Why the Tribe of Levi Flourishes Like the Palm in God's Courts

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Bamidbar 17:4

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[Another interpretation:] (Psalms 92:13) "The righteous one shall flourish like the palm tree." This speaks about the tribe of Levi, whom the Holy One set apart on account of their good deeds. What is written after it? (Psalms 92:14) "Planted in the house of the LORD, in the courts of our God they shall flourish" — to teach you that they never stirred from the Temple, as it is said (Psalms 101:6), "My eyes are upon the faithful of the land [that they may dwell with Me; he who walks in the way of the blameless, he shall minister to Me]." Therefore it is said, "Planted in the house of the LORD," for the courtyard was never lacking them, as it is said, "in the courts of our God they shall flourish." What is the meaning of "in the courts"? This is what Scripture says (Psalms 65:5): "Happy is the one whom You choose and bring near, [that he may dwell in Your courts; may we be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your Temple]." The Holy One said: Since they are My legions, go and number them. Therefore it is said (Numbers 3:15), "Enroll the children of Levi…"

Themes

RighteousnessTribesLeviDavidMusic

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, BamidbarThe Palm and the Righteous in the Census of LeviWhen the Holy One commands Moses, "Enroll the children of Levi" (Numbers 3:15), the sages hear another verse humming beneath the count: "The righteous one shallMidrash Tanchuma Buber, ToldotThe Eye of the LORD Watches Over the Tribe of LeviThe Maggid opens the book of Psalms and points to a single verse: "Behold, the eye of the LORD is toward those who fear Him, toward those who wait for His kindnMidrash Tanchuma Buber, Lech LechaWhy the Righteous Are Likened to the Date Palm and Cedar"A righteous one shall flourish like the date palm" (Psalms 92:13). Rabbi Tanhuma opened with a question that turns a single verse over in the hand like a stoneMidrash TehillimJudah and the LawgiverThe book of Psalms, Tehillim in Hebrew, is full of that raw, vulnerable feeling. And the Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the PsalmSifrei BamidbarMoses Divided the Wagons Among the Levite FamiliesOur story today comes from Sifrei Bamidbar, a collection of legal interpretations on the Book of Numbers. Seems straightforward. But the text goes on to say thaMidrash AggadahTake Aaron - Chosen and Brought Near to Halt the PlagueScripture sings, "Happy is the one You choose and bring near" (Psalms 65:5). Some the Holy One chose yet let draw near on their own. Abraham was chosen but brou