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Numbers 26:25 - Yissakhar's numerous Torah scholars

Numbers 26:25 - במדבר 26:25

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת יִשָּׂשכָר לִפְקֻדֵיהֶם אַרְבָּעָה וְשִׁשִּׁים אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

These are the families of Yissakhar according to those that were numbered of them, sixty four thousand, three hundred.

Transliteration

Eleh mishpechot Yissakhar lifkudeihem arba'a veshishim elef ushlosh me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם אַרְבָּעָ֧ה וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם אַרְבָּעָ֧ה וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 26:23) enumerates the descendants of Yissakhar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, during the census taken in the wilderness. The total count of Yissakhar's male population above the age of twenty was 64,300. This census was conducted before the Israelites entered the Land of Israel, as commanded by Hashem.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes that the phrase "אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת יִשָּׂשכָר" ("These are the families of Yissakhar") emphasizes the distinct lineages within the tribe. He explains that the Torah lists the families of Yissakhar to highlight their unique contributions to the nation, particularly their dedication to Torah study. Rashi further points out that the numerical count of 64,300 reflects a significant increase from the previous census (Bamidbar 1:29), where Yissakhar was counted at 54,400. This growth demonstrates the tribe's blessing and vitality.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) elaborates on the spiritual qualities of the tribe of Yissakhar. It describes them as "יודעי בינה לעתים" ("those who understand the times"), referring to their wisdom in Torah and their ability to determine the proper times for mitzvot and festivals. The Midrash connects their numerical blessing to their devotion to Torah study, as the verse in Divrei Hayamim I (12:33) states: "ומבני יששכר יודעי בינה לעתים" ("And of the children of Yissakhar, men who had understanding of the times").

  • Torah Scholarship: The tribe of Yissakhar was renowned for producing scholars and judges who dedicated their lives to Torah study and teaching.
  • Agricultural Blessing: The Midrash also notes that Yissakhar's portion in the Land of Israel was fertile, symbolizing the spiritual and material blessings they received due to their Torah devotion.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam (Maimonides) does not comment directly on this verse, his teachings in Hilchot Talmud Torah (Laws of Torah Study) align with the Midrashic portrayal of Yissakhar. He emphasizes that Torah study is the foundation of Jewish life and that those who dedicate themselves to it, like the tribe of Yissakhar, merit both spiritual and physical blessings.

Significance of the Number

The number 64,300 is noteworthy because it represents a substantial portion of the Israelite population. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) discusses the importance of Torah scholars in sustaining the world, suggesting that Yissakhar's large numbers reflect their role in supporting the spiritual infrastructure of the nation. Their growth from the first census to the second also signifies divine favor and the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to multiply the descendants of Avraham.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:25 teach us about the tribe of Yissakhar?
A: Numbers 26:25 tells us the census count of the tribe of Yissakhar during the second census in the wilderness. The verse states there were 64,300 men eligible for military service from Yissakhar's families. This shows the tribe's significant size and contribution to the Jewish people at that time.
Q: Why is the counting of Yissakhar's descendants important?
A: The counting of Yissakhar's descendants is important because it demonstrates how the tribe grew and prospered despite the challenges in the wilderness. According to Rashi, these censuses highlight God's love for the Jewish people, as He frequently counts them like a treasured possession. The numbers also determined tribal representation and land allocation in Israel.
Q: How does the number of Yissakhar's descendants compare to other tribes?
A: Yissakhar's count of 64,300 was the fourth largest among the tribes at that time (Numbers 26). The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) notes that Yissakhar was known for Torah scholarship, suggesting their spiritual greatness contributed to their physical prosperity. The numbers reflect each tribe's unique role within the Jewish nation.
Q: What can we learn from Yissakhar's family count today?
A: We learn that every individual in the Jewish nation counts and contributes to the whole. The Midrash teaches that Yissakhar's dedication to Torah study (as mentioned in Divrei Hayamim I 12:33) brought blessings of prosperity. This reminds us that spiritual commitment and unity are essential for the Jewish people's strength.
Q: Why does the Torah list family lineages and numbers?
A: The Torah lists lineages and numbers to show the fulfillment of God's promise to Avraham about his descendants being numerous (Bereishit 15:5). Rambam explains that these details establish the authenticity of our national identity and inheritance in Eretz Yisrael. The counts also teach us about organization and valuing each member of the community.