share torah logo

Numbers 2:24 - Efrayim's mighty third march

Numbers 2:24 - במדבר 2:24

Hebrew Text

כָּל־הַפְּקֻדִים לְמַחֲנֵה אֶפְרַיִם מְאַת אֶלֶף וּשְׁמֹנַת־אֲלָפִים וּמֵאָה לְצִבְאֹתָם וּשְׁלִשִׁים יִסָּעוּ׃

English Translation

All that were numbered of the camp of Efrayim were a hundred and eight thousand and one hundred, by their hosts. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

Transliteration

Kol-hapkudim lemakhaneh Efrayim me'at elef ushmonat-alafim ume'ah letzivotam ushlishim yisa'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּֽל־הַפְּקֻדִ֞ים לְמַחֲנֵ֣ה אֶפְרַ֗יִם מְאַ֥ת אֶ֛לֶף וּשְׁמֹֽנַת־אֲלָפִ֥ים וּמֵאָ֖ה לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם וּשְׁלִשִׁ֖ים יִסָּֽעוּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
כׇּֽל־הַפְּקֻדִ֞ים לְמַחֲנֵ֣ה אֶפְרַ֗יִם מְאַ֥ת אֶ֛לֶף וּשְׁמֹֽנַת־אֲלָפִ֥ים וּמֵאָ֖ה לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם וּשְׁלִשִׁ֖ים יִסָּֽעוּ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Wilderness Encampment

The verse (Bamidbar 2:24) describes the census of the tribe of Efrayim as part of the arrangement of the Israelite encampment in the wilderness. Efrayim, along with Menashe and Binyamin, formed the camp of Rachel (referred to as "Machaneh Efrayim"), positioned to the west of the Mishkan. Rashi notes that Efrayim's leadership in this camp—despite being younger than Menashe—fulfilled Yaakov Avinu's blessing (Bereishit 48:19-20) that Efrayim would be greater.

Significance of the Number 108,100

The precise count of 108,100 men of military age reflects the divine precision in Israel's formation. The Baal HaTurim highlights that the numerical value (gematria) of Efrayim's name (אֶפְרַיִם) is 331, which, when multiplied by the 331 years from Yosef's birth until the Exodus (as per Seder Olam), yields 108,100—matching the census figure. This demonstrates hashgacha pratit (divine providence) in the tribe's growth.

The Third Rank in Travel Order

Efrayim's position as the "third rank" (שְׁלִשִׁים) during journeys reflects their subordinate role to Yehuda (east) and Reuven (south). The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) explains this as a lesson in humility: though Efrayim carried Yaakov's blessing of prominence, they accepted their traveling order without dispute, modeling derech eretz (proper conduct) for future generations.

Military and Spiritual Roles

  • Military Role: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) derives from such censuses that armies must be organized with clear divisions, as modeled in the wilderness.
  • Spiritual Role: The Zohar (Bamidbar 118a) connects Efrayim's western position to the attribute of "hod" (splendor), suggesting their role in reflecting divine glory through disciplined order.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 2:24 mean when it mentions the 'camp of Efrayim'?
A: Numbers 2:24 refers to the tribe of Efrayim (Ephraim), one of the 12 tribes of Israel, which camped on the west side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. The verse counts their men of military age (603,550 total in the entire nation) and specifies their position in the marching order—third in line when the Israelites traveled.
Q: Why is the number of people in Efrayim's camp important?
A: The Torah counts each tribe to show their individual strength and importance within the nation. Rashi explains that counting reflects G-d's love for the Jewish people, like a shepherd who counts his flock often. Efrayim's large number (108,100) highlights their significance as descendants of Yosef (Joseph), who was blessed with great prosperity.
Q: Why did Efrayim march third when the Israelites traveled?
A: The tribes marched in a specific Divinely ordained formation around the Mishkan. Efrayim, part of the camp of Rachel (along with Binyamin and Menashe), traveled third after Yehuda and Yissachar/Zevulun. The Midrash teaches that this order reflected spiritual and tribal roles, with Efrayim carrying the legacy of Yosef, who sustained Israel during famine.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Efrayim's position in the camp?
A: The arrangement teaches unity and order within diversity. Each tribe had a unique role, just as every Jew today has a purpose in serving G-d. Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that structure—like the camp's formation—is essential for a holy community. Efrayim's placement reminds us to honor our individual and collective missions.