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Numbers 31:31 - Obedience to divine command

Numbers 31:31 - במדבר 31:31

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ מֹשֶׁה וְאֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And Moshe and El῾azar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Moshe v'El'azar ha'kohen ka'asher tziva Adonai et Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֔ה וְאֶלְעָזָ֖ר הַכֹּהֵ֑ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֔ה וְאֶלְעָזָ֖ר הַכֹּהֵ֑ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 31:31) appears in the context of the aftermath of the war against Midian, where Moshe and Elazar the Kohen are instructed to divide the spoils of war between the warriors, the community, and a portion for Hashem. The verse emphasizes their precise fulfillment of the divine command.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 31:31) highlights that this verse underscores the obedience of Moshe and Elazar to Hashem's command without deviation. He notes that even though Moshe was the primary leader, Elazar is mentioned alongside him because the division of spoils involved matters of ritual purity and sanctity, which fell under the Kohen's domain.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 8:1), Rambam discusses the laws of war spoils, deriving principles from this episode. He explains that the division was not arbitrary but followed a precise halachic framework, demonstrating that even in wartime, the Torah's laws must be meticulously observed.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bamidbar Rabbah (22:4) elaborates that Moshe and Elazar's actions were a model of unity between the political and spiritual leadership. Their cooperation ensured that both the military and religious aspects of the commandment were fulfilled.
  • The Midrash also notes that this verse teaches the importance of leaders acting in harmony with divine will, setting an example for the nation.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 527) connects this verse to the broader principle of following Torah commandments without alteration. The exactness of Moshe and Elazar's actions reinforces the idea that mitzvot must be performed as prescribed, without adding or subtracting.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 31:31) suggests that the inclusion of both Moshe and Elazar signifies the balance between physical and spiritual leadership. Moshe represented the lawgiver and military leader, while Elazar embodied the priestly role, ensuring that the material spoils were sanctified for holy purposes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:31 teach us about following commandments?
A: This verse emphasizes the importance of precisely fulfilling Hashem's commandments, as Moshe and Elazar the Kohen did exactly as they were commanded. Rashi explains that this shows their complete obedience without adding or subtracting from the mitzvah.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both Moshe and Elazar in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 101b) teaches that including both leaders shows the importance of cooperation between the political leader (Moshe) and spiritual leadership (the Kohen) in fulfilling Hashem's will. Both roles are essential for proper Jewish leadership.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Moshe and Elazar followed Hashem's command?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:7) derives from this that we should perform mitzvos with the same care and precision as Moshe and Elazar, following both the letter and spirit of the law without deviation.
Q: Why is it significant that the verse says 'as Hashem commanded Moshe'?
A: Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 9:1) explains this phrasing teaches that Moshe transmitted Hashem's commands exactly as received, establishing the principle of faithful transmission of Torah from generation to generation.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as Moshe and Elazar carefully followed divine commands, we must strive to fulfill mitzvos properly today. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this includes both between man and Hashem (mitzvos) and between man and man (proper interpersonal conduct).