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Numbers 26:26 - Zevulun's tribal lineage detailed

Numbers 26:26 - במדבר 26:26

Hebrew Text

בְּנֵי זְבוּלֻן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְסֶרֶד מִשְׁפַּחַת הַסַּרְדִּי לְאֵלוֹן מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאֵלֹנִי לְיַחְלְאֵל מִשְׁפַּחַת הַיַּחְלְאֵלִי׃

English Translation

Of the sons of Zevulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardi: of Elon, the family of the Eloni: of Yaĥle᾽el, the family of the Yaĥle᾽eli.

Transliteration

Bnei Zvulun lemishpechotam, leSered mishpachat haSardi, leElon mishpachat haEloni, leYachle'el mishpachat haYachle'eli.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּנֵ֣י זְבוּלֻן֮ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ לְסֶ֗רֶד מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַסַּרְדִּ֔י לְאֵל֕וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאֵלֹנִ֑י לְיַ֨חְלְאֵ֔ל מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיַּחְלְאֵלִֽי׃
בְּנֵ֣י זְבוּלֻן֮ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ לְסֶ֗רֶד מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַסַּרְדִּ֔י לְאֵל֕וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאֵלֹנִ֑י לְיַ֨חְלְאֵ֔ל מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיַּחְלְאֵלִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Lineage of Zevulun

The verse enumerates the descendants of Zevulun, the sixth son of Yaakov Avinu, listing their families according to their forebears: Sered, Elon, and Yachle'el. This follows the pattern seen throughout Sefer Bamidbar, where the Torah meticulously records the genealogies of each tribe to establish their unique identities and roles within Klal Yisrael.

Significance of Family Names

Rashi (Bamidbar 26:26) notes that the family names—Sardi, Eloni, and Yachle'eli—are derived from their respective ancestors, Sered, Elon, and Yachle'el. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on preserving familial lineage, as each family unit maintained its distinct identity even within the broader tribe of Zevulun.

Zevulun's Role Among the Tribes

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:9) highlights Zevulun's partnership with Yissachar, where Zevulun engaged in commerce to support Yissachar's Torah study. This symbiotic relationship underscores the tribe's unique contribution to Klal Yisrael—facilitating spiritual growth through material means. The listing of Zevulun's families here reinforces their enduring role in this sacred partnership.

Lessons from the Names

  • Sered: The name may hint at "sirud" (סירוד), meaning "arrangement" or "order," symbolizing Zevulun's structured support for Torah.
  • Elon: Meaning "oak," it suggests strength and steadfastness in upholding their mission.
  • Yachle'el: From "yachel" (יחל), meaning "to hope" or "wait," reflecting their patient dedication to divine service.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah ve'Yovel 10:4) derives from such tribal genealogies that land inheritance in Eretz Yisrael was strictly tied to family lineage. Thus, this verse reinforces the halachic principle that tribal and familial identities were inseparable from land rights and communal responsibilities.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 26:26?
A: Numbers 26:26 lists the families descended from Zevulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It mentions three family lines: the Sardi (from Sered), the Eloni (from Elon), and the Yachle'eli (from Yachle'el). This verse is part of the census taken in the wilderness to organize the tribes and their inheritances in the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is the tribe of Zevulun important in the Torah?
A: Zevulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Zevulun. The tribe played a key role in supporting Torah study, as they were known for their involvement in trade and commerce, which helped sustain the tribe of Yissachar, who were dedicated to learning (Rashi on Genesis 49:13, Deut. 33:18). Their partnership symbolizes the importance of supporting Torah scholars.
Q: What can we learn from the listing of families in Numbers 26:26?
A: The detailed listing of families teaches the importance of lineage and tribal identity in Judaism. Each family had a unique role within the tribe of Zevulun, and preserving these distinctions ensured proper inheritance and communal structure. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on maintaining family heritage and responsibilities.
Q: How does the concept of tribal families apply today?
A: While we no longer have the tribal structure of ancient Israel, the idea of family heritage remains important in Judaism. Many Jews trace their lineage to particular traditions (e.g., Kohen, Levi, Yisrael) or ancestral customs. Additionally, the partnership between Zevulun and Yissachar serves as a model for supporting Torah study through financial or communal assistance.