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Numbers 4:48 - Counting sacred service roles

Numbers 4:48 - במדבר 4:48

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ פְּקֻדֵיהֶם שְׁמֹנַת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וּשְׁמֹנִים׃

English Translation

Those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand, five hundred and eighty.

Transliteration

Vayihyu p'kudeihem shmonat alafim vachamesh me'ot ushmonim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּהְי֖וּ פְּקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שְׁמֹנַ֣ת אֲלָפִ֔ים וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וּשְׁמֹנִֽים׃
וַיִּהְי֖וּ פְּקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שְׁמֹנַ֣ת אֲלָפִ֔ים וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וּשְׁמֹנִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 4:48, which details the census of the Levites from the family of Merari who were assigned specific duties in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The total count of eligible Levites from the family of Merari was 8,580.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes that this count refers specifically to Levites between the ages of 30 and 50, as stated earlier in the chapter (Bamidbar 4:3). These individuals were of an age fit for the strenuous labor involved in transporting the Mishkan's structural components.

Symbolism of the Number

  • 8,000: The number 8 often symbolizes transcendence beyond nature (represented by the number 7). The Levites' role was to elevate the physical Mishkan into a dwelling place for the Divine Presence.
  • 500: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 6:10) connects multiples of 100 to completeness in service, as the Levites were wholly dedicated to their sacred tasks.
  • 80: The number 80 may allude to strength and maturity, as Moshe was 80 years old when he began his leadership (Shemot 7:7).

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8), the Rambam (Maimonides) explains that the Levites' census was essential for organizing their service. Each family had distinct responsibilities, and precise numbers ensured the Mishkan's proper maintenance during travel.

Practical Implications

The Talmud (Arachin 11b) derives from this verse that the Levites' service required both physical capability and spiritual readiness. The large number ensured that duties could be rotated, preventing exhaustion while maintaining constant service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 4:48 mean when it lists the count of 8,580 Levites?
A: Numbers 4:48 records the total count of Levites between the ages of 30 and 50 who were eligible to serve in transporting and maintaining the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This census was taken as part of their assigned duties (Rashi on Numbers 4:3).
Q: Why is the specific number of Levites important in Numbers 4:48?
A: The precise count shows the importance of organization in sacred work. Each Levite had a specific role in the Mishkan's service, and counting ensured everything was done properly (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2).
Q: What can we learn from the census of the Levites in Numbers 4:48?
A: We learn that every individual counts in serving Hashem. Just as each Levite was numbered for their holy task, every Jew today has a unique role in Torah and mitzvot (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 4:20).
Q: How does the age range (30-50) for Levitical service apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan service, our Sages teach that this represents the prime years when one should dedicate maximum effort to Torah study and mitzvot (Talmud, Chullin 24a based on Numbers 4:3).
Q: Why were only certain Levites counted in Numbers 4:48?
A: Only Levites between 30-50 were counted because this was the age of physical strength needed for transporting the heavy Mishkan components (Rashi on Numbers 4:3). Younger or older Levites had different roles.