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Numbers 16:9 - Priestly privilege: small thing?

Numbers 16:9 - במדבר 16:9

Hebrew Text

הַמְעַט מִכֶּם כִּי־הִבְדִּיל אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶתְכֶם מֵעֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהַקְרִיב אֶתְכֶם אֵלָיו לַעֲבֹד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת מִשְׁכַּן יְהוָה וְלַעֲמֹד לִפְנֵי הָעֵדָה לְשָׁרְתָם׃

English Translation

is it but a small thing to you, that the God of Yisra᾽el has separated you from the congregation of Yisra᾽el, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

Transliteration

Ham'at mikem ki-hivdil Elohei Yisra'el etkhem me'adat Yisra'el lehakriv etkhem elav la'avod et-avodat mishkan Adonai vela'amod lifnei ha'edah leshartam.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַמְעַ֣ט מִכֶּ֗ם כִּֽי־הִבְדִּיל֩ אֱלֹהֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵעֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְהַקְרִ֥יב אֶתְכֶ֖ם אֵלָ֑יו לַעֲבֹ֗ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת֙ מִשְׁכַּ֣ן יְהֹוָ֔ה וְלַעֲמֹ֛ד לִפְנֵ֥י הָעֵדָ֖ה לְשָׁרְתָֽם׃
הַמְעַ֣ט מִכֶּ֗ם כִּֽי־הִבְדִּיל֩ אֱלֹהֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵעֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְהַקְרִ֥יב אֶתְכֶ֖ם אֵלָ֑יו לַעֲבֹ֗ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת֙ מִשְׁכַּ֣ן יְהֹוָ֔ה וְלַעֲמֹ֛ד לִפְנֵ֥י הָעֵדָ֖ה לְשָׁרְתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 16:9) is part of Moshe's response to Korach and his followers during their rebellion. Korach, a Levite, challenged the leadership of Moshe and Aharon, claiming that the entire congregation was equally holy (Bamidbar 16:3). Moshe counters by emphasizing the unique and elevated role of the Levites in serving Hashem in the Mishkan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe is highlighting the great privilege bestowed upon the Levites. The phrase "הַמְעַט מִכֶּם" ("is it but a small thing to you") is a rhetorical question underscoring that their selection for divine service is not a minor matter. Rashi notes that the Levites were separated from the rest of Bnei Yisrael to perform sacred duties, a distinction that should have been a source of gratitude rather than rebellion.

Rambam on the Role of the Levi'im

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (3:1-2), the Rambam elaborates on the unique status of the Levi'im. They were chosen to assist the Kohanim in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash, a role that required purity and devotion. Their separation ("הִבְדִּיל") was not a rejection but an elevation, allowing them to stand before Hashem in service.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 5) compares the Levi'im to attendants of a king, entrusted with intimate service. Their role was a divine gift, not a burden.
  • The Sifrei (Bamidbar 16:9) emphasizes that their service was not merely physical labor but a spiritual privilege, enabling them to "stand before the congregation" as intermediaries between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

Philosophical Implications

The verse teaches that leadership and divine service are not about personal honor but about fulfilling a sacred role with humility. Korach's mistake was viewing his position through the lens of ego rather than recognizing it as an opportunity for avodat Hashem. The Levi'im were meant to model this ideal, as their service required both closeness to Hashem and responsibility toward the people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 16:9 mean?
A: In Numbers 16:9, Moshe (Moses) is speaking to Korach and his followers, reminding them of the great privilege they have as Levi'im (Levites) to serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse emphasizes that being set apart for divine service is not a small matter—it is an honor bestowed by Hashem. Rashi explains that Moshe was highlighting how the Levi'im were chosen for a sacred role, and their rebellion against this arrangement was inappropriate.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches about the value of assigned roles in serving Hashem. The Levi'im had a unique responsibility, and their attempt to challenge Moshe and Aharon's leadership (as seen in Korach's rebellion) was a rejection of divine order. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) discusses this incident as a warning against seeking honor or positions not meant for us, emphasizing humility and acceptance of one's divinely appointed role.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 16:9?
A: We learn that every role in serving Hashem is significant and should not be taken for granted. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 3:8) discusses how the Levi'im had specific duties, and their service was holy. This verse reminds us to appreciate our own spiritual responsibilities rather than envying others' roles. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:3) also teaches that discontent with one's divinely given mission leads to strife.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us that each person has a unique role in serving Hashem, whether in Torah study, prayer, or acts of kindness. Just as the Levi'im had their sacred duties, we must embrace our own spiritual paths without jealousy or discontent. The Mishnah (Avot 4:1) teaches, 'Who is honorable? One who honors others,' reinforcing that true greatness comes from fulfilling our own missions with sincerity.