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Numbers 3:27 - Levitical lineage's sacred duty?

Numbers 3:27 - במדבר 3:27

Hebrew Text

וְלִקְהָת מִשְׁפַּחַת הַעַמְרָמִי וּמִשְׁפַּחַת הַיִּצְהָרִי וּמִשְׁפַּחַת הַחֶבְרֹנִי וּמִשְׁפַּחַת הָעָזִּיאֵלִי אֵלֶּה הֵם מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַקְּהָתִי׃

English Translation

And of Qehat was the family of the ῾Amrami, and the family of the Yiżhari, and the family of the Ḥevroni, and the family of the ῾Uzzi’eli: these are the families of the Qehati.

Transliteration

Velikhat mishpakhat ha'amrami umishpakhat hayitshari umishpakhat hakhevroni umishpakhat ha'azieli ele hem mishpekhot hakhati.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלִקְהָ֗ת מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַֽעַמְרָמִי֙ וּמִשְׁפַּ֣חַת הַיִּצְהָרִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַֽחֶבְרֹנִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָעׇזִּֽיאֵלִ֑י אֵ֥לֶּה הֵ֖ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַקְּהָתִֽי׃
וְלִקְהָ֗ת מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַֽעַמְרָמִי֙ וּמִשְׁפַּ֣חַת הַיִּצְהָרִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַֽחֶבְרֹנִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָעׇזִּֽיאֵלִ֑י אֵ֥לֶּה הֵ֖ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַקְּהָתִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 3:27) enumerates the four families descended from Kehat, one of the three sons of Levi. These families—Amrami, Yitzhari, Chevroni, and Uzzieli—constituted the Kehati clans, who had specific roles in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) service. The Torah emphasizes their lineage to highlight their sacred responsibilities.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi notes that the families of Kehat were entrusted with carrying the most sacred vessels of the Mishkan, including the Aron (Ark), Menorah, and Mizbeach (Altar). Their lineage is detailed to underscore their unique status and the importance of their duties. The Amrami family, for instance, included Moshe and Aharon, further elevating their distinction.

Rambam’s Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2) elaborates on the division of labor among the Levi’im, explaining that the Kehati families were assigned the most spiritually sensitive tasks due to their direct descent from Levi. Their roles required exceptional sanctity and precision, as they handled the holy vessels during travel.

Midrashic Insights

  • Amrami: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:14) connects this family to Moshe and Aharon, emphasizing their leadership and prophetic roles. The name "Amram" is linked to "am" (nation) and "ram" (exalted), symbolizing their elevated status.
  • Yitzhari: The Midrash suggests this name derives from "tzohar" (radiance), alluding to the light of Torah, as Yitzhar’s descendants were known for their wisdom.
  • Chevroni: This name is tied to "chibur" (connection), reflecting their role in uniting the people through service in the Mishkan.
  • Uzzieli: Meaning "my strength is G-d," this family exemplified divine reliance in their sacred duties.

Talmudic Context

The Talmud (Zevachim 53b) discusses the meticulous care required by the Kehati families when transporting the Mishkan’s vessels. Their lineage ensured they were spiritually prepared for this task, as any negligence could have severe consequences. The enumeration of their families in the Torah serves as a reminder of the precision required in divine service.

Practical Lessons

This verse teaches the importance of designated roles within Klal Yisrael, where each family’s unique strengths contribute to the collective sanctity. The Kehati families model how lineage and responsibility intertwine in serving Hashem, a principle that extends to all Jews in fulfilling their individual and communal roles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 3:27 teach us about the family of Kehat?
A: Numbers 3:27 lists the four main families descended from Kehat, one of Levi's sons: the Amramites, Yitzharites, Chevronites, and Uzzielites. These families had specific roles in transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels in the desert (Rashi on Numbers 3:27).
Q: Why is the family of Kehat important in the Torah?
A: The family of Kehat was entrusted with carrying the holiest vessels of the Mishkan, including the Ark, Menorah, and Altars (Bamidbar Rabbah 6:2). Because of their sacred duty, they received special instructions to ensure proper respect for these items (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:8-9).
Q: How does the division of Kehat's family apply today?
A: While we no longer transport the Mishkan, the lesson remains that different groups have unique roles in serving Hashem. Just as Kehat's families had distinct responsibilities, every Jew today has a special contribution to make in Torah and mitzvot (based on the principle in Midrash Tanchuma, Nasso 14).
Q: What can we learn from listing these family names in the Torah?
A: The Torah emphasizes each family's individuality to teach that every person's service matters. Even within the tribe of Levi - who all served Hashem - each family had its own unique path (Sforno on Numbers 3:27). This shows the value of diversity within Jewish unity.