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Numbers 2:10 - Reuben's southern camp leadership

Numbers 2:10 - במדבר 2:10

Hebrew Text

דֶּגֶל מַחֲנֵה רְאוּבֵן תֵּימָנָה לְצִבְאֹתָם וְנָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן אֱלִיצוּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאוּר׃

English Translation

On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Re᾽uven by their hosts: and the captain of the children of Re᾽uven shall be Eliżur the son of Shede᾽ur.

Transliteration

Degel machaneh Reuven teimanah letzivotam venasi livnei Reuven Elitzur ben-Shediur.

Hebrew Leining Text

דֶּ֣גֶל מַחֲנֵ֧ה רְאוּבֵ֛ן תֵּימָ֖נָה לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י רְאוּבֵ֔ן אֱלִיצ֖וּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃
דֶּ֣גֶל מַחֲנֵ֧ה רְאוּבֵ֛ן תֵּימָ֖נָה לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י רְאוּבֵ֔ן אֱלִיצ֖וּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Positioning of Reuven's Camp

The verse describes the placement of the tribe of Reuven in the south (תֵּימָנָה) of the Israelite encampment. According to Rashi (Bamidbar 2:10), this positioning reflects the divine order given to Moshe, ensuring that each tribe had a designated place around the Mishkan. The south was also the direction from which the Shechinah (Divine Presence) first descended upon Har Sinai (Shemot 19:18), symbolizing Reuven's spiritual connection to revelation.

The Significance of the Degel (Standard)

The דֶּגֶל (standard) of Reuven represented unity and identity. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) explains that each tribe's banner bore unique colors and symbols corresponding to the stones on the Kohen Gadol's breastplate. Reuven's symbol, according to some opinions, was the dudaim (mandrakes, see Bereishit 30:14), reflecting his mother Leah's hope for connection ("ראו בן"—"see, a son").

Eliẓur ben Shede'ur as Nasi

Eliẓur (אֱלִיצוּר—"My G-d is a rock") was chosen as the נָשִׂיא (leader) of Reuven. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) teaches that tribal leaders were selected for their wisdom and righteousness. Ramban (Bamidbar 1:5) adds that his father’s name, Shede'ur (שְׁדֵיאוּר—"Almighty is flame"), hints at divine strength, suggesting Eliẓur embodied both steadfastness (rock) and zeal (flame).

Reuven’s Role Among the Tribes

  • Firstborn Status: Though Reuven lost his firstborn rights (Bereishit 49:4), his tribe retained honor by camping adjacent to Yehudah and Yissachar (Bamidbar 2:10), showing reconciliation (Sforno).
  • South Side Symbolism: The south (תֵּימָנָה) represents wisdom (Iyov 11:7), aligning with Reuven’s later repentance and spiritual growth (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 10).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse about the camp of Reuben teach us?
A: This verse (Numbers 2:10) describes the arrangement of the Israelite camp in the wilderness. Reuben's tribe camped on the south side, showing the orderly structure of the nation. Rashi explains that each tribe had a designated place, symbolizing unity and discipline under Hashem's guidance.
Q: Who was Elitzur ben Shedeur?
A: Elitzur ben Shedeur was the leader (nasi) of the tribe of Reuben. The Midrash teaches that tribal leaders were chosen for their wisdom and righteousness. His name, meaning 'My G-d is a rock, son of the Almighty’s light,' reflects his strong faith and leadership qualities.
Q: Why did each tribe have a specific place in the camp?
A: The Torah (Numbers 2) assigns each tribe a fixed position around the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Ramban explains that this arrangement reflected spiritual hierarchy and unity—keeping the Mishkan at the center reminded Israel that Hashem’s presence guided their journey.
Q: What is the significance of the 'degel' (standard) mentioned in this verse?
A: Each tribe had a unique degel (flag or banner) with colors and symbols representing their identity (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7). These flags fostered pride and unity, reminding each tribe of their role within the greater nation of Israel.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as the tribes camped in unity around the Mishkan, Jews today are taught to live with shared purpose—centered on Torah values. The Sages derive from this that harmony and respect for each person’s role are essential in building a holy community (Pirkei Avot 1:12).