민수기 31:4의 주석

לכל מטות ישראל [A THOUSAND OF EVERY TRIBE] THROUGHOUT ALL THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL — including, therefore, the tribe of Levi (Sifrei Bamidbar 157:3).

This includes the tribe of Levi. One would have said that since the tribe of Levi did not take a portion in the land, they would also not partake in the army. Therefore it was necessary to include them. You might ask: Since the tribe of Levi also went to the army there would be thirteen [thousand] since Ephraim and Menashe were considered [separately] in all of the counts. But it is written, “They were handed over… one thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand.” Re’m answers that Ephraim and Menashe were considered two tribes only regarding the inheritance of the Land. Consequently, for the selection of spies which was required as part of the inheritance of the Land, they were considered two tribes. However here, where it was solely [for the purpose] to avenge Hashem, they were referred to as only one tribe. See the commentators who discuss this matter at length.

V. 4. אלף למטה וגו׳. Dieser auch Verse 5 und 6 wiederholte Ausdruck spricht wiederholt den bereits zu V. 3 bemerkten Gedanken aus, dass die zum Heere Ausziehenden eine Aufgabe der Gesamtheit als deren Delegierte zu vollbringen gehen, jeder Stamm ist in ihnen durch gleiche Anzahl aus seiner Mitte vertreten.

One thousand from each tribe. The verse begins with an aleph and ends with an aleph, which teaches that they were all of one heart to their Father in Heaven.

לכל מטות ישראל, “of each of the tribes of Israel.” This included even the tribe of Levi. (Compare both Sifri and Rashi) Seeing that the Midianites had had evil intentions also against the tribe of Levi, there was no reason why that tribe should not participate in this punitive campaign.