
Why were the Levites counted from the age of one month?[1]
Once a Levite child has left the status of a Nefel [stillborn] after living thirty days, it was then counted as part of the Levites who guard the Holy. Rebbe Yehuda states that we find a historical precidence for counting the tribe of Levi from birth, as Yocheved was born upon entering Egypt and was nevertheless counted as part of the 70 souls of Yaakov.
Why were there so few Levites?[2]
Some say this was a punishment from Yaakov. Others[3] say this was due to that they were not in the slavery in Egypt, and hence did not merit the blessing of being fruitful and multiplying. Others[4] sate that the Levites did not marry as they were dedicated to Torah learning and were more pampered, not wanting to see their offspring thrown into the Nile.
Why were firstborn sons counted from thirty days?[5]
They were counted from the time that they are considered for certain to be alive and no longer be the status of a Nefel.
Why did the firstborn animals of the Jewish people need redemption?[6]
The intent of the verse is in regards only to the firstborn donkeys of the Jewish people, which require redemption, and does not refer to any other firstborn animal.
How did the Levites have enough sheep to redeem all the firstborn donkeys of the entire Jewish people?
One sheep was used for the redemption of many firstborn donkeys.[7] This means that after the Levi would redeem a firstborn donkey with his sheep and the sheep was then given to the Kohen, the Kohen would give the sheep back to the Levi as a present and he would reuse it. This went on back and forth until all the firstborn donkeys were redeemed.[8]
Why was the price of each surplus firstborn five Shekel?
This corresponds to the price that Yosef, who was a firstborn for his mother, was sold for, as Yosef was sold for 20 silver coins.[9] This amount of five silver Shekel per firstborn, is also the price for redeeming a firstborn son even today.[10]
How was it decided which firstborn needed to give the money?[11]
A lottery was made. There were 22,570 tickets which stated Ben Levi on them and 373 tickets which stated five Shekalim on them. Every firstborn would pick a ticket and see his results.
[1] Rashi
[2] Or Hachaim Hakadosh
[3] Ramban
[4] Or Hachaim Hakadosh
[5] Rashi 3:40; Bechoros 4b
[6] Rashi ibid; Bechoros 4b
[7] Rashi ibid; Bechoros ibid
[8] Rashi Bechoros ibid
[9] Rashi ibid; Bereishis Raba 84:18
[10] Chizkuni ibid; However, see Even Ezra ibid that the two matters are not connected.
[11] Rashi ibid; Sanhedrin 17a
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