Komentaryo sa Mga Bilang 4:18: Rashi, Sforno, Rabbeinu Bahya & Siftei Chakhamim

אל תכריתו CUT YE NOT OFF [THE TRIBE OF THE FAMILIES OF THE KOHATHITES] — Do not bring it about for them that they shall die.

אל תכריתו, do not allow the procedure of carrying parts of the Tabernacle to be a free for all, the one first on the spot carrying the part he chooses to, for if you do this the resulting chaos will lead to destruction, to death. Such chaotic conditions will inevitably lead to desecration of holy things, holy objects, with tragic results, i.e. loss of life. Our sages illustrated what is meant when describing the race between priests to be the first to carry out the cleaning of the ashes off the top of the altar. (compare Yuma 23-24).

אל תכריתו את שבט משפחות הקהתי, “do not let the tribe of the Kehatites be cut off from the family of the Levites!” G’d commanded Aaron and his sons to warn the Levites, especially the sons of ‎Kehat, not to become guilty of the karet penalty. G’d thereby displayed especial concern for the Levites who had risked their lives for the holy name of G’d at the time of the golden calf episode. At that time they had executed all the errant Israelites who had actively worshipped the golden calf (Exodus 32,27).