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Numbers 1:35 - Menasseh's mighty census count

Numbers 1:35 - במדבר 1:35

Hebrew Text

פְּקֻדֵיהֶם לְמַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה שְׁנַיִם וּשְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף וּמָאתָיִם׃

English Translation

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Menashshe, were thirty two thousand, two hundred.

Transliteration

Pekudeihem lemateh Menashe shnayim ushloshim elef umatayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

פְּקֻדֵיהֶ֖ם לְמַטֵּ֣ה מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה שְׁנַ֧יִם וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּמָאתָֽיִם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
פְּקֻדֵיהֶ֖ם לְמַטֵּ֣ה מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה שְׁנַ֧יִם וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּמָאתָֽיִם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 1:35) records the census count of the tribe of Menashe during the wilderness journey. This count was conducted by Moshe and Aharon at Hashem's command to organize Bnei Yisrael for their travels and military arrangements.

Significance of the Number

Rashi notes that the tribe of Menashe had 32,200 eligible men above age 20. This number is significant when compared to other tribes:

  • Menashe was smaller than neighboring tribes like Ephraim (40,500) and Binyamin (35,400)
  • Yet larger than smaller tribes like Asher (41,500) and Naftali (53,400)

Menashe's Unique Position

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) explains that Menashe's smaller size reflects Yaakov's blessing in Bereshit 48 where he placed Ephraim before Menashe. Despite being Yosef's firstborn, Menashe was destined to be secondary to Ephraim in numbers and prominence.

Military Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) derives from these census numbers that military strength depends on quality over quantity. Though Menashe had fewer soldiers, they camped north of the Mishkan alongside strong tribes, showing their strategic importance.

Spiritual Lessons

The Baal HaTurim notes the gematria of "שְׁנַיִם וּשְׁלֹשִׁים" (32) equals "לב" (heart), teaching that true strength comes from wholehearted service to Hashem, not just numbers.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the number 32,200 represent in Numbers 1:35?
A: The number 32,200 represents the count of men aged 20 and older from the tribe of Menashe (Manasseh) who were eligible for military service in the wilderness, as recorded in the census commanded by Hashem (Rashi on Numbers 1:2-3).
Q: Why is the tribe of Menashe mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: The Torah lists each tribe individually to show their unique contributions and strengths. Menashe, as one of Yosef's tribes, had a special role among the tribes (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7). The census also prepared them for their future roles in conquering and settling the Land of Israel.
Q: How does this census apply to us today?
A: While we no longer count tribes for military purposes, the lesson is that every individual counts in the Jewish people. Just as each person was important for the collective mission then, every Jew today has a unique role in serving Hashem and strengthening the community (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim 12:3).
Q: Why does the Torah give such detailed numbers in the census?
A: The detailed counts show Hashem's love for the Jewish people—just as one carefully counts precious possessions. Additionally, it teaches the importance of order and accountability in building a holy nation (Rashi on Numbers 1:1, based on Midrash Tanchuma).