The Tribe of Levi

The Tribe of Levi was counted differently from the other tribes of Israel. They were counted from one month in age rather than twenty years, as was the case with the other tribes.

They numbered 22,000, which was relatively small. The Midrash says that they were not enslaved in Egypt, as they were respected as clergy even in that decadent place.

The tribes who were enslaved multiplied faster. The Torah tells us that the more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied.

Nevertheless, the Levites were singled out for a special role in Temple times, and from the time that the Mishkan was constructed. The Midrash said further that the king’s personal bodyguard deserved to be counted separately from the rest of the army.

Their leadership structure was different from all the other tribes. Their count was related to the special tasks given to the Levite families. They needed to guard the Temple and all of its components. They were also responsible for transporting them during the travels in the desert.

They also encamped surrounding the Mishkan in the desert, in order to protect it. They needed to remain stationed in their positions of protection.

The qualitative distinction between the Leviim and the others was so strong that a non-Levi who assumed the position of the Levi, suffered the death penalty.

This shows the special sanctity acquired by the Levites. This was all spelled out in the Torah because of the unique role they played.

Someone once said that the emblem written on Los Angeles police cars, summed up the role of the Levi. They were “to protect and to serve.”