B'Midbar: Gotta Keep 'Em Separated

Right now, I am in the middle of a four-week presentation series on the Biblical prophets, which I am giving at a nearby retirement community. One of the things I started with, when introducing the institution of prophecy, was pointing out that leadership in Ancient Israel was really divided into three parts: 1) The King, who was the political and military head of the nation. 2) The High Priest, who was the religious and ritual leader. And 3) The Prophet, who focused on social justice, was the voice of the people, and who functioned as a sort of check on the other two leaders. Power is such a tricky thing. It brings fortune, fame, respect, and an immense amount of control… yet also easily corrupts, becomes an end in itself (justifying all kinds of horrible behavior), and creates paranoia and fear of losing it. The Torah clearly understands the need for leadership, yet also cautions against the terrible risks and dangers of it.

This week, we are beginning the Fourth Book of the Torah, B’Midbar or The Book of Numbers. It begins with a census of all the people who are part of the Exodus, listed with their tribal divisions. Each of the Twelve Tribes are accounted for, yet multiple times the text emphasizes quite clearly God’s wishes: “Do not, on any account, enroll the Tribe of Levi or take a census of them with the Israelites.” (Num. 1:49) God singles them out to be in charge of the Tabernacle, the altar, the Ark of the Covenant, and all the ritual items pertaining thereto. If they’re going to be the priestly caste, they may not also be considered a tribe. This is, in effect, a separation of Church (or Temple) and State. The Torah knows the corrupting dangers of power, perhaps especially ritual power (with its perception of exclusive access to God) as held by the Levitical priests. They need to be kept separate from all other tribes, and are in fact dependent on the rest of the Israelites for tribute and donations for their very survival! 

It is a vital reminder of the need for these separations today and at all times; checks and balances, especially at the highest level of governing. The Biblical authors understood that much good could come from nation-building and a clear hierarchy of power; yet it also could turn devastating, genocidal, and horrific. We blur those lines at our own peril. These divisions were made clear as soon as the Israelites began wandering through the desert, and remain vital to every society that hopes to flourish and avoid a downward spiral into chaos.