Numbers 26:42 - Dan's lineage: who are Shuhami?

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Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה בְנֵי־דָן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְשׁוּחָם מִשְׁפַּחַת הַשּׁוּחָמִי אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת דָּן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם׃

English Translation

These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuĥam, the family of the Shuĥami. These are the families of Dan after their families.

Transliteration

Ele vene-Dan lemishpechotam, l'Shucham mishpachat haShuchami. Ele mishpechot Dan lemishpechotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֤לֶּה בְנֵי־דָן֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם לְשׁוּחָ֕ם מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשּׁוּחָמִ֑י אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת דָּ֖ן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

The Sons of Dan and Their Families

The verse (Bamidbar 26:42) lists the descendants of Dan according to their families, focusing on the family of Shuḥam (שׁוּחָם). Rashi notes that the name "Shuḥam" is a variation of "Ḥushim" (חוּשִׁים) mentioned in Bereishit 46:23, as names sometimes undergo slight changes in spelling or pronunciation over generations. This reflects the Torah's precision in recording lineage, ensuring the continuity and identity of each tribe.

Significance of the Shuḥami Family

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:26) highlights that Dan's descendants were known for their strength and valor, particularly in battle. The Shuḥami family, as part of Dan, carried this legacy. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) emphasizes that every tribe's unique qualities contribute to the collective strength of Klal Yisrael, and Dan's role was often as warriors and defenders.

Why the Repetition of "After Their Families"?

The verse repeats the phrase "לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם" (after their families) twice, which the Ba'al HaTurim explains as underscoring the importance of preserving family distinctions within the tribe. This repetition teaches that each family unit maintains its own identity and role within the broader tribe, ensuring the fulfillment of their unique mission in serving Hashem.

Lessons from Dan's Lineage

Unity in Diversity: Though all tribes descended from Yaakov, each had distinct traits. Dan's families, including the Shuḥami, contributed their strengths to Am Yisrael.
Legacy of Strength: The Shuḥami family's mention reminds us of the importance of courage and steadfastness in upholding Torah values.
Family Identity: The Torah's detailed recording of lineages teaches the eternal value of family heritage and continuity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:42 mean?
A: Numbers 26:42 lists the descendants of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, through his son Shuĥam. It emphasizes the importance of family lineage (mishpachot) in Jewish tradition, as tribal affiliation determined land inheritance and communal roles in biblical times.

Q: Why is the tribe of Dan mentioned separately in the Torah?
A: Each tribe is listed individually to show their unique identity and inheritance in the Land of Israel (Rashi on Numbers 26:42). Dan was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and his descendants formed a distinct tribe with their own portion in the Promised Land.

Q: What can we learn from the detailed family lists in the Torah?
A: The Torah teaches the value of every individual and family in the Jewish nation (Midrash Tanchuma). These lists also preserve our historical connection to the Land of Israel and demonstrate how each tribe contributed uniquely to the Jewish people.

Q: How does the concept of tribal families apply today?
A: While we no longer have the tribal structure, Jewish law still preserves family lineage (yichus) for certain mitzvot like priestly (Kohen) privileges. The Rambam explains that knowing our roots helps maintain Jewish identity and continuity (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 19:17).

Q: Why is Shuĥam specifically mentioned in this verse?
A: Shuĥam was the primary descendant through whom Dan's family line continued (Ibn Ezra on Numbers 26:42). The Torah often highlights key figures in genealogies to show the development of families and tribes in Jewish history.