Devar/5769/Bamidbar
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עברית
English
Howbeit the tribe of Levi thou shalt not number, neither shalt thou take the sum of them among the children of Israel (Num 1:49)
The tribe of Levi is not counted with the rest of the tribes who go out to war. It does not go out to war against the enemies of Israel with spear and shield, nor does it serve as water carriers or cooks. What is the job then, of this tribe; and why was it specifically set apart in such a way?
The next verse states: but appoint thou the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all the furniture thereof, and over all that belongeth to it; they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the furniture thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle (ibid 50). The Levites serve in God's Temple, and take care of it, and form an "honor guard" around it. But why are they not conted with the rest of their brothers for the purpose of warfare?
When the Children of Israel were stuck in Egypt and began to stray after the gods of that people, the Levites did not swerve from the path they inherited from their forefathers -- from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. When the people sinned the "sin of the golden calf", only the Levites answered Moshe's command, "whoever is for God, come to me". They proved themselves not only faithful to the true faith, but even willing to commit their souls for a sanctification of God's name.
And this is the most important task they perform during wartime -- to be an outstanding example for the rest of the people of how a Jew must be in awe of God, and not fear our enemies overmuch. And to remind the people that they are not like all the other nations of the world, rather they have a Living God in their midst, who will subdue their enemies. Similar to what our Sages stated: All those things which are required to guard the city -- are taken from all the residents of the city, even from orphans: excepting Torah Sages, since Torah Sages do not required guarding -- since their Torah guards them (Laws of Neighbors 6:5). And these Levites are not among the fighters, because the Torah which they teach and guard, guards them.
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