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Numbers 4:22 - Counting Gershon's sacred service

Numbers 4:22 - במדבר 4:22

Hebrew Text

נָשֹׂא אֶת־רֹאשׁ בְּנֵי גֵרְשׁוֹן גַּם־הֵם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם׃

English Translation

Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, by the houses of their fathers, by their families;

Transliteration

Nasso et-rosh bnei Gershon gam-hem leveit avotam lemishpechotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

נָשֹׂ֗א אֶת־רֹ֛אשׁ בְּנֵ֥י גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן גַּם־הֵ֑ם לְבֵ֥ית אֲבֹתָ֖ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃
נָשֹׂ֗א אֶת־רֹ֛אשׁ בְּנֵ֥י גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן גַּם־הֵ֑ם לְבֵ֥ית אֲבֹתָ֖ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 4:22) is part of the Torah's detailed account of the census and duties of the Levites, specifically the sons of Gershon, one of the three main branches of the Levite family (alongside Kehat and Merari). This follows the earlier counting of the sons of Kehat (Bamidbar 4:2), indicating the orderly assignment of sacred tasks in the Mishkan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "נָשֹׂא אֶת־רֹאשׁ" ("Take the sum" or literally "lift the head"), noting that this language implies dignity and importance. He explains that counting the Levites in this manner elevates their status, as they were chosen for sacred service. Rashi further emphasizes that the counting was done "לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם" ("by the houses of their fathers, by their families") to maintain the integrity of their lineage, as tribal and familial identity was crucial for their roles.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (Laws of the Temple Vessels), the Rambam (Maimonides) derives from this verse the principle that service in the Mishkan (and later the Beit HaMikdash) must be organized according to familial divisions. This structure ensured that responsibilities were clearly defined and passed down through generations, preserving the sanctity and order of the divine service.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bamidbar Rabbah (6:1) connects the counting of the sons of Gershon to their unique role in transporting the coverings and curtains of the Mishkan. The Midrash highlights that each Levite family had a distinct purpose, and their counting reflected their individual contributions to the collective sanctity.
  • Sforno adds that the phrase "גַּם־הֵם" ("also them") underscores that the sons of Gershon, though secondary in prominence to the sons of Kehat (who carried the Ark), were equally essential in the divine service.

Practical Implications

The verse teaches the importance of recognizing every individual's role in a communal structure. Just as the sons of Gershon had specific duties, every Jew has a unique contribution to make in avodat Hashem (service of G-d). The emphasis on family lineage also reinforces the value of mesorah (tradition) and the transmission of sacred responsibilities through generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 4:22 mean when it says 'Take the sum of the sons of Gershon'?
A: This verse is part of the Torah's instructions to count the Levite family of Gershon, one of the three main branches of the tribe of Levi. Rashi explains that this counting was done to assign specific duties to each family within the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Gershonites were responsible for transporting the coverings and curtains of the Mishkan during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness.
Q: Why was it important to count the sons of Gershon by their families?
A: The counting by families was important because each family within the tribe of Levi had distinct roles in serving the Mishkan. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash that this careful organization ensured that every aspect of the Mishkan's service was properly maintained. The Gershonites' specific duties (transporting the Mishkan's coverings) were passed down through family lines.
Q: What can we learn from the counting of the Gershonites in Numbers 4:22?
A: We learn that every individual and family has a unique role in serving Hashem. The Midrash Tanchuma emphasizes that just as the Gershonites had specific holy tasks, every Jew today has unique spiritual responsibilities. The verse teaches us that our service to G-d should be organized and taken seriously, with each person contributing according to their abilities.
Q: How does the concept of counting the Levites apply to Jewish life today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan or Temple service, the principle remains that every Jew counts and has a role in the community. The Talmud (Chagigah 27a) derives from such verses that all Jews are interconnected in serving Hashem. Today, this teaches us to value each person's unique contribution to Torah study, mitzvot, and building Jewish community.
Q: Why does the Torah specify counting 'by the houses of their fathers'?
A: Rashi explains that counting by paternal lineage was essential because the Levites' roles were inherited through the father's line. The Talmud (Kiddushin 76b) establishes that tribal status in Judaism follows the father. This system ensured the proper transmission of the sacred Temple service responsibilities through the generations in an orderly manner.