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Numbers 18:2 - Levites' sacred service role

Numbers 18:2 - במדבר 18:2

Hebrew Text

וְגַם אֶת־אַחֶיךָ מַטֵּה לֵוִי שֵׁבֶט אָבִיךָ הַקְרֵב אִתָּךְ וְיִלָּווּ עָלֶיךָ וִישָׁרְתוּךָ וְאַתָּה וּבָנֶיךָ אִתָּךְ לִפְנֵי אֹהֶל הָעֵדֻת׃

English Translation

And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou near with thee, that they may be joined to thee, and minister to thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tent of the Testimony.

Transliteration

Ve'gam et-achekha mateh Levi shevet avikha hakrev itakha veyilavu alekha veyishartukha ve'atah uvaneikha itakha lifnei ohel ha'edut.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְגַ֣ם אֶת־אַחֶ֩יךָ֩ מַטֵּ֨ה לֵוִ֜י שֵׁ֤בֶט אָבִ֙יךָ֙ הַקְרֵ֣ב אִתָּ֔ךְ וְיִלָּו֥וּ עָלֶ֖יךָ וִישָֽׁרְת֑וּךָ וְאַתָּה֙ וּבָנֶ֣יךָ אִתָּ֔ךְ לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֥הֶל הָעֵדֻֽת׃
וְגַ֣ם אֶת־אַחֶ֩יךָ֩ מַטֵּ֨ה לֵוִ֜י שֵׁ֤בֶט אָבִ֙יךָ֙ הַקְרֵ֣ב אִתָּ֔ךְ וְיִלָּו֥וּ עָלֶ֖יךָ וִישָֽׁרְת֑וּךָ וְאַתָּה֙ וּבָנֶ֣יךָ אִתָּ֔ךְ לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֥הֶל הָעֵדֻֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

This verse (Numbers 18:2) is part of Hashem's instructions to Aharon regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Kohanim and Levi'im in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It establishes the hierarchical structure of service, with Aharon and his sons (the Kohanim) performing the primary avodah (service) in the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), while the Levi'im assist them.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Role of the Levi'im: Rashi explains that the phrase "וְיִלָּווּ עָלֶיךָ" ("that they may be joined to thee") means the Levi'im are to serve as assistants to the Kohanim, performing secondary tasks such as guarding the Mishkan and transporting its vessels during travels (Bamidbar Rabbah 5:8).
  • Distinction Between Kohanim and Levi'im: The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2) elaborates that while the Kohanim are assigned the sacred duties of offering korbanot (sacrifices) and kindling the Menorah, the Levi'im are tasked with supporting roles like singing during services and maintaining the Mishkan's structure.
  • Tribal Unity: The mention of "שֵׁבֶט אָבִיךָ" ("the tribe of thy father") emphasizes the familial bond between Aharon and the Levi'im. The Sforno notes that this closeness ensures their loyalty and dedication to the shared mission of serving Hashem.

Practical Implications

The verse underscores the importance of each group knowing its designated role in avodat Hashem (divine service). The Kohanim and Levi'im must work in harmony, with the Levi'im accepting their supportive role without encroaching on the Kohanim's unique responsibilities (Yoma 26a). This model of structured collaboration is a timeless lesson in communal service and humility.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 12) connects this verse to the earlier rebellion of Korach, highlighting that the Levi'im's subordinate role was a divine decree to prevent future disputes. By clearly delineating their duties, the Torah ensures the sanctity and order of the Mishkan's service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the roles and responsibilities of the Levites and the priests in the service of the Tabernacle.
📖 Zevachim 17a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the priestly and Levitical duties and their respective roles in the Temple service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:2 mean?
A: Numbers 18:2 instructs Aaron, the High Priest, to bring his fellow Levites close to assist in the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse emphasizes that while the Levites would help with general duties, only Aaron and his sons (the Kohanim) could perform the sacred services directly before the Ark in the Tent of Meeting. Rashi explains that this division of roles ensures proper order in divine worship.
Q: Why is the tribe of Levi given special responsibilities?
A: The tribe of Levi was chosen for special service because they remained loyal to Hashem during the sin of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:26-29). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1) explains that their dedication to Torah and divine service qualified them for these sacred roles. The Levites assist the Kohanim but do not perform the same priestly duties.
Q: What can we learn from the relationship between the Kohanim and Levites?
A: This verse teaches the importance of teamwork and hierarchy in serving Hashem. The Kohanim and Levites had distinct but complementary roles, showing that divine service requires cooperation. The Talmud (Arachin 11a) discusses how each group had specific tasks, teaching that everyone has a unique role in serving G-d.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan or Temple, the principle of sacred service continues. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) explains that synagogue practices today are modeled after Temple service. Just as the Levites and Kohanim worked together, today's Jewish communities rely on cooperation between rabbis, cantors, and laypeople for proper worship.
Q: Why does the verse say 'they shall be joined to you'?
A: The phrase 'they shall be joined to you' (וְיִלָּווּ עָלֶיךָ) emphasizes unity in service. Rashi explains that the Levites were to form a protective circle around the Kohanim, assisting them. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 5:8) compares this to angels serving in harmony, teaching that proper divine service requires unity and mutual support.