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Numbers 26:58 - Levi's sacred lineage traced

Numbers 26:58 - במדבר 26:58

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת לֵוִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַלִּבְנִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַחֶבְרֹנִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַמַּחְלִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַמּוּשִׁי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַקָּרְחִי וּקְהָת הוֹלִד אֶת־עַמְרָם׃

English Translation

These are the families of Levi: the family of the Livni, the family of the Ḥevroni, the family of the Maĥli, the family of the Mushi, the family of the Qorĥi. And Qehat begot ῾Amram.

Transliteration

Ele mishpachot Levi mishpachat halivni mishpachat hachevroni mishpachat hamachli mishpachat hamushi mishpachat hakorchi u'kehat holid et-amram.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֣לֶּה <b>׀</b> מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת לֵוִ֗י מִשְׁפַּ֨חַת הַלִּבְנִ֜י מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַֽחֶבְרֹנִי֙ מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַמַּחְלִי֙ מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת הַמּוּשִׁ֔י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַקׇּרְחִ֑י וּקְהָ֖ת הוֹלִ֥ד אֶת־עַמְרָֽם׃
אֵ֣לֶּה ׀ מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת לֵוִ֗י מִשְׁפַּ֨חַת הַלִּבְנִ֜י מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַֽחֶבְרֹנִי֙ מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַמַּחְלִי֙ מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת הַמּוּשִׁ֔י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַקׇּרְחִ֑י וּקְהָ֖ת הוֹלִ֥ד אֶת־עַמְרָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 3:21) enumerates the families of the tribe of Levi, detailing the descendants of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kehat, and Merari—and their respective subfamilies. This lineage is significant in establishing the roles and responsibilities of the Levites in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the verse lists the families of Levi to clarify their divisions for service in the Mishkan. He notes that the names "Livni" and "Chevroni" are derived from Levi's son Gershon, while "Machli" and "Mushi" come from Merari. The "Korchi" family is linked to Kehat, and the verse concludes by mentioning Kehat's son Amram, the father of Moshe and Aharon, to highlight their lineage.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash, Rambam discusses the organizational structure of the Levites, emphasizing that their familial divisions were divinely ordained for specific roles in the Mishkan. The listing of these families underscores the importance of maintaining clear genealogical records to preserve the sanctity of their service.

Midrashic Insights

  • Sifrei Bamidbar: The Midrash highlights that the families of Levi were distinguished not only by their lineage but also by their unique spiritual qualities. For example, the family of Kehat, which included Moshe and Aharon, was known for its leadership and devotion.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: Explains that the repetition of family names serves as a reminder of the Levites' dedication to their sacred duties, as they were chosen to assist the Kohanim in divine service.

Significance of the Families

The division into families was practical as well as spiritual:

  • Livni and Chevroni: Descendants of Gershon, tasked with transporting the coverings and curtains of the Mishkan (Bamidbar 4:21-28).
  • Machli and Mushi: Descendants of Merari, responsible for the Mishkan's structural components, such as the beams and sockets (Bamidbar 4:29-33).
  • Korchi: Descendants of Kehat, entrusted with carrying the most sacred vessels, including the Aron (Ark) and the Shulchan (Table) (Bamidbar 4:1-15).

Amram's Mention

The verse concludes by noting that Kehat fathered Amram, the father of Moshe and Aharon. This serves to connect the broader Levite lineage to its most illustrious descendants, reinforcing the divine selection of Aharon's family for the priesthood (Kehunah) and Moshe's role as the leader of Bnei Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:58 teach us about the tribe of Levi?
A: Numbers 26:58 lists the major families of the tribe of Levi, showing their lineage and divisions. According to Rashi, this emphasizes the importance of tracing ancestry among the Levites, who served special roles in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).
Q: Why is the family of Kehat (Qehat) mentioned separately in this verse?
A: Kehat is highlighted because his descendants, including Amram (father of Moshe and Aharon), were central to the priestly and Levitical service. The Rambam explains that the Kehatites carried the most sacred vessels of the Mishkan, showing their elevated role among the Levites.
Q: What is the significance of listing the families of Levi in the Torah?
A: The Torah lists the Levite families to establish their unique status and responsibilities. The Talmud (Chullin 24a) teaches that this lineage was crucial for assigning duties in the Mishkan and ensuring proper service, as only certain families could perform specific sacred tasks.
Q: How does this verse connect to Moshe and Aharon?
A: This verse traces the lineage of Moshe and Aharon through their father Amram, who was a descendant of Kehat. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:5) explains that their noble ancestry prepared them for leadership, showing how family heritage plays a role in Jewish tradition.
Q: Can we learn anything practical from this verse today?
A: Yes! While we no longer have the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash, this verse reminds us of the value of family heritage and communal roles. The Mishnah (Avot 4:13) teaches that honoring one’s lineage encourages responsibility and humility, as we recognize our place within the Jewish people.