Numbers 31:30 - Levites' sacred share revealed

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Hebrew Text

וּמִמַּחֲצִת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל תִּקַּח אֶחָד אָחֻז מִן־הַחֲמִשִּׁים מִן־הָאָדָם מִן־הַבָּקָר מִן־הַחֲמֹרִים וּמִן־הַצֹּאן מִכָּל־הַבְּהֵמָה וְנָתַתָּה אֹתָם לַלְוִיִּם שֹׁמְרֵי מִשְׁמֶרֶת מִשְׁכַּן יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And of the children of Yisra᾽el’s half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beef cattle, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them to the Levites, who keep the charge of the tabernacle of the Lord.

Transliteration

U-mimachatzit bnei-Yisrael tikach echad achuz min-ha-chamishim min-ha-adam min-ha-bakar min-ha-chamorim u-min-ha-tzon mikol-ha-behema ve-natata otam la-Leviim shomrei mishmeret mishkan Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִמַּחֲצִ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל תִּקַּ֣ח ׀ אֶחָ֣ד ׀ אָחֻ֣ז מִן־הַחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים מִן־הָאָדָ֧ם מִן־הַבָּקָ֛ר מִן־הַחֲמֹרִ֥ים וּמִן־הַצֹּ֖אן מִכׇּל־הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה וְנָתַתָּ֤ה אֹתָם֙ לַלְוִיִּ֔ם שֹׁמְרֵ֕י מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת מִשְׁכַּ֥ן יְהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 31:30) appears in the context of the distribution of spoils from the war against Midian. Hashem commanded Moshe to divide the spoils equally between the warriors and the rest of the congregation. From the half given to Bnei Yisrael, a portion (one out of fifty) was to be separated and given to the Levites as a tribute for their service in the Mishkan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 31:30) explains that this portion was taken from the half belonging to Bnei Yisrael (not the warriors' half) and given to the Levites because they were not involved in the battle. The Levites, who were dedicated to the service of the Mishkan, received this tribute in lieu of a share in the spoils of war. Rashi further notes that the ratio of one out of fifty is less than the usual ma'aser (tithe) given to the Levites (which is one out of ten), indicating a special, reduced rate for this circumstance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Terumos (1:6), the Rambam discusses the general laws of terumah and ma'aser, emphasizing that the Levites were entitled to portions of the produce and spoils as their inheritance in place of land. This verse reinforces the principle that the Levites, who devoted themselves to divine service, were sustained by the rest of the nation.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Matos 11) highlights that the Levites' portion was a recognition of their spiritual role. While the rest of Israel engaged in physical battle, the Levites were "shomrei mishmeres Mishkan Hashem" (guardians of the Mishkan), ensuring the spiritual welfare of the nation.
The Sifrei (Bamidbar 157) notes that the inclusion of animals ("from the cattle, donkeys, and flocks") in the Levites' portion teaches that their sustenance was not limited to agricultural produce but extended to all forms of wealth.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 394) derives from this verse the broader obligation to support those who serve in the Beis HaMikdash or teach Torah. Just as the Levites were sustained by the community for their sacred duties, so too must Torah scholars and religious functionaries be supported in later generations.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 31:30) suggests that the ratio of one out of fifty alludes to the idea that material wealth must be sanctified in small measures to higher purposes. By giving a portion to the Levites, Bnei Yisrael acknowledged that their military success and possessions ultimately came from Hashem and required spiritual stewardship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:30 mean?
A: Numbers 31:30 describes the commandment to take one-fiftieth of the spoils of war from the Israelites and give it to the Levites. The Levites, who served in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), did not receive a portion of land in Israel, so this was their means of sustenance. Rashi explains that this portion was a form of 'terumah' (offering) to support those who dedicated their lives to divine service.

Q: Why was this portion given to the Levites?
A: The Levites were chosen to serve in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), and since they did not inherit land like the other tribes, they relied on tithes and offerings from the people. Rambam (Hilchot Shemita 13:12) teaches that supporting the Levites ensures the continuity of Torah study and divine service, as they were responsible for teaching and maintaining the spiritual welfare of the nation.

Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to Torah study and communal service. Just as the Levites were sustained by the people's contributions, today we have a responsibility to support rabbis, teachers, and Torah institutions. The Talmud (Ketubot 105b) emphasizes that supporting Torah scholars is akin to bringing offerings in the Beit HaMikdash.

Q: Why was the portion specifically one-fiftieth?
A: The proportion of one-fiftieth was a unique requirement for this particular situation (spoils of war). Rashi notes that it was less than the usual tithe (ma'aser, which is one-tenth) because the spoils were acquired through great effort and risk in battle. The Torah balances gratitude for victory with the obligation to support the Levites in a manageable way.

Q: Does this commandment still apply today?
A: While the specific commandment of giving spoils of war to the Levites does not apply today (since there is no Mishkan or active Levitical service), the principle of supporting Torah scholars and communal institutions remains. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 246:5) rules that giving tzedakah (charity) to Torah causes is a timeless obligation for the Jewish people.