Why the Tribe of Levi Received Its Own Dedication of the Lamps

Another interpretation of (Numbers 8:2): "WHEN YOU SET UP THE LAMPS." You find that the twelve tribes offered sacrifices for the dedication of the altar, but the tribe of Levi offered nothing, and they were distressed: "Why have we been kept far from offering at the dedication of the altar?" A parable. To what is the matter comparable? To a king who made a banquet, and every day he would summon craftsmen and craftsmen. Now he had a certain friend who loved him exceedingly, yet he did not summon him along with them. And the friend was distressed, saying: "Perhaps the king holds something against me in his heart; that is why the king has not invited me to any of the banquets." When the days of the banquet had passed, the king summoned the friend and said to him: "For all the people of the province I made a banquet, but for you, by yourself, I am making one single banquet, for you alone—because you are my friend." So it is with the King who is the King of the kings of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. [You find that the twelve tribes offered for the dedication of the altar,] and the Holy One, blessed be He, accepted them, as it is said (Numbers 7:5): "TAKE IT FROM THEM." But the tribe of Levi did not offer. When the dedication of the altar had passed, the Holy One, blessed be He, said to Aaron and to his sons: "All the tribes have made a dedication; now you, by yourselves, make a dedication." Therefore it is said: "Speak to Aaron... WHEN YOU SET UP THE LAMPS." What is written afterward? (Numbers 8:6): "TAKE THE LEVITES."