Numbers 7:12 - First tribe's noble sacrifice

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Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי הַמַּקְרִיב בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן אֶת־קָרְבָּנוֹ נַחְשׁוֹן בֶּן־עַמִּינָדָב לְמַטֵּה יְהוּדָה׃

English Translation

And he that offered his offering the first day was Naĥshon the son of ῾Amminadav, of the tribe of Yehuda:

Transliteration

Vayehi hamakriv bayom harishon et-korbano Nachshon ben-Aminadav lemateh Yehuda.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י הַמַּקְרִ֛יב בַּיּ֥וֹם הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן אֶת־קׇרְבָּנ֑וֹ נַחְשׁ֥וֹן בֶּן־עַמִּינָדָ֖ב לְמַטֵּ֥ה יְהוּדָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Nachshon ben Aminadav

The verse (Bamidbar 7:12) highlights Nachshon ben Aminadav as the first tribal leader to bring an offering during the dedication of the Mishkan. Rashi explains that Yehuda merited this honor because they were the first tribe to step forward at the splitting of the Red Sea (Shemot 14:22), demonstrating unwavering faith in Hashem. Nachshon, as the prince of Yehuda, exemplified this trait of bold leadership and trust in divine salvation.

Symbolism of the Order of Offerings

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:7) teaches that the sequence of tribal offerings followed the order of their encampment around the Mishkan, with Yehuda leading as the eastern camp. Ramban adds that this arrangement reflects the divine wisdom in structuring the tribes, with Yehuda representing kingship (Malchut) and thus given precedence. The Sforno emphasizes that Nachshon's offering set a model for all subsequent leaders—each brought identical gifts, yet each was unique in its spiritual intent.

Nachshon’s Legacy of Courage

The Talmud (Sotah 37a) recounts that Nachshon was the first to jump into the Red Sea before it miraculously split, embodying the principle of hishtadlut (human effort) paired with emunah. This act cemented his role as a paradigm of proactive faith, which carried into his leadership during the Mishkan’s inauguration. The Kli Yakar notes that his name "Nachshon" (from nachash, serpent) alludes to overcoming the serpentine cunning of the yetzer hara through righteous action.

The Tribal Role in Divine Service

Yehuda’s Preeminence: The Ohr HaChaim connects Yehuda’s offering to its future role in establishing the Davidic dynasty, as hinted in Bereishit 49:8-10.
Unity in Diversity: The Baal HaTurim observes that all tribes brought identical offerings to stress unity, yet each leader’s name is recorded individually to honor their unique motivations.
Temporal and Eternal Impact: The Alshich teaches that these offerings atoned for the sins of the 12 sons of Yaakov, linking the Mishkan’s dedication to the rectification of ancestral discord.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 37a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the order of the tribal leaders' offerings during the dedication of the Tabernacle, highlighting Nachshon's role as the first to bring an offering.

📖 Bava Batra 120a

Mentioned in the context of discussing the merits and precedence of the tribe of Judah, with Nachshon's offering cited as an example of their leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Nachshon ben Aminadav mentioned in Numbers 7:12?
A: Nachshon ben Aminadav was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Judah (Yehuda). He is famously known in Jewish tradition for his great faith—according to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:8), he was the first to step into the Red Sea before it split, demonstrating complete trust in Hashem.

Q: Why did Nachshon bring his offering first in Numbers 7:12?
A: Nachshon, representing the tribe of Judah, brought his offering first because Judah was the leading tribe of Israel. Rashi (on Numbers 7:12) explains that Judah merited this honor due to their role in sanctifying Hashem’s name during the Exodus and their future kingship (as King David descended from Judah).

Q: What is the significance of the tribal offerings in Numbers 7?
A: The offerings brought by each tribal leader (including Nachshon) were dedicated to the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Talmud (Sotah 13b) teaches that these offerings symbolized unity among the tribes, as each leader gave the same gift despite their individual greatness, showing equality before Hashem.

Q: How does Nachshon’s action apply to us today?
A: Nachshon’s willingness to take initiative—both in bringing the first offering and at the Red Sea—teaches us the importance of courage and faith in serving Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 1:7) emphasizes that we should strive to be among the first to perform mitzvot, just as Nachshon led the way.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the order of the tribal offerings in Numbers 7?
A: The order of the offerings follows the arrangement of the tribes during their travels (as described in Numbers 2). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:14) explains that this teaches the value of structure and respect for each tribe’s unique role in Klal Yisrael (the community of Israel).