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Numbers 1:49 - Levi: uncounted, divinely chosen.

Numbers 1:49 - במדבר 1:49

Hebrew Text

אַךְ אֶת־מַטֵּה לֵוִי לֹא תִפְקֹד וְאֶת־רֹאשָׁם לֹא תִשָּׂא בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, nor take the sum of them among the children of Yisra᾽el:

Transliteration

Akh et-mateh Levi lo tifkod ve-et rosham lo tisa betokh bnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַ֣ךְ אֶת־מַטֵּ֤ה לֵוִי֙ לֹ֣א תִפְקֹ֔ד וְאֶת־רֹאשָׁ֖ם לֹ֣א תִשָּׂ֑א בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
אַ֣ךְ אֶת־מַטֵּ֤ה לֵוִי֙ לֹ֣א תִפְקֹ֔ד וְאֶת־רֹאשָׁ֖ם לֹ֣א תִשָּׂ֑א בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Exclusion of the Tribe of Levi from the Census

The verse (Bamidbar 1:49) commands that the tribe of Levi should not be counted among the rest of Bnei Yisrael during the census. Rashi explains that this exclusion is due to the unique role of the Levi'im as servants of Hashem in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Since they are designated for sacred service, they are not to be counted with the general population, as their spiritual status sets them apart.

Reason for Not Counting the Levi'im

The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that counting the Levi'im alongside the other tribes would diminish their sanctity, as they are meant to be a separate entity dedicated to divine service. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:10) further emphasizes that since the Levi'im were not ensnared in the sin of the Golden Calf, they merited a distinct status and were not subject to the same census as the rest of Israel.

Spiritual Protection Through Separation

The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) suggests that counting the Levi'im could expose them to the ayin hara (evil eye), as counting often invites spiritual vulnerability. Since their role is to protect the spiritual integrity of the nation, they must remain uncounted to preserve their purity.

Practical Implications in Jewish Law

  • The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1) rules that Levi'im are exempt from military service and other national obligations due to their exclusive focus on Temple duties.
  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 360) explains that this separation reinforces the principle that spiritual leadership must remain distinct from secular governance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 22b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of counting the Israelites directly, referencing the special status of the tribe of Levi.
📖 Bava Batra 121b
Mentioned in the context of discussing the census and the unique position of the Levites among the tribes of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why wasn't the tribe of Levi counted with the other tribes of Israel?
A: The tribe of Levi was set apart for holy service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Since their role was spiritual rather than military, they weren't included in the general census of fighting men (Rashi on Numbers 1:49).
Q: What was the special role of the tribe of Levi?
A: The Levites were chosen by Hashem to serve in the Mishkan, carry its vessels, assist the Kohanim (priests), and teach Torah to the Jewish people (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1). Their dedication to spiritual matters exempted them from regular military duties.
Q: Does this verse mean the Levites were never counted at all?
A: No - while they weren't counted in this military census, they were counted separately later (Numbers 3:15) from one month old and upward, showing their special status from birth (Rashi on Numbers 3:15).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Levites not being counted?
A: This teaches that spiritual service has equal (if not greater) value than physical defense. The Levites' protection came through their Torah study and service, showing that spiritual merits safeguard the Jewish people (Midrash Tanchuma, Bamidbar 5).
Q: How does this apply to Jewish life today?
A: Just as the Levites were dedicated to spiritual service, we're reminded that Torah study and mitzvot are our eternal inheritance. Many communities maintain traditions of supporting Torah scholars who devote themselves fully to learning, continuing the Levite legacy (Rambam, Hilchot Shemitta 13:12-13).