Numbers 26:57 - Levi's sacred family roles

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Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה פְקוּדֵי הַלֵּוִי לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְגֵרְשׁוֹן מִשְׁפַּחַת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי לִקְהָת מִשְׁפַּחַת הַקְּהָתִי לִמְרָרִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַמְּרָרִי׃

English Translation

And these are they that were numbered of the Levi after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershoni: of Qehat, the family of the Qehati: of Merari, the family of the Merari.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh fkudei haLevi lemishpechotam leGershon mishpachat haGershuni likhat mishpachat haKehati leMerari mishpachat haMerari.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֨לֶּה פְקוּדֵ֣י הַלֵּוִי֮ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ לְגֵרְשׁ֗וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַגֵּ֣רְשֻׁנִּ֔י לִקְהָ֕ת מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַקְּהָתִ֑י לִמְרָרִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַמְּרָרִֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

The Counting of the Levites by Their Families

The verse enumerates the three primary families of the Levites—Gershon, Kehat, and Merari—each counted separately according to their lineage. This follows the earlier census of the other tribes (Bamidbar 1-2), but the Levites are counted separately due to their unique role in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) service.

Rashi's Commentary on the Levite Families

Rashi (Bamidbar 3:15) explains that the Levites were counted from one month old and upward, unlike the rest of Israel, who were counted from twenty years old. This distinction highlights their sanctity from birth, as they were designated for holy service. The three families—Gershon, Kehat, and Merari—were each assigned specific duties in transporting the Mishkan, as detailed later in the parsha.

Rambam on the Role of the Levites

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2) elaborates that the Levites were entrusted with guarding, dismantling, carrying, and reassembling the Mishkan. Their division into families ensured an orderly system of service, with each group responsible for different components (e.g., the Kehatites carried the Aron, while the Gershonites and Merarites handled the curtains and structural elements).

Midrashic Insights on the Levite Lineage

Gershon: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:12) connects the name "Gershon" (גֵרְשׁוֹן) to the concept of "expulsion" (גֵרֵשׁ), symbolizing the Levites' separation from worldly pursuits to devote themselves entirely to divine service.
Kehat: The Kehatites were granted the most sacred tasks, such as carrying the Aron, because their lineage included Moshe and Aharon (Sifrei Bamidbar 3:29).
Merari: The name "Merari" (מְרָרִי) is linked to bitterness (מַר), alluding to the heavy labor of transporting the Mishkan's beams and sockets (Tanchuma Bamidbar 5).

The Significance of Family Structure

The Torah emphasizes "מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם" (their families) to teach that each Levite's service was tied to their ancestral heritage. The Talmud (Arachin 11b) derives from this that only those born into the Levite tribe could serve in the Mishkan, reinforcing the principle of mesorah (tradition) in avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 55b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the divisions of the Levites and their roles in the Temple service.

📖 Arakhin 11b

Cited in the context of discussing the genealogical divisions among the Levites and their respective duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:57 teach us about the Levites?
A: Numbers 26:57 lists the three main families of the Levites—Gershon, Kehat, and Merari—and their descendants. This shows the organization of the Levites, who had special roles in serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that each family had specific duties, such as carrying parts of the Mishkan during travels in the desert.

Q: Why is it important to count the Levites separately?
A: The Levites were counted separately from the rest of Israel because they were chosen for holy service (Avodah) and did not receive a regular portion of land like the other tribes. Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that their role was to teach Torah and assist in the Mishkan, so they needed to be accounted for distinctly (Hilchot Shemita 13:12).

Q: What can we learn from the division of the Levite families?
A: The division of the Levites into families (Gershon, Kehat, and Merari) teaches the importance of structure and assigned roles in serving Hashem. The Talmud (Arachin 11b) explains that each family had unique responsibilities, showing that everyone has a special purpose in Divine service.

Q: How does the role of the Levites apply today?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash, the Levites' legacy reminds us of the importance of Torah study and spiritual leadership. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8) notes that even today, those who dedicate themselves to Torah and teaching fulfill a Levite-like role in the Jewish community.