1)

What did Moshe mean when he said to the Levi'im "Mil'u Yedchem ... "?

1.

Rashi: He meant that killing the sinners was a de facto inauguration 1 into the Kehunah. 2

2.

Seforno: He meant that they should acquire perfection for their hands today to be ready to serve Hashem in His Mikdash. 3

3.

Rashbam: He meant that each one of them has consecrated his hands with a Korban on behalf of Hashem. 4

4.

Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: He meant that they should bing Korbanos today to atone for the blood that they spilt!. 5


1

Refer to 28:41:2:1*.

2

To take over from the Bechoros, who had been the priests until now.

3

Refer to 28:41:2:2.

4

By stretching out their hands to kill their own sons and brothers for the sake of Hashem. See also Bamidbar 32:12 (Rashbam).

5

Refer to 28:41:2:3.

2)

What reward did the Levi'im receive for this act?

1.

Da'as Zekenim and Hadar Zekenim (in Pasuk 26): Moshe blessed them 1 in Parshas ve'Zos ha'Brachah, even though Ya'akov had not blessed Levi. 2


1

Mishnas R. Aharon (4 p.21): They merited "Yoru Mishpatecha le'Yisrael" because at a time of slackening, they did not bow to the Eigel; but the contrary, they answered Moshe's call "Mi la'Hashem Elai!"

2

Da'as Zekenim and Hadar Zekenim: Likewise, Moshe blessed Reuven (even though Ya'akov did not), because they fulfilled the Mitzvah to cross the Yarden and fight - He had Ru'ach ha'Kodesh to know that they would do so. Shimon, on the other hand was not blessed by either Ya'akov or Moshe (PF)

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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