מִתּוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לָכֶם מַתָּנָה נְתֻנִים לַיהוָה לַעֲבֹד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Yisra᾽el: to you they are given as a gift for the Lord, to do the service of the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

Va'ani hineh lakachti et-acheichem halevi'im mitoch bnei yisrael lachem matana netunim la'adonai la'avod et-avodat ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲנִ֗י הִנֵּ֤ה לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙ אֶת־אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם הַלְוִיִּ֔ם מִתּ֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לָכֶ֞ם מַתָּנָ֤ה נְתֻנִים֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה לַעֲבֹ֕ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃
וַאֲנִ֗י הִנֵּ֤ה לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙ אֶת־אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם הַלְוִיִּ֔ם מִתּ֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לָכֶ֞ם מַתָּנָ֤ה נְתֻנִים֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה לַעֲבֹ֕ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Divine Selection of the Levites

The verse (Bamidbar 18:6) emphasizes that the Levites were taken "from among the children of Yisrael" as a special gift to serve in the Mishkan. Rashi explains that this selection was not arbitrary but a divine decree from Hashem, distinguishing the Levites for sacred service. The term "matanah" (gift) underscores that their role is both an honor and a responsibility bestowed upon them by Hashem.

The Levites' Role in the Mishkan

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2) elaborates that the Levites were entrusted with specific duties in the Mishkan, including guarding its sanctity, transporting its vessels, and assisting the Kohanim. The phrase "la'avod et avodat Ohel Moed" highlights that their service was not merely functional but a sacred avodah (divine service) requiring purity and devotion.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 11) connects this verse to the episode of the Golden Calf, suggesting the Levites earned their role by remaining loyal to Hashem when others sinned.
  • Sforno adds that the Levites' separation was a merit for the entire nation, as their service atoned for Yisrael and facilitated divine closeness.

The Gift to the Kohanim

The verse states the Levites were given "to you" (the Kohanim). Ibn Ezra explains this reflects their subordinate role, assisting the Kohanim in higher rituals. The Kli Yakar emphasizes the mutual dependence: while the Kohanim rely on the Levites for support, the Levites derive their sanctity from association with the Kohanim.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 11a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the Levites and their role in the service of the Tabernacle, emphasizing their unique status as a gift to the priests for divine service.
📖 Horayot 6b
Referenced in the context of discussing the roles and responsibilities of the Levites and priests, highlighting their separation for sacred duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:6 mean when it says the Levites are a 'gift'?
A: Rashi explains that the Levites were given as a gift to assist the Kohanim (priests) in the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). They were not given land like the other tribes, but instead were dedicated to holy work.
Q: Why were the Levites chosen for service in the Mishkan?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that the Levites were chosen because they remained loyal to Hashem during the sin of the Golden Calf, while the other tribes participated in the idolatry. Their dedication made them worthy of this special role.
Q: What kind of work did the Levites do in the Mishkan?
A: According to Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3), the Levites had several responsibilities: guarding the Mishkan, transporting its parts during travels, singing during services, and assisting the Kohanim with sacrifices and maintenance.
Q: Does the role of the Levites still apply today?
A: While we don't have the Mishkan or Temple today, the concept of dedicating oneself to holy service remains important. The Talmud (Arachin 11a) discusses how Levites traditionally served as teachers and spiritual guides, a role that Torah scholars continue today.
Q: Why didn't the Levites receive land like the other tribes?
A: The Torah (Devarim 18:1-2) explains that Hashem is their inheritance. Since their role was full-time service in the Mishkan (and later Temple), they received tithes from other tribes instead of land, allowing them to focus completely on spiritual matters.