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Numbers 3:7 - Levites' sacred tabernacle duties

Numbers 3:7 - במדבר 3:7

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמְרוּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ וְאֶת־מִשְׁמֶרֶת כָּל־הָעֵדָה לִפְנֵי אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד לַעֲבֹד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת הַמִּשְׁכָּן׃

English Translation

And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle.

Transliteration

Veshamru et-mishmarto ve'et-mishmeret kol-ha'edah lifnei ohel mo'ed la'avod et-avodat hamishkan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמְר֣וּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתּ֗וֹ וְאֶת־מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ כׇּל־הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֥ת הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
וְשָׁמְר֣וּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתּ֗וֹ וְאֶת־מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ כׇּל־הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֥ת הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 3:7) describes the duties of the Levites, specifically the Kohanim (priests), in safeguarding and performing the sacred service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This responsibility was entrusted to them in place of the firstborns after the incident of the Golden Calf.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "וְשָׁמְרוּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ" ("they shall keep his charge") refers to the Levites guarding the Kohanim, who in turn guard the Mishkan. The phrase "מִשְׁמֶרֶת כָּל־הָעֵדָה" ("the charge of the whole congregation") means that the Levites serve on behalf of all Israel, as they were chosen to replace the firstborns who originally had this role.

Rambam on the Duties of the Levites

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (3:8), Rambam elaborates that the Levites were responsible for:

  • Guarding the Mishkan to prevent unauthorized entry
  • Assisting the Kohanim in the service
  • Singing during offerings (as part of the service)

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Bamidbar 3:7) teaches that the phrase "לַעֲבֹד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת הַמִּשְׁכָּן" ("to do the service of the tabernacle") includes not just physical labor but also spiritual vigilance. The Levites were to maintain the sanctity of the Mishkan through both action and constant awareness of its holiness.

Chizkuni's Additional Perspective

Chizkuni notes that the double language of "מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ וְאֶת־מִשְׁמֶרֶת" ("his charge and the charge") emphasizes two levels of responsibility: guarding the specific duties assigned to the Kohanim (such as the offerings) and the general maintenance of the Mishkan's sanctity for the entire nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the duties of the priests and Levites in the Temple service, emphasizing their responsibilities.
📖 Zevachim 17b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the roles and obligations of the priests in maintaining the sanctity and service of the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 3:7 mean?
A: Numbers 3:7 describes the duties of the Levites, who were appointed to assist the Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Their responsibility was to guard and maintain the sacred service and uphold the spiritual needs of the entire Jewish people in connection with the Mishkan.
Q: Why is the role of the Levites important?
A: The Levites played a crucial role in maintaining the holiness of the Mishkan and ensuring that the divine service was carried out properly. Rashi explains that their duty to 'keep his charge' refers to safeguarding the sacred objects and rituals, preventing unauthorized access, and upholding the sanctity of the Mishkan.
Q: What can we learn from the Levites' responsibilities today?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan, the lesson remains relevant: just as the Levites were dedicated to holy service, we should also strive to protect and uphold Torah values in our communities. The Rambam teaches that every Jew has a role in maintaining spiritual and ethical standards.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern Jewish life?
A: While the physical Mishkan no longer exists, the concept of guarding holiness applies to synagogues, Torah study, and mitzvah observance. The Midrash teaches that every Jew has a share in maintaining spiritual integrity, much like the Levites did in their time.
Q: What does 'the charge of the whole congregation' refer to?
A: This phrase means that the Levites were responsible not just for individual tasks but for the spiritual well-being of the entire nation. The Talmud (Arachin 11b) explains that their service facilitated atonement and divine closeness for all of Israel.