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This week’s parasha is entitled Naso, which means, “to elevate” or “lift up.” It covers Number 4:21-7:89. You will probably not find the words “elevate” or “lift up” in your Bible. Most likely, you have something like, “Take a census of the sons of Gershon…” as the start to verse 22. However, if we look at the Hebrew, which is, “Naso et-rosh b’nei Gershon…,” that means, “Elevate the heads, meaning, ‘take a census of,’ the sons of Gershon, which is the start of this passage.
Levi is the third son of Jacob. Levi had three sons, Gershon, the oldest, then Kohath and finally Merari, the youngest. The Levites were responsible for various work regarding the tabernacle, or mishkan, and we will discuss that later, but only Aaron and his sons could actually perform the worship service, avodah in Hebrew, and the sacrifices. Aaron is the grandson of Kohath.
Before we get to the actual numbers of the census of the sons of Levi, we are told what the duties are for each of these families. The duties are explained as if we were looking at the Israeli’s getting ready to pack up camp and head to a new location. The Kohathites were responsible for covering and moving the sacred objects, such as the ark of the covenant, the table of the bread of presence and other sacred bowls and implements. Therefore, they went into the deepest part of the tabernacle. Next, the Gershonites were responsible for removing all the woven material, such as the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting with all the associated coverings, etc. And, lastly, the Merarites had the heaviest job of dismantling the framework of the tabernacle and outer court. When the new destination was reached, the work order was the opposite, with the Merarites putting up the framework of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting and outer court. Next the Gershonites would put up all the relevant coverings and then the Kohathites would move in the sacred objects.
We are also told that this work was to be done by the men of these families who were between the ages of 30 and 50, so with those parameters, we find out that with the census at this time, there were 2,630 Gershonites, 2,750 Kohathites and 3,200 Merarites, which makes a total of 8,580 that could serve in these capacities. The text does not make clear whether all these men served at the same time whenever a dismantling or building of the tabernacle, tent of meeting and outer court was required, but it still struck me of what a massive operation it must have been to do these tasks. Later on King David split up the work of the Levites into 24 courses, each course being a group that would work at the Temple for a certain period of time (1 Chronicles Chapter 23).
In Chapter 6, we read about the law of the Nazirite. The word Nazirite should not be confused with Nazerene, which means a person from Nazereth. Rather, Nazirite means someone who is, “separated,” or “consecrated.” This person would dedicate himself to the Lord for a certain amount of time, usually 30 – 100 days. During this time, one who took the vow of the Nazirite could not drink wine or other grape products, could not cut their hair and could not have contact with a dead body. If any of these conditions were not kept during the period of the vow, the person would have to start the time period over. They would have to wait 7 days, dedicate themselves on the 8th day and then begin the 30 day, or however long time period, the day after that. Although there were those such as Samson and the Prophet Samuel, who were life-long Nazirites, it was more common for this commitment to be a specific amount of time.
At the end of chapter 6, we read about the Aaronic blessing, which is recited at times by our rabbis, verses 24 – 26. “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.” Traditionally, in ancient days, this blessing was recited after the morning sacrifices at the tabernacle, and later at the Temple.
In Chapter 7, we read about two offerings, one for the service of carrying the coverings and framework of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting and the outer court and the other offering as a dedication offering for the alter. For further explanation of the different types of offerings, please see Leviticus, chapters 1 – 6. It seems that the reason the same text regarding the offerings of each tribe is listed, by tribe, is to demonstrate that no tribe gave more and no tribe gave less. They all gave the same amount in a demonstration that all tribes were equal in this area.
So, what can we take away from today’s parasha?
First, I think we can learn about division of labor from the example of the work performed by the Gershonites, Kohathites and Merarites. Have there been times at work when someone has tried to do your job or you tried to do someone else’s job? Sometimes this is necessary, but many times, we need to focus on the tasks that are ours. This is also true in marriage. So many times, husbands or wives will step into an area which is owned by the other person and this can cause anger or resentment. Of course, I am speaking about situations where help has not been requested or sought.
Another thing I think we can take away from this parasha is the seriousness with how we should dedicate ourselves to serving the Lord, like the Nazirites. Of course, there is no need for us today to take a Nazirite vow, but we should serve the Lord with whole-hearted dedication.
And lastly, the Aaronic blessing should remind us of the blessings that we receive each day from the Lord. Even in times of difficulty, we need to remember that He loves us and that through accepting His precious Son, our Messiah, no matter how difficult life can be on this earth, there is a future of eternity in heaven without any of the tears or difficulties that we might face in this life.