“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

“Lift up the head of all the congregation.” (1:2)

An even more important aspect of counting them is in order to demonstrate their Eternity. Just as one counts his treasures which he wishes to cherish forever, so also Hashem numbers His people because He wishes to cherish them together with him in the Afterlife. Each additional Israelite is a delight to Hashem, and He assigns him to Himself as an eternal treasure.

Another important aspect of counting was the conferring of blessings upon the counted ones. This is evidenced by the fact that the dignitaries of the nation participated in the count. To “lift up the heads of the congregation” (1:2) which implies blessing them, the righteous leaders were necessary so that the blessing would be more effective. As each Israelite passed by and was viewed by Moshe and Aharon, the loving eyes of these two rested upon the beloved countenance of the sons of their holy people with thoughts of blessing and deepest affection.

An additional purpose of the counting was to demonstrate Hashem’s love for His people. This principle is the most important thesis of the Torah, second only to the principle that Hashem created the Universe. Israel is a minority because the Creator planned the nations of the world as a test for His people, who would need fortitude to persevere in their virtue despite the opposition of the large majority.

Another purpose is in order to know thereby the degree of intensity of Hashem’s presence. The Presence of Hashem is in proportion to the number of His loyal servants. The awareness of their numbers causes the Awareness of their Father and King.

But of all the purposes of the counting, the most effective and most conspicuous purpose was to make known to each individual that he was being mustered in as a soldier in the Army of Hashem. For the demonstration to each Israelite that he was enrolled in the service of Hashem and thus he would continue throughout his entire lifetime. This is the greatest privilege, and the “counting” informed him of his importance.

Quoted from “Journey Into Greatness” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom