Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Netanel ben Tzuar mentioned in Numbers 7:18?
A: Netanel ben Tzuar was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Yissachar during the time of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). He brought offerings on behalf of his tribe during the dedication ceremony, as recorded in this verse. Rashi explains that each tribal leader brought identical offerings to show equality among the tribes.
Q: Why does the Torah list each tribe's offering separately if they were all the same?
A: Although each tribe brought identical offerings (as detailed in Numbers 7:12-83), the Torah lists them separately to honor each tribe and its leader. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:14) teaches that this shows how each tribe's contribution was equally valued before Hashem, and each leader had his own unique merit in bringing the offering.
Q: What is the significance of the order in which the tribes brought their offerings?
A: The tribes brought their offerings in the same order that they traveled during the journeys in the wilderness (see Numbers 2). Yehuda (whose prince brought his offering first) represented kingship, and Yissachar (represented by Netanel in our verse) represented Torah wisdom. The Ramban explains this shows the balance between worldly leadership and spiritual wisdom in Jewish life.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Netanel's offering in Numbers 7:18?
A: We learn the importance of communal participation and individual responsibility. Though all tribes gave the same offering, each leader personally brought his tribe's contribution. The Talmud (Sotah 37b) derives from here that when someone performs a mitzvah on behalf of a community, it's considered as if each member did it themselves.
Q: Why is Yissachar's prince mentioned second in the offerings?
A: Yissachar was known for Torah scholarship (as referenced in 1 Chronicles 12:33), and their prince Netanel brought his offering right after Yehuda's prince. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) connects this to the idea that Torah study follows immediately after leadership, showing that proper governance must be guided by Torah wisdom.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bamidbar 7:18) describes the offering brought by Netanel ben Tzuar, the prince of the tribe of Yissachar, on the second day of the dedication of the Mishkan. This event follows the twelve consecutive days of offerings brought by the tribal leaders (נשיאים) during the inauguration of the altar.
Netanel ben Tzuar and the Tribe of Yissachar
Rashi (Bamidbar 7:18) notes that Netanel's name reflects his divine connection—"Netan-El" means "given by G-d." The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) highlights that Yissachar was known for its Torah scholarship, as stated in Divrei Hayamim I (12:33): "And of the children of Yissachar, men who had understanding of the times." This suggests that Netanel, as their leader, embodied wisdom and devotion to Torah study.
The Significance of the Second Day
The order of the tribal offerings follows the arrangement of the encampments around the Mishkan. Yissachar, part of the camp of Yehuda (along with Zevulun), offered on the second day after Yehuda's prince on the first. The Ramban (Bamidbar 7:18) explains that this sequence teaches the importance of unity among the tribes, as each leader brought identical offerings despite their individual distinctions.
The Offering Itself
Yissachar's Role in Torah Leadership
Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 14) elaborates that Yissachar's tribe was particularly devoted to Torah study, supported by Zevulun's material partnership (as per Devarim 33:18). Netanel's offering thus also represents the tribe's commitment to sustaining Torah wisdom, which is the foundation of Israel's spiritual service.