The Midrash illustrates the moral superiority of the Leviim by citing the difference between the footwear each wore. While members of the other tribes wore sandals, the Leviim who were responsible for carrying the Mishkan and its vessels, walked barefoot. Chazal also observe that the virtuous Bnei Kehas, the actual transporters of the Aron, walked backward, so that they did not turn their back on the Aron. This Midrash demands explanation. While walking barefoot and backward are noble ways to express reverence to the Aron, these acts do not demonstrate the Leviim’s unique virtue.
In order to clarify this Midrash, comments Horav Y.A. Sher, z.l., we must first comprehend the rationale behind the divergent practices exhibited by the Leviim. We note that the imperative to perform the service while standing barefoot applied only to the Kohanim, in order to eliminate the separation between them and the floor of the Bais Hamikdash. Indeed, the Leviim, who carried the Aron in the desert, were permitted to wear sandals. The Leviim chose, however, to go barefoot because of their extreme sensitivity regarding the honor due the Aron. For example, if during the transporting of the Aron a strap on a sandal tore, the individual would unwillingly be compelled to halt his service in order to fasten his strap. It was devotion such as this that was the hallmark of the Leviim’s virtue. When Bnei Kehas walked backward, they similarly exhibited a sense of trust and faith in the Aron’s “ability” to transport its supporters (uhtaub ,t taub iurtv). The moral superiority of the Leviim originated in their boundless devotion to the service of Hashem.
