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Numbers 31:47 - Levites' sacred share from spoils

Numbers 31:47 - במדבר 31:47

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח מֹשֶׁה מִמַּחֲצִת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הָאָחֻז אֶחָד מִן־הַחֲמִשִּׁים מִן־הָאָדָם וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָה וַיִּתֵּן אֹתָם לַלְוִיִּם שֹׁמְרֵי מִשְׁמֶרֶת מִשְׁכַּן יְהוָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

and of the children of Yisra᾽el’s half, Moshe took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them to the Levites, who kept the charge of the tabernacle of the Lord; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayikach Moshe mimachatzit bnei Yisrael et-ha'achuz echad min-hachamishim min-ha'adam umin-habeheima vayiten otam laleviim shomrei mishmeret mishkan Adonai ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֨ח מֹשֶׁ֜ה מִמַּחֲצִ֣ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֶת־הָֽאָחֻז֙ אֶחָ֣ד מִן־הַחֲמִשִּׁ֔ים מִן־הָאָדָ֖ם וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה וַיִּתֵּ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם לַלְוִיִּ֗ם שֹֽׁמְרֵי֙ מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ מִשְׁכַּ֣ן יְהֹוָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וַיִּקַּ֨ח מֹשֶׁ֜ה מִמַּחֲצִ֣ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֶת־הָֽאָחֻז֙ אֶחָ֣ד מִן־הַחֲמִשִּׁ֔ים מִן־הָאָדָ֖ם וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה וַיִּתֵּ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם לַלְוִיִּ֗ם שֹֽׁמְרֵי֙ מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ מִשְׁכַּ֣ן יְהֹוָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 31:47) describes Moshe's fulfillment of Hashem's command to take a portion of the spoils from the war against Midian and allocate it to the Levites. This follows the earlier command (Bamidbar 31:28-30) that one portion of every fifty from the spoils should be given to the Levites as a tribute to Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this "portion of fifty" (הָאָחֻז אֶחָד מִן־הַחֲמִשִּׁים) refers to the terumah (contribution) designated for the Levites, similar to the terumat ma'aser given to them from agricultural produce (see Bamidbar 18:26). The Levites, who did not receive a portion in the land of Israel, were sustained by these contributions in exchange for their service in the Mishkan.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Matnot Aniyim (6:1-2), Rambam discusses the laws of spoils of war and emphasizes that the portion given to the Levites was a mitzvah min haTorah (Biblical commandment). This allocation ensured the Levites' material needs were met while they performed their sacred duties.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) connects this verse to the broader theme of supporting those who serve in spiritual roles. It teaches that just as the Levites received their sustenance from the people, so too must the community support Torah scholars and those dedicated to divine service.

Halachic Implications

  • The portion taken was one out of fifty (2%), distinct from the ma'aser rishon (first tithe) which was one out of ten (10%).
  • This allocation applied to both human captives and animals, as stated in the verse ("both of man and of beast").
  • The Levites' role as "keepers of the charge of the Mishkan" (שֹׁמְרֵי מִשְׁמֶרֶת מִשְׁכַּן יְהוָה) justified their receipt of these spoils.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar notes that the number fifty alludes to the sefirah of Binah (understanding), suggesting that supporting the Levites elevates the spiritual understanding of the entire nation. Their service in the Mishkan brought divine blessing to Israel, making this allocation a reciprocal relationship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:47 mean?
A: Numbers 31:47 describes how Moshe (Moses) took one-fiftieth of the spoils from the war against Midian—both people and animals—and gave them to the Levites. This was in accordance with Hashem's command, as the Levites were responsible for maintaining and guarding the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that this portion was separate from the half given to the soldiers and the half given to the rest of the community.
Q: Why did Moshe give a portion to the Levites?
A: The Levites were chosen by Hashem to serve in the Mishkan and did not receive a portion of land in Israel like the other tribes. Instead, they were supported through tithes and gifts, such as the one-fiftieth portion mentioned here. This ensured they could focus entirely on their sacred duties, as explained in the Talmud (Yoma 26a) and Rambam's Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Shemitah 13:12).
Q: What is the significance of taking one-fiftieth?
A: The one-fiftieth portion was a special gift to the Levites, separate from the standard tithes. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:8) teaches that this teaches the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. The number fifty also hints at the elevated status of the Levites, as fifty represents transcendence (like the fifty gates of understanding discussed in Kabbalah).
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan or Levitical service, the principle of supporting Torah scholars and communal spiritual leaders remains vital. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 246:5) rules that it is a mitzvah to give ma'aser (tithes) to support Torah study, following the model of sustaining the Levites. This ensures the continuity of Torah knowledge and service to Hashem.
Q: Why were both people and animals given to the Levites?
A: Rashi (on Numbers 31:47) explains that the Levites received both human captives and animals because their role required assistance in maintaining the Mishkan. The captives could assist with physical labor, while the animals could be used for offerings or other needs. This reflects the Torah's detailed system of ensuring the Mishkan's upkeep, as discussed in the Talmud (Arachin 11a).