Numbers 2:22 - Binyamin's honored leader appointed

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Hebrew Text

וּמַטֵּה בִּנְיָמִן וְנָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי בִנְיָמִן אֲבִידָן בֶּן־גִּדְעֹנִי׃

English Translation

Then the tribe of Binyamin: and the captain of the sons of Binyamin shall be Avidan the son of Gid῾oni.

Transliteration

U'mateh Binyamin v'nasi livnei Vinyamin Avidan ben-Gidoni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמַטֵּ֖ה בִּנְיָמִ֑ן וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֔ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse (Numbers 2:22) describes the encampment of the tribe of Binyamin (Benjamin) in the wilderness and identifies their leader as Avidan ben Gid'oni. This is part of the broader organization of the Israelite camp as commanded by Hashem through Moshe Rabbeinu.

Significance of Binyamin's Position

According to Rashi (Numbers 2:22), Binyamin was positioned to the west of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), alongside the tribes of Ephraim and Menashe. This placement is significant because Binyamin was the only son of Yaakov Avinu born in Eretz Yisrael, and his tribe was later associated with the location of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) in Yerushalayim, which is in the territory of Binyamin.

The Role of Avidan ben Gid'oni

Avidan, the leader of Binyamin, is described as the son of Gid'oni. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:8) notes that the names of the tribal leaders often reflected their character or mission. "Avidan" can be interpreted as "My Father (Hashem) judged," while "Gid'oni" relates to "Gidon" (cutting down), possibly alluding to strength or decisive leadership.

Symbolism in Leadership

Representation of Unity: The Sforno explains that each tribal leader was chosen to represent the unique qualities of their tribe while maintaining unity under Moshe's leadership.
Connection to the Mishkan: The Malbim emphasizes that Binyamin's proximity to the Mishkan symbolizes their future role as hosts of the Beit HaMikdash.

Historical Context

Ramban (Numbers 2:2) discusses how the orderly arrangement of the tribes around the Mishkan reflected both military strategy and spiritual hierarchy. Binyamin's position to the west, alongside Yosef's descendants (Ephraim and Menashe), reinforced the bond between the tribes descended from Rachel Imeinu.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Avidan ben Gidoni mentioned in Numbers 2:22?
A: Avidan ben Gidoni was the leader (nasi) of the tribe of Binyamin during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to Rashi, each tribe had a prince appointed to represent them, and Avidan was chosen for this honorable role for Binyamin.

Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 2?
A: The Torah lists the leaders to show the organization and dignity of the Israelite camp. Rambam explains that every tribe had its designated place and leader to maintain order, reflecting the importance of structure in serving Hashem as a nation.

Q: What can we learn from the mention of tribal leaders like Avidan?
A: This teaches the value of leadership and representation in Jewish tradition. The Midrash highlights that each leader was chosen for their righteousness and ability to guide their tribe, emphasizing that good leadership is essential for communal success.

Q: How does the tribe of Binyamin's position in the camp relate to this verse?
A: Binyamin's tribe camped to the west of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), as detailed in Numbers 2. Rashi notes that their placement, along with their leader Avidan, symbolized their role in the unified structure of the Israelite encampment, surrounding the Mishkan.