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Numbers 8:15 - Levites' sacred service begins

Numbers 8:15 - במדבר 8:15

Hebrew Text

וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵן יָבֹאוּ הַלְוִיִּם לַעֲבֹד אֶת־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְטִהַרְתָּ אֹתָם וְהֵנַפְתָּ אֹתָם תְּנוּפָה׃

English Translation

And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the Tent of Meeting: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.

Transliteration

Ve'acharei-chen yavo'u halevi'im la'avod et-ohel mo'ed vetiharta otam vehenafta otam tenufa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַֽחֲרֵי־כֵן֙ יָבֹ֣אוּ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְטִֽהַרְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֔ם וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם תְּנוּפָֽה׃
וְאַֽחֲרֵי־כֵן֙ יָבֹ֣אוּ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְטִֽהַרְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֔ם וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם תְּנוּפָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 8:15) describes the purification process of the Levites before they begin their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This follows earlier instructions about their consecration (Bamidbar 8:5-14). The Levites were designated as substitutes for the firstborns in serving Hashem after the incident of the Golden Calf (Rashi on Bamidbar 3:12).

Purification of the Levites

The phrase "וְטִהַרְתָּ אֹתָם" ("and thou shalt cleanse them") refers to the ritual purification process involving:

  • Sprinkling of מי חטאת (waters of purification) - based on Rashi's commentary, citing the requirement for purification similar to other Temple service initiations.
  • Shaving their entire bodies - derived from the earlier verse (Bamidbar 8:7), as explained by Rambam in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:7.
  • Immersion in a mikveh - as all purification processes require tevilah (Rambam, ibid).

The Tenufah (Wave Offering)

The term "תְּנוּפָה" refers to a special wave offering performed with the Levites. The Talmud (Menachot 61b) explains this was done by:

  • Moses placing his hands beneath the Levites' hands and moving them forward and backward, upward and downward - symbolizing their dedication to Heaven and Earth (Rashi on Bamidbar 8:11).
  • This parallels the tenufah of certain sacrifices, showing the Levites themselves were being "offered" to Hashem for divine service (Sforno).

Transition to Service

The phrase "יָבֹאוּ הַלְוִיִּם לַעֲבֹד" ("the Levites shall go in to do the service") marks their formal initiation. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 6:11) notes this was:

  • A permanent consecration - unlike the temporary dedication of the firstborns.
  • Beginning at age 25 for training (Bamidbar 8:24) and active service at 30 (Rashi on Bamidbar 4:3).

Spiritual Significance

The Ramban explains this entire process symbolizes:

  • The Levites as intermediaries between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.
  • Their complete devotion to divine service, requiring total purification.
  • A model for all Jews to approach avodat Hashem with purity and dedication.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 11a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the service of the Levites and their purification process.
📖 Menachot 61b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the waving (tenufah) offering and the roles of the Levites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 8:15 mean when it says the Levites were 'cleansed' and 'offered as an offering'?
A: According to Rashi, this verse describes the purification process for the Levites before they could serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The 'cleansing' refers to spiritual purification through special rituals, and being 'offered as an offering' means they were dedicated to holy service, similar to how a sacrifice is dedicated to Hashem.
Q: Why were only the Levites chosen for service in the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Rambam explains that the Levites were chosen because of their loyalty to Hashem during the sin of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:26-28). They demonstrated their commitment to serving G-d, and therefore were given the special role of assisting the Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan's service.
Q: What can we learn today from the Levites' dedication in Numbers 8:15?
A: The Midrash teaches that the Levites' complete dedication to serving Hashem sets an example for all Jews. Today, even though we don't have the Mishkan, we can apply this lesson by dedicating ourselves to Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness with the same wholehearted commitment.
Q: What was the 'tenufah' (wave offering) mentioned in Numbers 8:15?
A: Rashi explains that the tenufah was a special waving ceremony where the Levites were symbolically presented before Hashem. The Kohanim would lift and wave them as a sign that they were being designated for holy service, similar to how certain sacrifices were waved during offerings.
Q: How does the purification of the Levites apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 2a) derives from this verse that spiritual preparation is necessary before engaging in holy work. Today, this teaches us to properly prepare ourselves before prayer or Torah study - whether through washing hands, saying proper blessings, or focusing our intentions - just as the Levites needed purification before their service.