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Numbers 4:19 - Priests' sacred duty: life or death?

Numbers 4:19 - במדבר 4:19

Hebrew Text

וְזֹאת עֲשׂוּ לָהֶם וְחָיוּ וְלֹא יָמֻתוּ בְּגִשְׁתָּם אֶת־קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים אַהֲרֹן וּבָנָיו יָבֹאוּ וְשָׂמוּ אוֹתָם אִישׁ אִישׁ עַל־עֲבֹדָתוֹ וְאֶל־מַשָּׂאוֹ׃

English Translation

but thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach the most holy things: Aharon and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

Transliteration

V'zot asu lahem v'chayu v'lo yamutu b'gishtam et-kodesh hakodashim Aharon uvanav yavo'u v'samu otam ish ish al-avodato v'el-masa'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֹ֣את <b>׀</b> עֲשׂ֣וּ לָהֶ֗ם וְחָיוּ֙ וְלֹ֣א יָמֻ֔תוּ בְּגִשְׁתָּ֖ם אֶת־קֹ֣דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים אַהֲרֹ֤ן וּבָנָיו֙ יָבֹ֔אוּ וְשָׂמ֣וּ אוֹתָ֗ם אִ֥ישׁ אִ֛ישׁ עַל־עֲבֹדָת֖וֹ וְאֶל־מַשָּׂאֽוֹ׃
וְזֹ֣את ׀ עֲשׂ֣וּ לָהֶ֗ם וְחָיוּ֙ וְלֹ֣א יָמֻ֔תוּ בְּגִשְׁתָּ֖ם אֶת־קֹ֣דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים אַהֲרֹ֤ן וּבָנָיו֙ יָבֹ֔אוּ וְשָׂמ֣וּ אוֹתָ֗ם אִ֥ישׁ אִ֛ישׁ עַל־עֲבֹדָת֖וֹ וְאֶל־מַשָּׂאֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Shemot 30:20) appears in the context of the instructions regarding the Kohanim (priests) and their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It follows the command to make the Kiyor (laver) for washing hands and feet before performing sacred duties.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this verse refers to the requirement for the Kohanim to wash their hands and feet from the Kiyor before approaching the Avodah (service) or entering the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). The phrase "וְחָיוּ וְלֹא יָמֻתוּ" ("that they may live, and not die") emphasizes the severity of this mitzvah - failure to properly wash would result in death at the hands of Heaven (מיתה בידי שמים).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash (1:12), Rambam codifies this law, stating that any Kohen who serves in the Temple without washing hands and feet is liable for death at the hands of Heaven. He notes that this applies whether the service involves entering the Heichal or performing any sacrificial service.

Talmudic Insights

  • Zevachim 19b discusses how this washing must be done specifically from the Kiyor, not from any other vessel.
  • Yoma 30a explains that the washing serves both a practical purpose (cleanliness) and a spiritual purpose (sanctification).

Kohanim's Responsibilities

The latter part of the verse describes Aharon and his sons assigning specific tasks to each Kohen. The Sforno explains that this prevents confusion and ensures each service is performed properly. The Kli Yakar adds that this division of labor maintains the dignity and sanctity of the service by preventing a rush or jostling for positions.

Spiritual Message

The Alshich notes that the juxtaposition of washing and proper assignment teaches that both physical preparation (through washing) and organizational structure are necessary for proper divine service. The Netziv in Ha'amek Davar emphasizes that this system ensures each Kohen approaches his duties with the proper reverence and focus.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 23a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the duties of the priests and the precautions they must take when approaching the holy things to avoid death, emphasizing the importance of proper service in the Temple.
📖 Zevachim 17b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the roles and responsibilities of Aaron and his sons in the Temple service, highlighting the specific tasks assigned to each priest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 4:19 mean?
A: Numbers 4:19 instructs Aharon (Aaron) and his sons, the Kohanim (priests), on how to assign the Levites their specific duties when handling the most sacred objects in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse emphasizes that proper procedures must be followed to ensure the Levites' safety ('that they may live, and not die') when approaching holy items. Rashi explains that this refers to the careful disassembly and transport of the Mishkan's vessels to prevent accidental transgression or danger.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse highlights the sanctity and seriousness of serving in the Mishkan. The Torah stresses that even those with holy roles—like the Levites—must follow precise instructions to avoid severe consequences. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8) derives from this that sacred service requires both reverence and meticulous adherence to halachic (Jewish legal) guidelines to protect those involved.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 4:19 today?
A: We learn the importance of respecting boundaries and protocols in spiritual matters. Just as the Levites needed clear guidance to approach holiness safely, we too must approach mitzvot (commandments) and Torah study with proper preparation and reverence. The Talmud (Yoma 23a) teaches that fear of Heaven must accompany wisdom, echoing this idea of caution in sacred matters.
Q: Who were Aharon and his sons in this verse?
A: Aharon (Aaron) was the first Kohen Gadol (High Priest), and his sons were the Kohanim (priests) tasked with overseeing the Mishkan's service. In this verse, they are responsible for delegating tasks to the Levites—the tribe assigned to assist with transporting the Mishkan. Rashi notes that their leadership ensured order and prevented misuse of the holy vessels.
Q: What were the 'most holy things' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'most holy things' (Kodesh HaKodashim) refer to the sacred vessels of the Mishkan, such as the Ark, Menorah, and Altar. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:20) explains that these items required extreme care because of their supreme holiness. Only the Kohanim could initially cover or prepare them, while the Levites carried them—but only after precise instructions were given.