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Numbers 10:19 - Leader of Shim'on's tribe

Numbers 10:19 - במדבר 10:19

Hebrew Text

וְעַל־צְבָא מַטֵּה בְּנֵי שִׁמְעוֹן שְׁלֻמִיאֵל בֶּן־צוּרִי שַׁדָּי׃

English Translation

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Shim῾on was Shelumi᾽el the son of Żurishadday.

Transliteration

Ve'al-tzeva mateh bnei Shimon Shelumiel ben-Tzuri Shadai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י שִׁמְע֑וֹן שְׁלֻֽמִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃
וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י שִׁמְע֑וֹן שְׁלֻֽמִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai as Nasi of Shevet Shimon

The verse (Bamidbar 10:19) identifies Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai as the leader (nasi) of the tribe of Shimon during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. Rashi notes that Shelumiel's name reflects his character and divine mission: "Shelumiel" (שְׁלֻמִיאֵל) means "my peace is from God," indicating his role in maintaining harmony within the tribe, while "Zurishaddai" (צוּרִי שַׁדָּי) signifies "my Rock is the Almighty," emphasizing his reliance on Hashem's strength.

Zurishaddai's Lineage and Significance

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) highlights that Zurishaddai was among the righteous ancestors of Shevet Shimon. The name "Zurishaddai" appears only in connection with Shelumiel, suggesting a unique spiritual legacy. Ramban explains that the combination of "Tzuri" (my Rock) and "Shaddai" (Almighty) underscores the tribe's need for divine protection, particularly given Shimon's earlier involvement in the sin of Ba'al Peor (Bamidbar 25:14).

Shelumiel's Role in the Tribal Camp

  • Position in the Marching Order: According to the Talmud (Sotah 37a), Shevet Shimon camped to the south of the Mishkan alongside Reuven and Gad, forming the "camp of Reuven." Shelumiel's leadership was crucial in maintaining unity among these tribes.
  • Rectification of Past Failings: The Kli Yakar suggests that Shelumiel's appointment symbolized a tikkun (rectification) for Shimon's earlier transgressions, as his peaceful nature counterbalanced the tribe's prior impulsiveness (e.g., in the incident at Shechem, Bereishit 34:25).

Symbolism of Leadership in the Wilderness

The Sforno teaches that each tribal leader's name encapsulated their mission. Shelumiel's role was to guide Shevet Shimon toward shleimus (wholeness) through devotion to Torah and communal responsibility. His father's name, Zurishaddai, served as a constant reminder that true leadership stems from divine authority, not personal ambition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai?
A: Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai was the leader appointed over the tribe of Shimon during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to Rashi, his name reflects his character—'Shelumiel' meaning 'my peace is from God,' and 'Zurishaddai' meaning 'my Rock is the Almighty,' showing his trust in Hashem.
Q: Why is the tribe of Shimon mentioned here in Numbers 10:19?
A: The verse lists the tribal leaders and their positions when the Israelites traveled. Shimon was the second tribe in the marching order (after Yehuda). The Midrash teaches that each tribe had a unique role, and their arrangement reflected divine wisdom in maintaining unity and function.
Q: What can we learn from Shelumiel's leadership?
A: Shelumiel's name and role teach us that a Jewish leader must recognize that his strength and success come from Hashem (Zurishaddai—'my Rock is the Almighty'). The Talmud (Berachos 58a) emphasizes that true leadership is about humility and reliance on divine guidance.
Q: Why are the names of tribal leaders recorded in the Torah?
A: The Rambam explains that recording these names honors their service and teaches future generations the importance of organized leadership. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) adds that each leader’s name reflects their virtues, providing moral lessons for all Jews.