Numbers 7:8 - Levites' sacred transport duty

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Hebrew Text

וְאֵת אַרְבַּע הָעֲגָלֹת וְאֵת שְׁמֹנַת הַבָּקָר נָתַן לִבְנֵי מְרָרִי כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתָם בְּיַד אִיתָמָר בֶּן־אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן׃

English Translation

and four wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the hand of Itamar the son of Aharon the priest.

Transliteration

Ve'et arba ha'agalot ve'et shmonat habakar natan livnei Merari k'fi avodatam b'yad Itamar ben-Aharon hakohen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֣ת ׀ אַרְבַּ֣ע הָעֲגָלֹ֗ת וְאֵת֙ שְׁמֹנַ֣ת הַבָּקָ֔ר נָתַ֖ן לִבְנֵ֣י מְרָרִ֑י כְּפִי֙ עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔ם בְּיַד֙ אִֽיתָמָ֔ר בֶּֽן־אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַכֹּהֵֽן׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 7:8) describes the distribution of wagons and oxen to the Levite families for transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. The sons of Merari received four wagons and eight oxen, as their duties involved carrying the heavier structural components of the Mishkan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 7:8) clarifies that the distribution was proportionate to the workload of each Levite family. The sons of Gershon, who carried lighter materials (curtains and coverings), received only two wagons (as mentioned in the previous verse), while the sons of Merari, who transported the heavy beams, sockets, and pillars, required more wagons. This demonstrates the principle of equitable distribution based on need.

Role of Itamar

The verse emphasizes that the distribution was supervised by Itamar, Aharon's youngest son. The Ramban (Bamidbar 7:8) notes that Itamar was entrusted with overseeing the Levites' transport duties, as he was known for his meticulousness in handling sacred matters. The Talmud (Yoma 47a) also highlights Itamar's righteousness, making him a fitting supervisor for this task.

Symbolism of the Numbers

Four Wagons: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:17) connects this to the four directions (north, south, east, west), symbolizing that the Mishkan's sanctity would eventually spread throughout the world.
Eight Oxen: Some commentators (e.g., Kli Yakar) associate this with the eight days of Miluim (consecration of the Mishkan), reinforcing the connection to divine service.

Practical Lessons

The Sforno (Bamidbar 7:8) derives a lesson in communal responsibility: resources must be allocated wisely to ensure that those with greater burdens receive adequate support. This principle applies to both physical and spiritual responsibilities within the Jewish community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the sons of Merari given wagons and oxen in Numbers 7:8?
A: The sons of Merari were responsible for transporting the heavier parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), such as the beams and sockets (Bamidbar 4:31-32). Since their load was heavier, they needed wagons and oxen to help carry it, unlike the families of Gershon and Kehat who carried lighter items by hand (Rashi on Numbers 7:7-9).

Q: What is the significance of Itamar supervising the distribution in Numbers 7:8?
A: Itamar, the son of Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), was appointed to oversee the distribution of wagons and oxen to ensure fairness and proper allocation according to each family's needs in transporting the Mishkan (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:9). This teaches the importance of organized leadership in sacred work.

Q: How does Numbers 7:8 teach us about fairness in responsibilities?
A: The verse shows that the wagons and oxen were given 'according to their service'—meaning based on the actual needs of their tasks (Sifrei Bamidbar 7:8). This teaches that in communal work, resources should be distributed fairly, considering the difficulty of each person's role (Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 12).

Q: Why were there specifically four wagons and eight oxen in Numbers 7:8?
A: The four wagons and eight oxen (two oxen per wagon) were enough to assist the sons of Merari with their heavy duties without excess. The Torah emphasizes precision in holy work—providing what was necessary but not wasteful (Malbim on Numbers 7:8).