במדבר, פרק ד׳, פסוק ל״ח

The census of the Gershonite families stands out within the broader counting of the Israelites. When recording their numbers, the Torah employs a unique form of expression to describe their family groupings, setting this moment apart from all other records.

According to textual traditions [מנחת שי], the record of the Gershonites is highly unusual. Throughout the first five books of the Bible, whenever family lineages are listed, the term used to describe them is written in a standard, shortened form. However, in this specific instance, the expression is written in its absolute, complete form.

Based on the teachings of [הרמ״ה] and ancient traditions, this is the single exception in the entire Torah where this complete spelling is used. While scholars and various traditions debate how often this full form appears later in the books of the Prophets, such as Joshua, there is clear agreement regarding the Torah itself. The record of the Gershonites remains the solitary instance where their family structure is described with this distinct completeness.