My sacrifice... you shall observe to offer to me in its time. (Num. 28:2)
The Hebrew word used for "observe" is often used to imply hopeful anticipation of a future happening. Though we do not have the opportunity to observe the laws of sacrifice while in exile, our constant anticipation and hope for the rebuilding of the Temple gives us a portion in the sacrifices which were previously offered there. (Sefat Emet)
It is a continual burnt offering which was offered at Sinai (Num. 28:6)
A continual burnt-offering hints to the "hidden love" which every Jew has. This love is continuous, it never ceases. (Ohr HaTorah)
Let the L-rd, G-d of all living souls, appoint a man over the congregation (Num. 27:16)
Such was Moses' plea before G-d: Our Father, as You are the G-d of all living souls-to the righteous and evil alike-so may You please grant Your people a leader who will deal fairly with "all living souls" who will love each Jew equally. (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev)
The land shall be divided by lot. (Num. 26:55)
The Land of Israel has different areas: mountains, valleys, fields, orchards, etc. When one person received his share in the mountains and another person in a valley, or one received cornfields and another orchards, this division of the physical Land of Israel reflected the person's individual relationship to the spiritual Land of Israel. This means that everyone has something unique that relates specifically to him or her in his spiritual service. (Likutei Sichot)
And G-d said... take the sum of all the congregation of the Children of Israel from twenty years and upward (Num. 26:1,2)
The Midrash explains that the Jewish people are counted in nine places in Scripture; the tenth and final census will be taken in the Messianic Era. This will be done either by Moshiach, according to the Aramaic translation and commentary of Rabbi Yonatan ben Uziel, or by G-d Himself, according to the Midrash. (Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shabbat Parshat Chukat 5750)
Reprinted from the Bamidbar 5762/2002 edition of L’Chaim
