Numbers

In Numbers chapter one, we read that Hashem commands Moshe to take a census of all men aged 20 years and older. These men would be counted as the men able to fight in Israel’s army.

In commanding this census, however, Hashem makes one caveat: absolutely zero Levites were to be numbered in the ranks of war-fighters. (Numbers 1:47-49).

The Levites, instead, were to be numbered in a different census, for a different type of warfare: spiritual warfare. Indeed, Hashem tells us that He has set aside the tribe of Levi to be His portion among all the Israelites (Numbers 3:5-16). The Levites are given the duties of:

1. Guarding the Tabernacle.

2. Guarding the Holy of Holies, where the Arm of the Pact (or Covenant) resided: meaning where Hashem dwelled.

3. Guarding all the Jewish people unto life by performing the daily sacrifices and burnt offerings.

4. Protecting and caring for the sacred furnishings.

5. Being ready at a moment’s notice to pack up the camp and tabernacle and move to Hashem’s next chosen location. (Numberss 1:50-51)

Relating this passage to some concerns of the day:

To make clear, this passage does not apply to students of Torah who are not Levites.While, yes, Torah study does provide a source of spiritual warfare, Torah study alone does not preclude a person from fighting in Hashem’s army.

Instead, if one is not a Levite and yet uses Torah study as an exemption excuse, he or she breaks the Torah he or she claims to be studying. According to Deuteronomy 27:11-26 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68, such breaking of Torah does not protect the Jewish people and Jewish nation (Israel), instead it brings curses.

While Torah study alone does not exempt a person from service, Deuteronomy 20:5-9 gives a list of acceptable exemptions:

1. If you have built a new home and the home has not yet been dedicated.

2. If you have planted a vineyard that has never been harvested.

3. If you have paid a bride-price for a wife but have not yet married her.

4. If you are afraid and disheartened.

For all of the above reasons, a person is to “go back home, lest you die in battle.”

But also to make clear, this passage does, however, hold true for all Levites eternally, even as the Temple does not stand. For, at a moment’s notice, Hashem could return, the Temple could be rebuilt, and the Levites would be called to service of Hashem without advanced notice.

Hashem’s word is always timely. May use it to find light that shines life to all Jews and our Jewish nation, Israel.

Thus, Hashem’s word is always timely and always relevant. May we learn from it and find light that we can shine into the world for the betterment of our Jewish people, our Jewish nation, and the entire global population at large. For Hashem promises to bring global peace, security, and unity through the protection and victory of Israel and the Jewish people. May we all do our part as we called and are able.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Kimberly Davis