Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why were the Levites counted separately from the rest of Israel in Numbers 26:62?
A: The Levites were counted separately because they had a unique role in serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a portion of land in Israel (Rashi on Numbers 26:62). Their 'inheritance' was their service to Hashem and the spiritual support they provided to the nation.
Q: Why were the Levites counted from one month old instead of twenty years old like the other tribes?
A: The Levites were counted from one month old because their sanctity and role in serving Hashem began at birth, unlike the other tribes who were only counted for military service from age twenty (Rambam, Hilchot Shemita v'Yovel 13:12). This emphasizes their special status in Jewish tradition.
Q: What is the significance of the number 23,000 for the Levites in this verse?
A: The number 23,000 represents the total male Levite population at that time. This count was important for assigning their duties in the Mishkan and ensuring proper representation among the priestly families (Midrash Tanchuma, Bamidbar 6). It also showed how the Levites remained a distinct group within the Jewish people.
Q: How does the concept of the Levites not receiving land apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer have the Tribe of Levi serving in the Temple, the principle teaches that spiritual roles are just as vital as physical ones. Today, Torah scholars and community rabbis often follow this model by dedicating their lives to Torah study and teaching, supported by the community (Talmud, Ketubot 105b).
Q: What does it mean that the Levites had 'no inheritance among the children of Israel'?
A: This means the Levites did not receive a portion of the Land of Israel like the other tribes. Instead, they received cities to live in and were supported through tithes (ma'aser) given by the people (Numbers 18:20-24). This arrangement allowed them to focus entirely on their spiritual responsibilities.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 3:39) discusses the census of the tribe of Levi, which totaled 23,000 males from one month old and upward. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites were not included in the general census of Bnei Yisrael, as they were designated for sacred service in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash.
Exclusion from the General Census
Rashi explains that the Levites were not counted among Bnei Yisrael because they were set apart for divine service. The phrase "כִּי לֹא הָתְפָּקְדוּ בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("for they were not numbered among the children of Israel") emphasizes their unique role. The Ramban adds that since the Levites were not to receive a territorial inheritance in Eretz Yisrael, they were counted separately to highlight their distinct spiritual mission.
Counting from One Month Old
The Talmud (Chullin 24a) notes that the Levites were counted from the age of one month, unlike the other tribes, which were counted from twenty years old (Bamidbar 1:3). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:6) explains that this early counting signifies the sanctity of the Levites from infancy, as they were destined for holy service.
No Inheritance Among Bnei Yisrael
The verse concludes with the reason for their separate census: "כִּי לֹא־נִתַּן לָהֶם נַחֲלָה בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel"). The Sforno elaborates that since their sustenance came from tithes and offerings rather than land, their census reflected their dependence on Hashem and their role as spiritual leaders rather than landowners.
Spiritual Role of the Levites