We read about the tribe of Levi in Parshat Bamidbar (Bamidbar 3:11-13):
God spoke to Moshe, saying: “Behold! I have taken the Leviim from among B’nai Yisrael, in place of every firstborn, the first issue of every womb among B’nai Yisrael, and the Leviim shall be Mine. For every firstborn is Mine: On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified every firstborn in Israel for Myself, from man to beast; they shall be Mine- I am God.
Originally, the service in the Mishkan was supposed to be performed by the firstborn sons. However, when the firstborn sons participated in the sin of the golden calf, they lost the privilege and instead the job went to the tribe of Levi.
Sforno points out that despite the downfall of the firstborn, God assured B’nai Yisrael that there would still be an obligation to redeem firstborn males and firstborn animals would still be sacred.
Did the Leviim earn the privilege to serve in the Mishkan solely because they didn’t participate in the sin of the golden calf or were there other reasons as well?
If we analyze Moshe’s blessing for the tribe of Levi in Parshat Vezot HaBracha, we learn about the tribes other merits (Dvarim 33:8-11):
And of Levi he said:
Let Your Tumim and Your Urim
Be with Your faithful one,
Whom You tested at Massah,
Challenged at the Waters of Meribah;
Who said of his father and mother,
“I consider them not.”
His brothers he disregarded,
Ignored his own children.
Your precepts alone they observed,
And kept Your covenant.
They shall teach Your laws to Yaakov
And Your instructions to Israel.
They shall offer You incense to savor
And whole-offerings on Your Altar.
Bless, O ETERNAL One, his substance,
And favor his undertakings.
Smite the loins of his foes;
Let his enemies rise no more.
According to Rashi, at Massah, when the people were rebellious and questioned God’s ability to give them water, the tribe of Levi withstood the test and didn’t complain along with the others.
Sforno adds that the tribe of Levi did not participate in any form of idolatry at all, not in Egypt and not in the wilderness.
Baal HaTurim comments that the Leviim who were reprimanded by Yaakov to spread out and be scattered among the nation ended up using this as an advantage, taking the opportunity to reach out and teach all of the tribes.
We see from Moshe’s blessing that there are actually many reasons why the tribe of Levi deserved to work in the Mishkan.
May we be inspired by the tribe of Levi to always do our best to serve God, even under difficult circumstances.
