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Numbers 1:32 - Efrayim's mighty warriors counted?

Numbers 1:32 - במדבר 1:32

Hebrew Text

לִבְנֵי יוֹסֵף לִבְנֵי אֶפְרַיִם תּוֹלְדֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמֹת מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא׃

English Translation

Of the children of Yosef, of the children of Efrayim, their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Transliteration

Livnei Yosef livnei Efrayim toldotam lemishpechotam leveit avotam bemispar shemot miben esrim shana vama'ala kol yotzei tzava.

Hebrew Leining Text

לִבְנֵ֤י יוֹסֵף֙ לִבְנֵ֣י אֶפְרַ֔יִם תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמֹ֗ת מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃
לִבְנֵ֤י יוֹסֵף֙ לִבְנֵ֣י אֶפְרַ֔יִם תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמֹ֗ת מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 1:32) is part of the census taken of the Israelites in the wilderness, specifically enumerating the tribe of Efrayim, one of the sons of Yosef. The Torah emphasizes counting "according to their families, by the house of their fathers," highlighting the importance of lineage and tribal identity in the formation of Klal Yisrael.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "לִבְנֵי יוֹסֵף לִבְנֵי אֶפְרַיִם" ("Of the children of Yosef, of the children of Efrayim") indicates that Efrayim was counted separately from Menashe, despite both being sons of Yosef. This separation underscores Yaakov Avinu's blessing (Bereishit 48:19-20), where he granted Efrayim precedence over Menashe, effectively treating them as two distinct tribes.

Significance of the Census

The counting of those "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war" serves multiple purposes:

  • Military Readiness: The census identified those fit for battle, preparing Bnei Yisrael for future conflicts in conquering Eretz Yisrael.
  • Divine Accountability: Each individual was counted by name (as implied by "בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמֹת"), demonstrating their personal importance before Hashem (Ramban).
  • Tribal Structure: The breakdown by families and paternal houses reinforced the societal framework necessary for maintaining kedushah and halachic obligations.

Efrayim's Distinction

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) notes that Efrayim's descendants were particularly numerous, fulfilling Yaakov's blessing of proliferation. Additionally, the tribe later produced Yehoshua bin Nun, the leader who succeeded Moshe, further emphasizing their prominence.

Halachic Implications

The age of twenty as the threshold for military service reflects a halachic principle (see Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 7:4) that maturity in strength and judgment is required for such responsibilities. This standard also appears in other contexts, such as liability for mitzvos and communal obligations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the verse specifically mention the children of Yosef and Efrayim?
A: The verse highlights the descendants of Yosef through his son Efrayim because Yosef received a double portion among the tribes of Israel through his two sons, Efrayim and Menashe. This is based on Yaakov's blessing in Bereishit (Genesis) 48, where he elevated Efrayim and Menashe to the status of full tribes.
Q: Why does the Torah count men from age 20 and up for the army?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, age 20 is when a man reaches full physical and emotional maturity, making him fit for military service. The Talmud (Sotah 44b) also explains that this age marks the transition to full responsibility in mitzvot and communal duties.
Q: What is the significance of counting the tribes 'by their families' and 'by their fathers' houses'?
A: The Torah emphasizes lineage and family structure to maintain the tribal identities and inheritance rights in the Land of Israel. Ramban explains that this careful counting ensured that each family’s portion in the land would be preserved according to divine promise.
Q: What does 'all that were able to go forth to war' teach us about Jewish values?
A: This phrase teaches that military service in Judaism is not just about strength but also about spiritual readiness. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) notes that only those free from sin were truly fit for battle, showing that moral integrity is essential in serving the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish identity today?
A: Just as the tribes were counted to affirm their role in the nation, Jews today maintain identity through family and community. The emphasis on lineage reminds us of the importance of preserving Jewish heritage, as taught in the Talmud (Kiddushin 68b), where tribal affiliation is tied to halachic status.