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Numbers 7:23 - Generous tribal leader's peace offering

Numbers 7:23 - במדבר 7:23

Hebrew Text

וּלְזֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים בָּקָר שְׁנַיִם אֵילִם חֲמִשָּׁה עַתּוּדִים חֲמִשָּׁה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָה חֲמִשָּׁה זֶה קָרְבַּן נְתַנְאֵל בֶּן־צוּעָר׃

English Translation

and for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Netan᾽el the son of Żu῾ar.

Transliteration

U'lezevach hashelamim bakar shnayim eilim chamisha atudim chamisha kvasim bnei-shana chamisha ze korban Netanel ben-Tzuar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְזֶ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֮ בָּקָ֣ר שְׁנַ֒יִם֒ אֵילִ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַתֻּדִ֣ים חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה כְּבָשִׂ֥ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֖ה חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה זֶ֛ה קׇרְבַּ֥ן נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּלְזֶ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֮ בָּקָ֣ר שְׁנַ֒יִם֒ אֵילִ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַתֻּדִ֣ים חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה כְּבָשִׂ֥ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֖ה חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה זֶ֛ה קׇרְבַּ֥ן נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 7:17) describes the korban shelamim (peace offering) brought by Netan'el ben Tzu'ar, the prince of the tribe of Yissachar, during the inauguration of the Mishkan. The shelamim offering symbolizes harmony and gratitude, as it is shared between the altar, the kohanim, and the one bringing the offering (Vayikra 3:1-17).

Significance of the Numbers

The offering consists of:

  • Two oxen: Rashi (Bamidbar 7:17) notes that the two oxen correspond to the two tablets of the covenant, emphasizing the tribe of Yissachar's deep connection to Torah study (Divrei Hayamim I 12:33).
  • Five rams, five goats, five lambs: The number five alludes to the five books of the Torah, further highlighting Yissachar's role as scholars who delve into Torah wisdom (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15).

Netan'el ben Tzu'ar's Unique Offering

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:16) teaches that Netan'el's name means "gift of G-d," reflecting his tribe's dedication to Torah. The shelamim offering, which fosters unity, aligns with Yissachar's role in promoting peace through Torah study. Ramban (Bamidbar 7:18) adds that the symmetry in numbers (five of each type) signifies completeness in avodah (divine service).

Symbolism of the Shelamim

The shelamim represents:

  • Gratitude: As per Chizkuni, Yissachar's offering acknowledges G-d's blessings of wisdom.
  • Unity: The shared meal (Vayikra 7:11-21) reflects harmony between the physical and spiritual, mirroring Yissachar's balance of Torah and worldly involvement (see Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the 'sacrifice of peace offerings' mentioned in Numbers 7:23?
A: The 'sacrifice of peace offerings' (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים) refers to a voluntary offering brought to express gratitude, fulfill a vow, or as a freewill donation to Hashem. Unlike other sacrifices, parts of it were eaten by the person bringing it and the kohanim (priests), symbolizing peace and closeness between man and Hashem (Rashi on Leviticus 3:1, Rambam Hilchot Korbanot 3:1).
Q: Why does the verse specify the exact number of animals (2 oxen, 5 rams, etc.)?
A: The Torah specifies the exact number to show the generosity and dedication of Netan'el ben Tzu'ar, who brought this offering when the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was dedicated. Each tribal leader brought identical offerings to emphasize unity among the tribes (Rashi on Numbers 7:19-23, Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15).
Q: What can we learn from Netan'el ben Tzu'ar bringing this offering?
A: We learn the importance of willingly contributing to holy causes with joy and precision. Netan'el's offering teaches that giving should be done wholeheartedly and according to the proper guidelines (Malbim on Numbers 7:23). Additionally, his act highlights the value of communal unity, as all tribal leaders brought the same offering (Talmud, Sotah 13b).
Q: Do we still bring peace offerings today?
A: Since the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), animal sacrifices, including peace offerings, are not brought. However, our prayers (תְּפִלָּה) and acts of kindness (גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים) serve as substitutes for sacrifices (Hoshea 14:3, Rambam Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 3:15). Many also study the laws of sacrifices in anticipation of their future restoration.
Q: Why are lambs 'of the first year' specified for the offering?
A: Lambs in their first year (כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָה) are chosen because they represent purity and freshness, symbolizing a new and sincere dedication to Hashem. This age is also halachically ideal for certain korbanot (offerings) as prescribed in the Torah (Rashi on Exodus 12:5, Rambam Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 1:14).