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Deuteronomy 33:8 - Priestly tools, tested loyalty

Deuteronomy 33:8 - דברים 33:8

Hebrew Text

וּלְלֵוִי אָמַר תֻּמֶּיךָ וְאוּרֶיךָ לְאִישׁ חֲסִידֶךָ אֲשֶׁר נִסִּיתוֹ בְּמַסָּה תְּרִיבֵהוּ עַל־מֵי מְרִיבָה׃

English Translation

And of Levi he said, Let thy Tummim and thy Urim be with thy pious one, whom thou didst prove at Massa, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meriva;

Transliteration

Ule'vi amar tumekha ve'urekha le'ish hasidekha asher nisito be'massa terivehu al-mei meriva.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְלֵוִ֣י אָמַ֔ר תֻּמֶּ֥יךָ וְאוּרֶ֖יךָ לְאִ֣ישׁ חֲסִידֶ֑ךָ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נִסִּיתוֹ֙ בְּמַסָּ֔ה תְּרִיבֵ֖הוּ עַל־מֵ֥י מְרִיבָֽה׃
וּלְלֵוִ֣י אָמַ֔ר תֻּמֶּ֥יךָ וְאוּרֶ֖יךָ לְאִ֣ישׁ חֲסִידֶ֑ךָ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נִסִּיתוֹ֙ בְּמַסָּ֔ה תְּרִיבֵ֖הוּ עַל־מֵ֥י מְרִיבָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 33:8) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's blessing to the tribe of Levi before his passing. It highlights the special role of the Levites in serving Hashem and their unwavering devotion, particularly during critical moments in the wilderness.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • תֻּמֶּיךָ וְאוּרֶיךָ (Tummim and Urim): According to Rashi, these refer to the sacred lots housed in the breastplate (Choshen) of the Kohen Gadol, used for divine communication. The Levites merited this honor due to their loyalty.
  • לְאִישׁ חֲסִידֶךָ (thy pious one): Ramban explains that this refers to the tribe of Levi as a whole, who demonstrated exceptional piety by not participating in the sin of the Golden Calf (Shemot 32:26-29).
  • נִסִּיתוֹ בְּמַסָּה (whom thou didst prove at Massa): The Midrash (Sifrei) connects this to the incident at Rephidim (Shemot 17:1-7), where the people tested Hashem by demanding water. The Levites remained steadfast in faith.
  • תְּרִיבֵהוּ עַל־מֵי מְרִיבָה (with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meriva): Rashi notes that this refers to the later incident in Bamidbar 20:1-13, where Moshe and Aharon (from the tribe of Levi) were tested at Mei Merivah.

Themes and Lessons

The verse emphasizes the Levites' spiritual resilience and their role as teachers and guardians of Torah (Devarim 33:10). The Talmud (Yoma 73b) elaborates that the Urim and Tumim symbolize clarity (אוּרִים – "light") and truth (תֻּמִּים – "perfection"), reflecting the Levites' duty to uphold divine truth.

Historical Context

According to the Sifrei, the Levites' loyalty during the Golden Calf incident earned them their elevated status. Their willingness to "stand with Hashem" (Shemot 32:26) set them apart, justifying their selection for the priesthood and Temple service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'Tummim and Urim' mentioned in Deuteronomy 33:8?
A: The Urim and Tummim were sacred objects used by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) to seek divine guidance, as explained in the Talmud (Yoma 73b). They were part of the breastplate (Choshen Mishpat) worn by the Kohen Gadol. The verse connects them to the tribe of Levi because the Kohanim (priests) descended from Levi were entrusted with using them.
Q: Why does the verse mention the testing at Massa and Meriva?
A: Rashi explains that this refers to the incident where the tribe of Levi remained faithful to Hashem during the rebellion at Massa and Meriva (Exodus 17:7, Numbers 20:13). Unlike the rest of Israel who doubted, the Levites showed unwavering loyalty, which is why they were chosen for the priesthood and service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: What does it mean that Levi is called 'thy pious one' (אִישׁ חֲסִידֶךָ)?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that the tribe of Levi demonstrated exceptional devotion to Hashem. When others sinned (like with the Golden Calf), the Levites stood firm in their faith (Exodus 32:26-29). The term 'pious one' highlights their role as spiritual leaders who upheld Torah values even in difficult times.
Q: How does this verse relate to the role of the Levites in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse emphasizes the special status of the Levites as teachers and servants in the Mishkan (and later the Temple). Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 10:10) explains that their loyalty earned them the privilege of serving Hashem and teaching Torah to the nation, a role that continues symbolically today as Torah scholars and educators.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 33:8 today?
A: The verse teaches the importance of unwavering faith and dedication to Torah, even when others falter. Just as the Levites were rewarded for their commitment, we too are encouraged to stand firm in our beliefs and serve as spiritual role models in our communities, as the Talmud (Shabbat 133b) says, 'Beautify yourself before Him in mitzvot.'