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Numbers 1:16 - Tribal leaders' divine appointment

Numbers 1:16 - במדבר 1:16

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה קריאי [קְרוּאֵי] הָעֵדָה נְשִׂיאֵי מַטּוֹת אֲבוֹתָם רָאשֵׁי אַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הֵם׃

English Translation

These were the men of mark in the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Eleh kri'ei [kru'ei] ha'edah nesi'ei matot avotam rashei alfei Yisrael hem.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֚לֶּה <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(קריאי)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[קְרוּאֵ֣י]</span></span> הָעֵדָ֔ה נְשִׂיאֵ֖י מַטּ֣וֹת אֲבוֹתָ֑ם רָאשֵׁ֛י אַלְפֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל הֵֽם׃
אֵ֚לֶּה (קריאי) [קְרוּאֵ֣י] הָעֵדָ֔ה נְשִׂיאֵ֖י מַטּ֣וֹת אֲבוֹתָ֑ם רָאשֵׁ֛י אַלְפֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל הֵֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 1:16) appears in the context of the census taken of Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. It identifies the leaders appointed to assist Moshe and Aharon in counting the tribes. The phrase "קְרוּאֵי הָעֵדָה" (called of the congregation) emphasizes their distinguished status as representatives of the people.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that these leaders were "קְרוּאֵי הָעֵדָה" (called of the congregation) because they were summoned by name for this sacred task. He notes that they were not self-appointed but were divinely selected to oversee the census. Their titles—"נְשִׂיאֵי מַטּוֹת" (princes of the tribes) and "רָאשֵׁי אַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (heads of thousands in Israel)—reflect their dual roles as both tribal leaders and military commanders.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:3) discusses the qualities of Jewish leadership, which align with the description here. These men were chosen for their wisdom, humility, and ability to guide their tribes. Their designation as "heads of thousands" indicates their responsibility for both spiritual and administrative leadership.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bamidbar Rabbah (1:10): The Midrash teaches that these leaders were called "קְרוּאֵי הָעֵדָה" because they were summoned by Hashem Himself, indicating their unique spiritual stature.
  • Sifrei (Bamidbar 1:16): Highlights that these leaders were not only princes in name but also in deed, embodying the virtues of their forefathers.

Significance of Leadership Titles

The titles "נְשִׂיאֵי מַטּוֹת" and "רָאשֵׁי אַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" signify their roles in both civil and military matters. The Ibn Ezra notes that "אַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" refers to the organizational structure of the nation, where each leader oversaw a unit of a thousand, ensuring order and accountability.

Practical Lessons

This verse teaches the importance of qualified, divinely appointed leadership in Klal Yisrael. The leaders' connection to their ancestral tribes ("אֲבוֹתָם") underscores the value of mesorah (tradition) in Jewish governance. The Kli Yakar adds that their humility in serving the community, rather than seeking personal honor, is a model for future leaders.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 1:16 mean?
A: Numbers 1:16 lists the leaders of each tribe of Israel who were chosen to assist Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) in taking a census of the Israelite men eligible for military service. These were respected individuals, heads of their tribes, who had authority over thousands. Rashi explains that these leaders were already distinguished figures before this appointment, showing that leadership in Judaism is based on merit and prior service to the community.
Q: Why is the phrase 'princes of the tribes' important in this verse?
A: The term 'princes of the tribes' (נְשִׂיאֵי מַטּוֹת) emphasizes that these leaders were not self-appointed but were recognized representatives of their respective tribes. The Midrash teaches that true Jewish leadership requires humility and service to the people, not personal glory. These princes were selected because they embodied these qualities and could be trusted to carry out the census fairly and accurately.
Q: What can we learn from the leaders mentioned in Numbers 1:16?
A: From these leaders, we learn the importance of responsible and accountable leadership. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that leaders must act with integrity and for the benefit of the community. These princes were chosen because they were 'heads of thousands,' meaning they had experience guiding others. This teaches us that leadership in Jewish tradition is about serving the people, not seeking power.
Q: How does the concept of tribal leadership in this verse apply today?
A: While we no longer have the same tribal structure, the principle of appointing qualified and righteous leaders remains essential in Jewish life. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) discusses the qualities of proper leadership, including wisdom, humility, and fear of Heaven. Today, rabbis and community leaders follow this model by guiding their communities with Torah values, just as the tribal princes did in the desert.