share torah logo

Numbers 4:49 - Divine census for sacred service.

Numbers 4:49 - במדבר 4:49

Hebrew Text

עַל־פִּי יְהוָה פָּקַד אוֹתָם בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה אִישׁ אִישׁ עַל־עֲבֹדָתוֹ וְעַל־מַשָּׂאוֹ וּפְקֻדָיו אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moshe, everyone according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered, as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Al-pi Adonai pakad otam b'yad-Moshe ish ish al-avodato v'al-masa'o ufkudav asher-tziva Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל־פִּ֨י יְהֹוָ֜ה פָּקַ֤ד אוֹתָם֙ בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אִ֥ישׁ אִ֛ישׁ עַל־עֲבֹדָת֖וֹ וְעַל־מַשָּׂא֑וֹ וּפְקֻדָ֕יו אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
עַל־פִּ֨י יְהֹוָ֜ה פָּקַ֤ד אוֹתָם֙ בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אִ֥ישׁ אִ֛ישׁ עַל־עֲבֹדָת֖וֹ וְעַל־מַשָּׂא֑וֹ וּפְקֻדָ֕יו אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bamidbar

The verse (Bamidbar 4:49) concludes the census of the Levitical families—Kehat, Gershon, and Merari—detailing their specific roles in transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This enumeration was not a mere tally but a Divine assignment of sacred duties.

Divine Command Through Moshe

Rashi emphasizes that the phrase "עַל־פִּי יְהוָה" ("according to the commandment of the Lord") underscores that this census was not initiated by Moshe but was a direct instruction from Hashem. The Ramban adds that every detail of the Levites' roles—down to individual burdens—was meticulously ordained to reflect the precision required in avodat hakodesh (holy service).

Individual Roles and Responsibilities

The phrase "אִישׁ אִישׁ עַל־עֲבֹדָתוֹ" ("everyone according to his service") teaches, as the Sforno explains, that each Levite was assigned a role matching their unique capabilities. The Talmud (Arakhin 11b) derives from here that communal service must be allocated based on individual strengths, ensuring harmony in fulfilling the Divine will.

The Concept of "מַשָּׂאוֹ" (Burden)

  • Rashi: Interprets "מַשָּׂאוֹ" literally as the physical load each family carried (e.g., Kehat bore the Ark, while Gershon transported curtains).
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 6): Expands this to mean spiritual responsibility—the weight of safeguarding the sanctity of their tasks.

Unity in Diversity

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that though duties varied—some heavy, some light—all were equally vital. This mirrors the Mishnah's teaching (Avot 4:3) that no mitzvah is insignificant when performed for Heaven’s sake.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 4:49 mean?
A: This verse explains that the counting and assignments of the Levites for their Tabernacle service were done exactly as Hashem commanded Moshe. Each Levite was assigned specific tasks and responsibilities regarding transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness.
Q: Why was it important that the Levites were counted 'according to the commandment of the Lord'?
A: Rashi explains that this emphasizes the precision required in holy service. The Levites' roles in transporting the Mishkan had to follow exact Divine instructions because they were handling sacred objects. This teaches us the importance of following Torah commandments meticulously, especially in matters of kedusha (holiness).
Q: What can we learn from how the Levites were assigned their tasks?
A: The Midrash teaches that each Levite was given work suited to his individual strengths ('everyone according to his service'). This shows that in serving Hashem, we all have different roles based on our capabilities. Just as the Levites had different responsibilities in carrying parts of the Mishkan, each Jew today has unique ways to contribute to the community.
Q: How does the concept of 'everyone according to his service' apply today?
A: The Rambam applies this principle to communal service today. Just as the Levites had specific roles, in every generation there are different roles in Jewish community life - scholars, teachers, helpers, etc. Each person should find where they can best contribute 'according to their service' to strengthen Torah observance.
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'service' and 'burden'?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 11b) explains that 'service' refers to the actual work with the Mishkan vessels, while 'burden' refers to physically carrying them during travels. This teaches that serving Hashem involves both spiritual service (like prayer/study) and physical efforts (like helping others) - both are important when done for Heaven's sake.