share torah logo

Numbers 10:27 - Who leads Naftali's tribe?

Numbers 10:27 - במדבר 10:27

Hebrew Text

וְעַל־צְבָא מַטֵּה בְּנֵי נַפְתָּלִי אֲחִירַע בֶּן־עֵינָן׃

English Translation

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naftali was Aĥira the son of ῾Enan.

Transliteration

Ve'al-tzeva mateh bnei Naftali Achira ben-Einan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י נַפְתָּלִ֑י אֲחִירַ֖ע בֶּן־עֵינָֽן׃
וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י נַפְתָּלִ֑י אֲחִירַ֖ע בֶּן־עֵינָֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 2:29, as part of the detailed account of the arrangement of the Israelite camp during their travels in the wilderness. Each tribe had a designated leader (nasi) responsible for its military host, and here, Aĥira ben ῾Enan is named as the leader of the tribe of Naftali.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes that the name Aĥira ("my brother is evil" or "brother of evil") may seem unusual, but he explains that names in the Torah often reflect circumstances or Divine messages. Rashi suggests that this name could hint at the challenges or spiritual struggles that the tribe of Naftali might face, though he does not elaborate further. Alternatively, he points out that names in the Torah are not always to be taken literally but may carry deeper meanings related to the individual's role.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:8) connects Aĥira ben ῾Enan to the broader theme of tribal leadership. It emphasizes that each leader was chosen based on merit and Divine wisdom, not mere lineage. The Midrash also highlights that the name ῾Enan (עֵינָן) relates to the word ayin (עַיִן, "eye"), suggesting that Aĥira possessed keen insight or vision in guiding his tribe.

Symbolism of Naftali's Position

Naftali was positioned in the camp to the north, alongside the tribes of Dan and Asher. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that the northern direction often symbolizes hidden or concealed matters in Kabbalistic thought. Thus, Aĥira's leadership may have involved navigating spiritual or strategic challenges unique to this positioning.

Leadership Qualities

  • Humility and Service: The Sforno (Rabbi Ovadia Sforno) teaches that tribal leaders like Aĥira were not merely political figures but servants of their people, embodying the Torah's ideal of leadership as responsibility rather than privilege.
  • Unity: The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) notes that the phrase "host of the tribe" underscores the collective strength of Naftali under Aĥira's guidance, reflecting the importance of unity in fulfilling the Divine mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Achira ben Enan mentioned in Numbers 10:27?
A: Achira ben Enan was the leader appointed over the tribe of Naftali during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to Rashi, he was chosen as the prince (nasi) of his tribe, responsible for organizing and leading them when they traveled and camped.
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 10?
A: The Torah lists the leaders to show the importance of orderly leadership among the tribes. Rambam explains that having designated leaders ensured unity and proper organization during the travels in the desert. Each leader had a role in guiding their tribe according to Hashem's commandments.
Q: What can we learn from Achira ben Enan's role as a tribal leader?
A: Achira ben Enan teaches us the value of responsibility and leadership in Jewish tradition. The Midrash highlights that tribal leaders were chosen for their wisdom and righteousness, showing that leadership is about serving the community with integrity and dedication.
Q: How does the concept of tribal leadership apply today?
A: While we no longer have the same tribal structure, the principle of strong, righteous leadership remains important. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) teaches that communities must appoint trustworthy leaders to guide them in Torah and mitzvot, just as the tribes had leaders in the wilderness.