Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 4:24 mean?
A: Numbers 4:24 describes the duties assigned to the Gershonite family of the Levites. Their primary responsibilities were 'serving' (assisting the Kohanim in the Mishkan/Tabernacle) and 'carrying' (transporting specific parts of the Mishkan during the Israelites' travels). Rashi explains that 'serving' refers to tasks like setting up the Mishkan's curtains, while 'carrying' means transporting these items on their shoulders when the camp moved.
Q: Why were the Gershonites given these specific tasks?
A: The Gershonites were descendants of Levi's second son, Gershon. Hashem assigned each Levite family (Gershon, Kehat, and Merari) distinct roles in maintaining the Mishkan. The Gershonites' tasks focused on the Mishkan's textiles and coverings (as detailed in Numbers 4:25-28). This division of labor, as Rambam notes in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash, teaches the importance of everyone contributing according to their designated role in serving Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the Gershonites' service today?
A: The Gershonites teach us that every role in avodat Hashem (service of G-d) is valuable—whether it involves lofty spiritual tasks or physical labor. The Talmud (Arachin 16b) emphasizes that those who support Torah study (like carrying its 'burdens') share in its reward. Just as the Gershonites' transport work enabled the Mishkan's function, our mundane actions can become holy when done l'shem shamayim (for Heaven's sake).
Q: How did the Gershonites carry the Mishkan's parts?
A: The Gershonites carried the Mishkan's curtains, coverings, and screens (Numbers 4:25-26) on wagons pulled by oxen (Numbers 7:7). However, Rashi notes that the most sacred items (like the Ark) were carried on shoulders—teaching that some mitzvot require extra personal effort. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 6:2) praises their humility in performing this laborious task without seeking more 'glamorous' roles.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'families' of Gershon?
A: The term 'mishpachot' (families) highlights that these duties were hereditary—passed from father to son. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1) explains that this ensured continuity and expertise. It also teaches that Jewish service isn't individualistic; entire families unite in sacred work. The Talmud (Yoma 26a) derives from this that children should be educated to follow their ancestors' righteous paths.
The Service of the Gershonites
The verse (Bamidbar 4:24) outlines the sacred duties assigned to the families of Gershon, one of the three Levitical clans. Their responsibilities were twofold: service (la'avod) and carrying (ul'masa).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi clarifies that the service refers to their role in transporting the coverings and curtains of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), while the carrying pertains to physically bearing these items on their shoulders during travel. This distinction is derived from the dual terminology used in the verse.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (3:1), Rambam elaborates that the Gershonites were entrusted with the finer materials of the Mishkan - the woven tapestries, coverings, and screens. Their work required careful handling, as these items were both spiritually significant and physically delicate.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Zevachim 17a) derives from this verse that the Levitical service had specific divisions of labor. The Gershonites' exclusive assignment teaches that each individual and family has their unique role in maintaining the spiritual infrastructure of the community.
Contemporary Application
Modern commentators like Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch emphasize that this verse teaches the importance of every Jew finding their particular way to contribute to communal holiness, whether through physical or spiritual service, according to their divinely assigned role.