As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“And I, behold have taken the Levites.” (3:12)
A remarkable lesson is provided by this episode. The family of Levi was singled out as a penalty for their wrathfulness when they imperiled Jacob and his sons by taking heavy vengeance for the dishonor done to their sister. (Beresheet 34) Their father had rebuked them for endangering the whole family (ibid 34:30); and on his deathbed he cursed their anger and deprived them of a share in their land. (ibid. 49:7)
But we see that just because of their wrath, they became chosen by Hashem instead of the Bechorim (first-born). For when Moshe saw the Golden Calf he announced “Who is for Hashem, to me!” “And all the sons of Levi were gathered to him” (Shemot 32:26); and because of their wrathful action against the sinners they were now chosen by Hashem forever.
Thus we learn that no natural emotion or character trait is intrinsically evil: “G-d made the Man right (Yashar).” (Kohelet 7:29) But good or evil depends on the manner in which these emotions and Character traits are exercised.
Anger and even cruelty, jealousy and ambition, indulgence and temperance, indolence and alacrity; each has its proper place. And when employed in Hashem’s service all of these motivations gain recompense in this life and everlasting reward in the Afterlife. The anger which endangered Jacob’s family was cursed and was punished by landlessness, but when the anger was utilized to combat idolatry it was rewarded by an eternal covenant. “The Levites shall be Mine.”
Quoted from Journey Into Greatness by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Shabbat Shalom
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