The Leviim Are Mine Forever

Rav Chaim Ibn Attar, the Ohr HaChaim

“Take the Leviim in place of every firstborn from Bnei Yisrael...and the Leviim shall be Mine, I am Hashem” (3:45).

The Ohr HaChaim explains why the pasuk concludes by telling us, “I am Hashem.” The purpose of this statement is to declare Hashem’s never-ending love and eternal pact with Shevet Levi. In the Ohr HaChaim’s words, Hashem is telling us, “Just as I and My Name are eternal, so too shall the Leviim be Mine forevermore!” Why did Hashem have to make this declaration? The Ohr HaChaim answers that this is because one day the Avoda will be reclaimed by the bechoros, at which time the status of Shevet Levi might come into question. Hashem therefore declares that they are His forever!