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Numbers 4:32 - Counting sacred service tools meticulously?

Numbers 4:32 - במדבר 4:32

Hebrew Text

וְעַמּוּדֵי הֶחָצֵר סָבִיב וְאַדְנֵיהֶם וִיתֵדֹתָם וּמֵיתְרֵיהֶם לְכָל־כְּלֵיהֶם וּלְכֹל עֲבֹדָתָם וּבְשֵׁמֹת תִּפְקְדוּ אֶת־כְּלֵי מִשְׁמֶרֶת מַשָּׂאָם׃

English Translation

and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pegs, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name you shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

Transliteration

Ve'amudei hechazer saviv ve'adneihem viyetidotam umeitreihem lechol-kleihem ulchol avodatam uv'shemot tifkedu et-klei mishmeret masa'am.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַמּוּדֵי֩ הֶחָצֵ֨ר סָבִ֜יב וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֗ם וִיתֵֽדֹתָם֙ וּמֵ֣יתְרֵיהֶ֔ם לְכׇ֨ל־כְּלֵיהֶ֔ם וּלְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתָ֑ם וּבְשֵׁמֹ֣ת תִּפְקְד֔וּ אֶת־כְּלֵ֖י מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת מַשָּׂאָֽם׃
וְעַמּוּדֵי֩ הֶחָצֵ֨ר סָבִ֜יב וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֗ם וִיתֵֽדֹתָם֙ וּמֵ֣יתְרֵיהֶ֔ם לְכׇ֨ל־כְּלֵיהֶ֔ם וּלְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתָ֑ם וּבְשֵׁמֹ֣ת תִּפְקְד֔וּ אֶת־כְּלֵ֖י מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת מַשָּׂאָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 4:32, within the context of the census and responsibilities of the Levitical families, specifically the sons of Merari, who were tasked with transporting the structural components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse details the specific items they were responsible for carrying during the journeys in the wilderness.

Explanation of the Components

  • וְעַמּוּדֵי הֶחָצֵר (Pillars of the Court): Rashi explains that these were the upright posts that supported the curtains surrounding the Mishkan's courtyard. The Merarites were responsible for disassembling, transporting, and reassembling them.
  • וְאַדְנֵיהֶם (Their Sockets): The silver or copper bases that held the pillars in place. The Ibn Ezra notes that these were heavy and required careful handling.
  • וִיתֵדֹתָם (Their Pegs): Used to secure the Mishkan's ropes and curtains to the ground, as mentioned in Shemot (Exodus) 27:19.
  • וּמֵיתְרֵיהֶם (Their Cords): The ropes that tied the structure together. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:10) discusses their importance in maintaining the Mishkan's stability.

Significance of "By Name"

The phrase וּבְשֵׁמֹת תִּפְקְדוּ ("and by name you shall reckon") emphasizes meticulous accountability. The Sforno explains that each item had to be individually recorded and assigned to specific Levites to ensure nothing was lost or neglected. This reflects the broader principle of shemirah (guardianship) over sacred objects, as derived from Bamidbar 1:50.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Order and Precision in Divine Service: The detailed accounting teaches that serving Hashem requires attentiveness to even the smallest details, as the Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) highlights.
  • Shared Responsibility: The Merarites' role, though involving heavy labor, was no less holy than the duties of other Levites, reinforcing the idea that all contributions to the Mishkan's upkeep were valued (Ramban on Bamidbar 4:29).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 4:32 teach us about the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: Numbers 4:32 describes the detailed responsibilities of the Levites in transporting the Mishkan's courtyard pillars, sockets, pegs, and cords. This teaches us the importance of treating holy objects with care and precision, as every component had a specific role in the service of Hashem. Rashi explains that each item was meticulously accounted for to ensure nothing was lost or mishandled during travel.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these small details about the Mishkan's utensils?
A: The Torah lists these details to emphasize that every part of the Mishkan, no matter how seemingly small, was essential for its function. The Talmud (Yoma 38a) teaches that nothing in the service of Hashem is insignificant—even the pegs and cords had holiness and purpose. This teaches us to value every mitzvah and detail in our divine service.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the phrase 'by name you shall reckon the instruments'?
A: The instruction to count the Mishkan's utensils 'by name' (Numbers 4:32) teaches us about personal responsibility. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:7) derives from this that holy items must be handled with individual care and accountability. In our lives, this reminds us to approach mitzvot with attention and dedication, not treating them as routine tasks.
Q: How does the description of the Mishkan's transport apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:20) explains that the care shown for its vessels teaches us how to treat sacred objects like sifrei Torah (Torah scrolls) and synagogue items. Just as the Levites carefully accounted for each item, we must honor and protect objects used for mitzvot today.
Q: What is the significance of the pegs and cords mentioned in this verse?
A: The pegs (יתדות) and cords (מיתרים) may seem minor, but Rashi notes they were crucial for securing the Mishkan's courtyard curtains. This teaches that even 'supporting' elements in avodat Hashem (divine service) are vital—just as a tent needs both fabric and ropes, our spiritual lives require both major mitzvot and the 'small' details that uphold them.