share torah logo

Deuteronomy 10:8 - Levites: Divine service bearers forever

Deuteronomy 10:8 - דברים 10:8

Hebrew Text

בָּעֵת הַהִוא הִבְדִּיל יְהוָה אֶת־שֵׁבֶט הַלֵּוִי לָשֵׂאת אֶת־אֲרוֹן בְּרִית־יְהוָה לַעֲמֹד לִפְנֵי יְהוָה לְשָׁרְתוֹ וּלְבָרֵךְ בִּשְׁמוֹ עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to him, and to bless in his name, to this day.

Transliteration

Ba'et hahi hivdil Adonai et-shevet haLevi laset et-aron brit-Adonai la'amod lifnei Adonai lesharto ulevarech bishmo ad hayom hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֗וא הִבְדִּ֤יל יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־שֵׁ֣בֶט הַלֵּוִ֔י לָשֵׂ֖את אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית־יְהֹוָ֑ה לַעֲמֹד֩ לִפְנֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֤ה לְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙ וּלְבָרֵ֣ךְ בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֗וא הִבְדִּ֤יל יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־שֵׁ֣בֶט הַלֵּוִ֔י לָשֵׂ֖את אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית־יְהֹוָ֑ה לַעֲמֹד֩ לִפְנֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֤ה לְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙ וּלְבָרֵ֣ךְ בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Selection of the Tribe of Levi

The verse (Devarim 10:8) describes the special role of the tribe of Levi, who were set apart by Hashem for sacred service. According to Rashi, this separation occurred after the sin of the Golden Calf, when the Levites demonstrated their loyalty to Hashem by refusing to participate in the idolatry (Shemot 32:26-29). Their zeal for divine service earned them the privilege of carrying the Ark, ministering before Hashem, and blessing the people in His name.

The Threefold Role of the Levites

  • To Bear the Ark of the Covenant: The Levites were entrusted with transporting the Aron HaBrit, as emphasized in Bamidbar 4:15. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:12) explains that this was a unique honor, as the Ark represented the Divine Presence.
  • To Stand Before Hashem: The Levites served in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash, performing duties such as singing, guarding, and assisting the Kohanim. The Talmud (Arachin 11a) elaborates on their musical service as part of the Temple rituals.
  • To Bless in His Name: The Levites were also tasked with assisting the Kohanim in Birkat Kohanim (the Priestly Blessing), as noted by Ibn Ezra. The Sifrei (Devarim 10:8) highlights that their role in blessing the people was a continuous mitzvah.

The Eternal Nature of Their Service

The phrase "עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("to this day") indicates that the Levites' role was not temporary but enduring. Ramban explains that this refers to the ongoing nature of their service, even after the destruction of the Temple, as their lineage remains distinct for future restoration. The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 12) further teaches that their sanctity is everlasting, a divine decree that cannot be revoked.

Spiritual Lessons from the Levites

The selection of the Levites teaches the importance of unwavering dedication to Hashem. Kli Yakar emphasizes that their willingness to stand firm during the crisis of the Golden Calf demonstrated their spiritual excellence, making them worthy of eternal service. This serves as a model for all Jews to prioritize divine commandments over personal or societal pressures.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did God choose the tribe of Levi specifically?
A: The tribe of Levi was chosen because of their loyalty to God during the incident of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:26-29). While others sinned, the Levites stood with Moses, showing their dedication to God. This earned them the special role of serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that their separation was a reward for their faithfulness.
Q: What were the main responsibilities of the Levites?
A: The Levites had three main responsibilities: (1) carrying the Ark of the Covenant during travels, (2) standing before God to serve in the Mishkan/Temple (assisting the Kohanim with sacrifices and maintenance), and (3) blessing the people in God's name (as in the Birkat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3) details their various service roles.
Q: Does the tribe of Levi still have special roles today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, Kohanim (descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi) still have certain honors in synagogue, such as being called first to the Torah and reciting the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) in some communities. Levites also have honors like washing the hands of the Kohanim before the blessing. The Talmud (Chullin 131b) discusses these ongoing distinctions.
Q: What does 'to this day' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'to this day' refers to the time of Moses, meaning that the Levites were still faithfully performing these roles as he spoke these words. However, the Sforno adds that it also hints to the eternal nature of their service, as aspects of their sacred role continue in different forms even after the Temple's destruction.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Levites' dedication?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that the Levites' example shows the value of complete devotion to God's service. Their willingness to put spiritual responsibilities above material concerns (as they didn't receive a land inheritance) reminds us that true service sometimes requires sacrifice. Today, we can apply this by prioritizing Torah study and mitzvot in our lives.