לקוטי שיחות חלק כג - מטות

The Rebbe explains that according to Rambam, the war against Midian had an element of conquest, even though its primary purpose was vengeance. Rabbi Akiva teaches that the exclusion of the Levi tribe from warfare applies only to wars for conquering Eretz Yisrael, as they did not receive a portion there. However, wars outside Eretz Yisrael intended to expand Israel's borders and glorify God's name, such as the war against Midian meant to avenge God's honor, involve the Levi tribe since their role is to be God's army.

a) The war against Midian was a war of vengeance, not a conquest of Eretz Yisrael. b) Because it was a war of vengeance, the Levites did not partake in the spoils. c) The law that one does not encircle from all sides in war is learned from Midian; yet it was not a conquest war? Nevertheless, it had an aspect of conquest. So why didn't they partake in the spoils? d) In the war against Midian, there are two aspects: vengeance and conquest. e) In this vengeance against Midian, Levites participated unlike other wars. Why? f) The Levites serve God, and avenging Midian is God's vengeance; hence Levites participated. g) In other border-expanding wars, Levites do not participate in battle. So why do they have a share in the spoils? h) Eretz Yisrael is designated for Israel before the war, unlike other lands where the goal is to expand borders and increase God's renown; hence it relates to Levites. i) The teaching that even someone at a Levi level participates in work from other lands to Eretz Yisrael.