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Numbers 3:21 - Gershon's sacred family roles

Numbers 3:21 - במדבר 3:21

Hebrew Text

לְגֵרְשׁוֹן מִשְׁפַּחַת הַלִּבְנִי וּמִשְׁפַּחַת הַשִּׁמְעִי אֵלֶּה הֵם מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי׃

English Translation

Of Gershon was the family of the Livni, and the family of the Shim῾i: these are the families of the Gershoni.

Transliteration

Legershon mishpachat halivni umishpachat hashimi ele hem mishpechot hagershuni.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְגֵ֣רְשׁ֔וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַלִּבְנִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשִּׁמְעִ֑י אֵ֣לֶּה הֵ֔ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּֽי׃
לְגֵ֣רְשׁ֔וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַלִּבְנִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשִּׁמְעִ֑י אֵ֣לֶּה הֵ֔ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 3:21) describes the two families descended from Gershon, the eldest son of Levi: the Livni and the Shim῾i families. These are identified as the mishpachot (families or clans) of the Gershonites, who had specific roles in the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the names Livni and Shim῾i are derived from Gershon's sons, Libni and Shimi (Exodus 6:17). The verse emphasizes their lineage because the Gershonites were entrusted with transporting the coverings and curtains of the Mishkan (Numbers 4:24-26). Rashi notes that their duties were lighter than those of the Kehatites, who carried the sacred vessels, reflecting their status as descendants of Levi's firstborn.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the division of labor among the Levites in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (Laws of the Temple Vessels). He explains that the Gershonites' responsibilities were assigned based on their familial divisions, ensuring an orderly system for maintaining and transporting the Mishkan's components. This structure highlights the Torah's precision in delegating sacred tasks.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:12) elaborates that the Gershonites' role symbolized protection, as their charge included the Mishkan's outer coverings, which shielded the holiness within. The names Livni (from lavan, "white") and Shim῾i (from shemuah, "hearing") allude to purity and attentiveness to divine service, respectively.

Familial Significance in the Talmud

The Talmud (Arachin 11b) notes that the Gershonites' duties, though less prestigious than the Kehatites', were essential for the Mishkan's function. Their division into two families ensured that responsibilities were distributed fairly, reinforcing the principle that all contributions to sacred work are valued.

  • Livni: Associated with the color white, representing purity in service.
  • Shim῾i: Linked to hearing, symbolizing obedience to divine command.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Gershon in the Torah?
A: Gershon was the eldest son of Levi, making him one of the three main branches of the Levite family (along with Kehat and Merari). His descendants, the Gershonites, had specific duties in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), primarily related to transporting its coverings and curtains (Bamidbar 3:25-26).
Q: What were the families of Gershon responsible for?
A: The Gershonite families (Livni and Shim῾i) were entrusted with carrying the Mishkan's textiles: the coverings, the Tent's curtains, the courtyard hangings, and related ropes (Bamidbar 4:24-28). Rashi explains that their work was crucial but lighter than other Levites' duties since they handled the softer materials.
Q: Why does the Torah list these family names?
A: The Torah carefully documents the Levite families to show their holy roles in the Mishkan's service. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1) notes that these divisions emphasize how each family had a unique, Divinely appointed responsibility in maintaining the Mishkan's sanctity and functionality.
Q: Do the Gershonite families have significance today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan, the Gershonites' legacy teaches the importance of assigned roles in communal holiness. The Talmud (Arachin 11b) derives from this that every Jew has a unique spiritual contribution, just as each Levite family had a specific duty.