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Numbers 26:27 - Zevulun's mighty census count

Numbers 26:27 - במדבר 26:27

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַזְּבוּלֹנִי לִפְקֻדֵיהֶם שִׁשִּׁים אֶלֶף וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

These are the families of the Zevuloni according to those that were numbered of them, sixty thousand, five hundred.

Transliteration

Eleh mishpechot hazvuloni lifkudeihem shishim elef vachamesh me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַזְּבוּלֹנִ֖י לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שִׁשִּׁ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַזְּבוּלֹנִ֖י לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שִׁשִּׁ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 26:27) appears in the census of Bnei Yisrael taken in the wilderness, specifically listing the families and numbers of the tribe of Zevulun. This census occurs before entering Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing the importance of each tribe's role in the nation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that the phrase "אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַזְּבוּלֹנִי" ("These are the families of the Zevuloni") highlights the division of Zevulun into distinct family groups. He explains that the Torah lists the families to show their unique identities within the tribe, each contributing to the collective strength of Zevulun.

Significance of the Number

The count of 60,500 men aged 20 and older reflects Zevulun's size compared to other tribes. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that Zevulun's partnership with Yissachar—where Zevulun supported Torah scholars through commerce—brought them blessing, as seen in their substantial numbers.

Zevulun's Role in Klal Yisrael

  • Economic Support: The Talmud (Berachos 34a) praises Zevulun for enabling Yissachar's Torah study, showing how material and spiritual pursuits complement each other.
  • Geographical Blessing: Ramban connects Zevulun's later inheritance near trade routes (as per Yaakov's blessing in Bereishis 49:13) to their divinely ordained role in sustaining the nation economically.

Lessons from the Verse

The inclusion of Zevulun's census teaches that every tribe—even those not primarily engaged in Torah study—has a vital role in Am Yisrael. Their partnership with Yissachar exemplifies the ideal of כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה ("All Jews are responsible for one another").

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'These are the families of the Zevuloni...' mean?
A: This verse (Numbers 26:27) is part of the census taken of the Israelites in the wilderness. It specifies the number of men from the tribe of Zevulun who were eligible for military service—60,500. The Torah lists each tribe's count to show their strength and importance in the nation.
Q: Why is the tribe of Zevulun mentioned in the census?
A: Zevulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Zevulun. The census highlights their role in the nation, as each tribe had a unique purpose. Rashi notes that Zevulun was blessed with prosperity due to their support of Torah study (partnering with the tribe of Yissachar).
Q: What can we learn from the counting of the tribes in the Torah?
A: The counting teaches us that every individual in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people) matters. The Midrash explains that just as a shepherd counts his flock to show care, Hashem counts us to show His love. Each person has a unique role in fulfilling the Torah's mission.
Q: How does the census of the tribes apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have a physical census like in the desert, the lesson remains: every Jew is valuable. The Rambam teaches that unity and recognizing each person's contribution are essential for the Jewish people's spiritual and communal success.