At the end of the parsha, the Torah records in minute detail the various functions delegated to Bnei Levi. Each member of the tribe was given specific tasks to execute. Most notable is the multi-faceted charge allocated to Elazar. He was assigned the position of Nasi, prince, of the leviim. He also undertook to carry the vessels mentioned in the above pasuk.
Chazal question Elazar’s ability to carry everything himself. Indeed, it seems logistically impossible to perform all of these duties at once. The Midrash explains that he carried the oil in his right hand, the incense in his left, the meal offering slung over his arm, and the flask of anointing oil suspended from his girdle! Chazal question the rationale behind this. Elazar was a dignified person, surrounded by kohanim who were ready to help. Yet, he was required to do it all alone! Chazal’s response is “There is no pride before Hashem.” The Nasi must carry these vessels and march at the head of the people.
Horav Moshe Swift z.l. expounds on this Midrash. Imagine if dignity and pride were the dominating factors in the leviim’s decisions to perform the service. The Mishkan would never have been carried across the desert! The leviim did not say, “Our hands are full; it is beneath our dignity to perform labor.” “No,” says the Midrash. There is no pride before Hashem. Jewish service demands able bodied service and whole hearted devotion. It requires that burdens be carried alone at times without help and without even moral support. If pride had been the principle criterion for our forebearers, we would have no shuls, no schools, no Jewish communities. They channeled all of their energies, sat on committees, knocked on doors and worked the “trenches” to build Torah in Klal Yisrael. This is the way that they achieved success in their endeavor.
The Midrash emphasizes the unique mesiras nefesh, self-sacrifice, of Bnei Kehas, whose duty it was to carry the Aron Ha’kodesh. Their family started out in large numbers, more numerous in fact than all the other families. Due to their constant exposure to such sublime duty, they were risking error, which was punishable by death. Their tribe was noticeably diminished during their trek in the desert. Yet, Bnei Kehas did not shirk their responsibility for an “easier” or “safer” duty. In spite of their depleted numbers, they continued. This was mesiras nefesh. They did not abandon the Aron. Individuals of this calibre were the ones who merited to carry the holiest of the Mishkan’s appurtenances.
