Numbers-Chap-4-1-20
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Please Note: Some
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of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been
corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye
shall NOT ADD
TO THE WORD which I command
you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT,
that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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Part One..
With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
In this portion of the Book of Bamidbar -
Numbers, the focus shifts from the general census of the tribes to the
specific, sacred duties of the Levite families.
Having established the layout of the camp, אֱלֹהִים
- Elohim (God) now provides the “Standard Operating Procedures” for the most
sensitive task: transporting the Tabernacle (Mishkan) and its holy vessels. This
chapter highlights the transition of the Levites from a tribal group to a
specialized workforce dedicated to maintaining the boundary between the Divine
Presence and the people.
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Below there are the chapters ‘Text’ followed
by an Explanation based on JPS-1917 version of the Torah:
Verse 1: “And יְהוָה - the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying:
Explanation: This
instruction is given to both Moses and Aaron because it involves both the
administrative leadership (Moses) and the priesthood (Aaron), who must
supervise the Levites.
Verse 2: ‘Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ houses,
Explanation: The family of Kohath is addressed first among the Levites because they are assigned the most prestigious and holiest task carrying the primary vessels of the Sanctuary.
Verse 3: from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter upon the service, to do work in the tent of meeting.
Explanation: Unlike the military census (which started at age 20), the physical labour of transporting the Sanctuary required the full physical and emotional maturity found between the ages of 30 and 50.
Verse 4: This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting, about the most holy things:
Explanation: Their “service” is defined specifically as the transport of the “most holy things” the furniture inside the Tabernacle.
Verse 5: when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall go in, and his sons, and they shall take down the screening veil, and cover the ark of the testimony with it;
Explanation: The
Kohathites carry the items, but they are not allowed
to see them uncovered. The Priests (Kohanim) must
first cover the
Verse 6: and shall put thereon a covering of sealskin, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall set the staves thereof.
Explanation: The
blue cloth (Techelet) on the outside of
the
Verse 7: And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the pans, and the bowls, and the jars wherewith to pour out; and the continual bread shall remain thereon;
Explanation: Even during travel, the Table of Showbread was to remain set, representing the constant sustenance provided by אֱלֹהִים - Elohim.
Verse 8: and they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall set the staves thereof.
Explanation: Multiple layers of protection were used to ensure the items were shielded from the elements and from being touched by unauthorized hands.
Verse 9: And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it;
Explanation: The Menorah and all its accessories were bundled together to ensure no part of the light-source for the Sanctuary was lost or damaged.
Verse 10: and they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it upon a bar.
Explanation: The "bar" was a carrying frame used for items that did not have permanent poles attached to them.
Verse 11: And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall set the staves thereof;
Explanation: This refers to the Incense Altar. Its gold surface was protected by blue wool and durable leather.
Verse 12: and they shall take all the vessels of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on a bar.
Explanation: This covers the various tools used by the Priests that did not have a specific individual instruction.
Verse 13: And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon;
Explanation: This refers to the Outer Altar (of burnt offerings). A purple cloth distinguished it from the blue cloths used for the interior vessels.
Verse 14: and they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, the fire-pans, the flesh-hooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of sealskin, and set the staves thereof.
Explanation: Even the "utility" tools of the sacrificial service were treated with high regard and bundled securely.
Verse 15: And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the holy furniture, and all the holy vessels, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear them; but they shall not touch the holy things, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.
Explanation: There is a strict division of labour: the Priests prepare/cover, and the Levites carry. Touching the actual sanctified objects was a capital offense.
Verse 16: And the charge of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the continual meal-offering, and the anointing oil, with the charge of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, the sanctuary, and the vessels thereof.'
Explanation: Eleazar, the high-priest-in-waiting, had personal responsibility for the "liquids" and consumables (oil and incense) which required extra care.
Verse 17: And יְהוָה - the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying:
Explanation: A second address emphasizes the gravity of the safety warning that follows.
Verse 18: 'Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites;
Explanation: Moses and Aaron are told that if they don't supervise the Kohathites properly, they are effectively "cutting them off" by allowing them to die through negligence.
Verse 19: but thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;
Explanation: Every man was given a specific task so there would be no confusion or "accidental" looking or touching in the holy space.
Verse 20: but they shall not go in to look upon the holy things adying, lest they die.'
Explanation: The holiness of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim is so intense that it cannot be viewed casually or "uncovered." Respect for the Divine boundary is the key to their survival.
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My Closing Message:
This passage teaches us that holiness
requires order. While every Levite had a role, the family of Kohath carried the heaviest spiritual responsibility. The
strict warnings against touching or looking at the sacred vessels serve as a
reminder that familiarity should never lead to contempt. In our own lives, we
learn that when we approach things of high spiritual value, we must do so
with preparation, boundaries, and deep respect.
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