share torah logo

Numbers 26:47 - Counting Asher's mighty descendants

Numbers 26:47 - במדבר 26:47

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת בְּנֵי־אָשֵׁר לִפְקֻדֵיהֶם שְׁלֹשָׁה וַחֲמִשִּׁים אֶלֶף וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty three thousand, four hundred.

Transliteration

Ele mishpekhot bnei-Asher lifkudeihem shloshah vachamishim elef ve'arba me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת בְּנֵי־אָשֵׁ֖ר לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת בְּנֵי־אָשֵׁ֖ר לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 1:41) records the census count of the tribe of Asher during the wilderness journey, listing their families and totaling 53,400 men of military age. This enumeration is part of the broader census commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Elazar the Kohen (Numbers 1:1-3).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes that the phrase "אֵלֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹת בְּנֵי־אָשֵׁר" ("These are the families of the sons of Asher") emphasizes the importance of lineage and tribal identity. He explains that each family within the tribe was meticulously recorded to preserve their unique heritage and role among Bnei Yisrael. Rashi also highlights that the count was conducted with dignity, as each individual was called by name (based on Numbers 1:18).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:49), discusses the purpose of the census, explaining that it served both a practical and spiritual function. Practically, it organized Bnei Yisrael for their journey and military needs. Spiritually, it reinforced the idea that every Jew is individually valued by Hashem, and their collective strength lies in unity.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) elaborates on the significance of the number 53,400. It connects this count to the tribe of Asher's future blessings, as Yaakov had prophesied (Genesis 49:20), "מֵאָשֵׁר שְׁמֵנָה לַחְמוֹ" ("From Asher, his bread shall be rich"). The Midrash suggests that their large population reflected their material and spiritual prosperity, fulfilling Yaakov's blessing.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud Bavli (Yoma 22b) discusses the precision of the census, noting that the Torah records exact numbers to teach that every individual is significant. The Talmud also infers from this verse that the tribe of Asher was known for its fertility and growth, as their numbers were substantial compared to other tribes.

Additional Commentators

  • Rabbeinu Bachya: Explains that the phrase "לִפְקֻדֵיהֶם" ("according to those that were numbered") implies that the count was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, reflecting Hashem's intimate knowledge of each person.
  • Sforno: Suggests that the families of Asher were counted separately to emphasize their distinct contributions to Klal Yisrael, particularly in providing sustenance (as hinted in Yaakov's blessing).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of counting the families of Asher in Numbers 26:47?
A: The counting of the families of Asher, like all the tribes of Israel, was done to organize the nation for their journey and settlement in the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, these counts were also a way for Hashem to show His love for the Jewish people, as He frequently 'counted' them (like a person who counts their precious possessions).
Q: Why does the Torah list the exact number of people in Asher's tribe (53,400)?
A: The Torah provides exact numbers to emphasize that every individual in the tribe of Asher—and all of Israel—was important and accounted for. The Rambam teaches that each person has a unique role in fulfilling the collective mission of the Jewish people. The precision also reflects the Divine providence in the growth and destiny of the tribes.
Q: How does the counting of Asher's descendants apply to us today?
A: Just as each member of Asher was counted, every Jew today has inherent value and a role in the Jewish nation. The Midrash teaches that unity comes from recognizing each person's importance, just as the tribes were united despite their different sizes and roles. This teaches us to value every individual in our communities.
Q: What can we learn from the fact that Asher's tribe had 53,400 people?
A: The size of Asher's tribe shows that they were a significant part of Israel, though not the largest. The Talmud (Nedarim 55a) explains that every tribe contributed uniquely—some in numbers, others in wisdom or material blessings. Asher was later known for its olive oil (Deuteronomy 33:24), showing that quality matters as much as quantity.