“Take a census of the entire assembly of the Children of Israel” (Bamidbar 1:2).
The Midrash comments on the above verse, “HaKodesh Baruch Hu says to Klal Yisrael, ‘I have never loved any creation more than I love you. I therefore elevated you and likened you to Me, for just as I am elevated above all mankind, so too, have I elevated you’” (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:9).
When HaShem counts the population of the Jewish nation, it is not only to count the amount of souls — the census is an expression of His love for us. What’s more, as HaShem counts them, He elevates His people and draws them close to Him.
HaShem’s love for us is so magnificent that He counts us continuously, just as one’s eyes never leave his precious treasure. Each time He sees us, His love grows even stronger, and He elevates us so that we can be near to Him.
HaShem’s relationship to Klal Yisrael is like a father who loves his son so dearly that he frequently speaks of him. Whenever he mentions his son’s name, he also expresses how much he favours his son. For instance, he says, “My Yaacov, who wrote me a letter” or “My Avraham, who is doing so well in school.”
Moreover, HaShem instructed Moshe to personally go to each tent and count how many souls were in each family. As Moshe stood at the entrance of each household, the Shechinah entered the tent. Soon a Bat Kol announced the number of souls found within.
Could there be a sweeter image of HaShem’s closeness to us? HaShem enters our homes, just as one visits his friend. He loves us so much that He desires to come into our very midst. Envision the Shechinah coming into your home and blessing your family.
Happy is the people who is so beloved to HaShem!
(Based on Da’as Torah of Rav Yerucham Levovitz)
