MORE COUNTING

“According to Adonai’s order they were appointed by Moshe, each one to his specific service or work. They were also enumerated, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.”
Numbers 4:49

We read in the end of last week’s parashah, starting in Numbers 4:1, of the counting that Adonai command concerning the Levites. Specifically we looked at the counting of the descendants of Aharon. It was El’azar, the son of Aharon, who would be appointed as the cohen responsible for the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the grain offering and the anointing oil. Additionally, he was to be in charge of the tabernacle and all that was included with it.
This same concept of counting and duties was also given concerning other Levites. It is in Numbers 4:21 that Moshe received the order to count and appoint the Gershon family line. Once again, only males between the ages of 30 – 50 were to be counted due to the responsibility they would possess. It was they who would carry the curtains of the tabernacle, its coverings, the screened entry, tapestries, utensils, and ropes.
The M’rari were named next (4:29) and were the Levite clan responsible for carrying frames, crossbars, posts and sockets, tent pegs, and all else pertaining to the support of the Tabernacle. They too were to be counted when fitting within the 30 – 50 age range. Just as the sons of Aharon were under El’azar, so the people of the Gershon’s and M’rari’s were under the leadership of Ithamar.
Finally, wrapping up Numbers 4, Moshe, Aharon, and the leaders of the community took a census of the people of K’hat. Ranging between 30 and 50, a total of 2750 were counted. While their exact duty and items they were responsible are not individually named, the Torah does record that they were the ones counted who served in the tent of meeting. It was only after all the counting that we find the verse we opened this message with. “According to Adonai’s order they were appointed by Moshe, each one to his specific service or work. They were also enumerated, as Adonai had ordered Moshe.”

Numbers 4:21-37
Numbers 4:38-49