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Numbers 7:5 - Levites' sacred duty assigned

Numbers 7:5 - במדבר 7:5

Hebrew Text

קַח מֵאִתָּם וְהָיוּ לַעֲבֹד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְנָתַתָּה אוֹתָם אֶל־הַלְוִיִּם אִישׁ כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתוֹ׃

English Translation

Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the Tent of Meeting; and thou shalt give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service.

Transliteration

Kach me'itam vehayu la'avod et-avodat ohel mo'ed venatata otam el-haleviim ish kefi avodato.

Hebrew Leining Text

קַ֚ח מֵֽאִתָּ֔ם וְהָי֕וּ לַעֲבֹ֕ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְנָתַתָּ֤ה אוֹתָם֙ אֶל־הַלְוִיִּ֔ם אִ֖ישׁ כְּפִ֥י עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃
קַ֚ח מֵֽאִתָּ֔ם וְהָי֕וּ לַעֲבֹ֕ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְנָתַתָּ֤ה אוֹתָם֙ אֶל־הַלְוִיִּ֔ם אִ֖ישׁ כְּפִ֥י עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 8:19) is part of Hashem's instructions to Moshe regarding the consecration of the Levi'im (Levites) for their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The preceding verses discuss how the Levi'im are to be purified and presented as a gift to Aharon and his sons to assist in the sacred duties.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "קַח מֵאִתָּם" ("Take it from them") refers to taking the Levi'im from among Bnei Yisrael as substitutes for the firstborns, who were originally designated for service but were replaced after the sin of the Golden Calf. The Levi'im were given to Aharon and his sons "לַעֲבֹד אֶת־עֲבֹדַת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" ("to perform the service of the Tent of Meeting") because they demonstrated loyalty to Hashem during that incident.

Rambam on the Levi'im's Service

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (3:1-2), the Rambam elaborates that the Levi'im were assigned specific roles based on their capabilities ("אִישׁ כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתוֹ"—"each man according to his service"). Their duties included:

  • Guarding the Mishkan
  • Assisting the Kohanim in sacrifices
  • Singing during offerings (as per Divrei HaYamim I 6:16-17)

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 6) emphasizes that the Levi'im's service was not arbitrary but carefully assigned according to their strengths. This mirrors the principle that every Jew has a unique role in avodat Hashem (divine service), and the Levi'im's structured duties teach the importance of order and purpose in spiritual responsibilities.

Practical Lessons

The verse highlights several key ideas in Jewish thought:

  • Replacement of the firstborn: Demonstrates how divine plans adapt to human actions while maintaining kedusha (holiness).
  • Specialization in service: Reflects the Torah's recognition of individual talents in communal worship.
  • Hierarchy in kedusha: The Levi'im's subordination to the Kohanim models proper respect for spiritual roles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 7:5 mean?
A: Numbers 7:5 instructs Moses to take offerings from the leaders of the tribes of Israel and assign them to the Levites for their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each Levite received according to their specific role in maintaining and transporting the Mishkan. Rashi explains that this ensured the Levites had the necessary tools for their sacred duties.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse highlights the importance of communal contributions to sacred work and the organized division of labor among the Levites. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this system ensured efficiency and respect for the Mishkan's service, setting a model for how holy tasks should be properly supported and delegated.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 7:5 today?
A: We learn the value of teamwork and assigning roles based on individual strengths. Just as the Levites received responsibilities 'according to his service,' today we should recognize each person's unique abilities when dividing communal or spiritual tasks. The Midrash emphasizes that every role in serving Hashem is significant when done with sincerity.
Q: How were the Levites' duties divided according to this verse?
A: The Torah (and later elaborated in the Talmud) describes three main Levite families: Gershon, Kehat, and Merari. Each had specific responsibilities regarding the Mishkan's transport and upkeep. Numbers 7:5 shows that tools and resources were distributed accordingly—for example, the Kehatites carried the holiest vessels, while others handled curtains or structural parts.
Q: Why did the tribal leaders give offerings for the Levites?
A: Rashi explains that after the Mishkan's construction, the leaders voluntarily brought additional offerings (described earlier in Numbers 7) to support its operation. This verse shows their generosity was channeled practically—equipping the Levites for service. The Talmud (Yoma 26a) praises such communal support for those dedicated to spiritual work.