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Numbers 4:28 - Gershon's sacred transport duty

Numbers 4:28 - במדבר 4:28

Hebrew Text

זֹאת עֲבֹדַת מִשְׁפְּחֹת בְּנֵי הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּם בְּיַד אִיתָמָר בֶּן־אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן׃

English Translation

This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting: and their charge shall be under the hand of Itamar the son of Aharon the priest.

Transliteration

Zot avodat mishpachot bnei hagershuni be'ohel mo'ed umishmartam beyad Itamar ben-Aharon hakohen.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֹ֣את עֲבֹדַ֗ת מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת בְּנֵ֥י הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֖י בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וּמִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔ם בְּיַד֙ אִֽיתָמָ֔ר בֶּֽן־אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַכֹּהֵֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
זֹ֣את עֲבֹדַ֗ת מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת בְּנֵ֥י הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֖י בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וּמִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔ם בְּיַד֙ אִֽיתָמָ֔ר בֶּֽן־אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַכֹּהֵֽן׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Role of the Gershonites in the Mishkan

The verse (Bamidbar 4:28) describes the sacred duties assigned to the families of the Gershonites in the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). According to Rashi, their primary responsibility was transporting the coverings and curtains of the Mishkan during the travels of Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. This included the tapestries, the covering of goats' hair, and the screens for the entrance of the Mishkan and courtyard (Rashi on Bamidbar 4:24-28).

Supervision by Itamar

The verse emphasizes that their service was under the authority of Itamar ben Aharon HaKohen. The Ramban explains that Itamar, the youngest son of Aharon, was entrusted with overseeing both the Gershonites and the Merarites (who carried the heavier structural components), while Elazar, his elder brother, supervised the Kehatites (who carried the most sacred vessels). This division of labor ensured proper order and reverence in handling the Mishkan's components (Ramban on Bamidbar 4:28).

Spiritual Significance of Their Service

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) highlights that the Gershonites' role—though seemingly less prestigious than carrying the Aron or Menorah—was equally vital. Just as the curtains provided protection and sanctity to the Mishkan, their service symbolized the importance of every role in maintaining holiness. The Talmud (Arachin 11a) further notes that their work required wisdom, as improper handling could damage the delicate fabrics.

  • Hierarchy and Humility: The Gershonites' subordination to Itamar teaches the value of accepting authority in divine service (Sforno on Bamidbar 4:28).
  • Unity in Diversity: Each Levite family had distinct tasks, yet all were indispensable for the Mishkan's function (Malbim on Bamidbar 4:28).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the role of the Gershonites in the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: The Gershonites, descendants of Levi, were responsible for transporting the coverings, curtains, and hangings of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. Their duties are described in Numbers 4:21-28, and they worked under the supervision of Itamar, Aharon's son.
Q: Why was Itamar in charge of the Gershonites?
A: Itamar, the youngest son of Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), was appointed to oversee the Gershonites' work (Numbers 4:28). According to Rashi, this shows that even the seemingly lesser tasks in the Mishkan were entrusted to respected leaders, emphasizing the importance of every detail in Divine service.
Q: What can we learn from the Gershonites' service in the Mishkan?
A: The Gershonites teach us that every role in serving Hashem is valuable, even if it seems less prominent. Their work involved carrying the Mishkan's coverings—a behind-the-scenes task—yet it was essential for the Mishkan's function. The Talmud (Arachin 16b) highlights that all Levitical duties were equally holy.
Q: How does the division of labor among the Levites apply today?
A: Just as the Levites (including the Gershonites) had specific roles in the Mishkan, today each Jew has a unique role in serving Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 3) explains that this teaches us the importance of unity and cooperation, where everyone contributes according to their abilities.