Numbers 2:30 - Dan's mighty tribal count

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Hebrew Text

וּצְבָאוֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם שְׁלֹשָׁה וַחֲמִשִּׁים אֶלֶף וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty three thousand, four hundred.

Transliteration

Utsva'o uf'kudeihem shloshah vachamishim elef v'arba me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּצְבָא֖וֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 2:16) appears in the context of the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness, specifically detailing the count of the tribe of Reuven, which was part of the encampment on the south side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The number 53,400 refers to the men of Reuven aged 20 and older who were fit for military service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 2:16) notes that the phrase "וּצְבָאוֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם" ("his host and those that were numbered of them") emphasizes that the count was not merely a tally but a meaningful accounting of the tribe's military strength. The term "צבא" (host) indicates their role as part of the collective defense of Israel, while "פקודיהם" (those that were numbered) highlights their individual significance within the nation.

Numerical Significance

The number 53,400 is analyzed by commentators in relation to the other tribes:

The Baal HaTurim observes that Reuven's count was smaller than Yehuda's (74,600) but larger than Shimon's (59,300), reflecting their spiritual and military standing among the tribes.
The Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:10) suggests that the number reflects the tribe's unique destiny, as Reuven was the firstborn but lost his primacy due to his earlier misdeeds (Bereshit 35:22).

Military Role in the Encampment

According to Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1), the census of military-aged men underscores the Torah's principle of national defense. Reuven, along with Shimon and Gad, camped to the south, forming a unified front under the banner of Reuven. The Kli Yakar adds that their position symbolized their role as protectors of the Mishkan's southern flank.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno teaches that the precise counting of each tribe reminds us that every individual has a unique role in Klal Yisrael. The number 53,400, though seemingly just a statistic, represents the divine providence in shaping the nation's collective mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 2:30 mean when it mentions 'his host'?
A: In Numbers 2:30, 'his host' refers to the army or camp of the tribe of Dan, as this verse is part of the census of the Israelites in the wilderness. Rashi explains that each tribe was counted separately, and this verse gives the total number of men aged 20 and older who were fit for military service from the tribe of Dan.

Q: Why is the number 53,400 significant in Numbers 2:30?
A: The number 53,400 represents the men of the tribe of Dan who were counted in the census (Numbers 2:30). According to the Rambam, these numbers highlight the fulfillment of G-d's promise to make the descendants of Abraham as numerous as the stars. Each tribe's count reflects its strength and role within the nation of Israel.

Q: How does the census in Numbers 2:30 apply to Jewish life today?
A: While we no longer conduct tribal censuses, the counting in Numbers 2:30 teaches us the importance of valuing each individual within the community. The Midrash explains that just as each tribe had a unique role, every Jew today has a unique purpose in serving G-d and contributing to the Jewish people.

Q: Why was the tribe of Dan counted separately in Numbers 2:30?
A: Each tribe was counted separately to organize the Israelite camp and assign their positions around the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi notes that the tribe of Dan was the largest in the second group of tribes (camped to the north), and their numbers (53,400) reflected their important role in protecting and supporting the community.