Numbers 31:46 - War's human toll counted

Context in the Torah

The verse "וְנֶפֶשׁ אָדָם שִׁשָּׁה עָשָׂר אָלֶף" (and sixteen thousand persons) appears in Bamidbar 31:40, within the context of the spoils of war from the battle against Midian. This count refers to the portion of human captives (specifically, virgin women) taken by the Israelites, which were later divided among the people, the Levites, and as a tribute to Hashem.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 31:40) explains that these 16,000 individuals were part of the spoils allocated to the Israelite soldiers after the war with Midian. He notes that this number represents a fraction of the total captives, as the Torah earlier mentions 32,000 virgin women (Bamidbar 31:35), half of which (16,000) were given to the soldiers, while the other half was divided between the Levites and a tribute offering to the Mishkan.

Midrashic Insights

• The Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 3) elaborates that the division of spoils followed a Divine principle of equity, ensuring that even those who did not directly participate in battle (such as the Levites and the Mishkan) received a portion.
• The number 16,000 is seen as symbolizing completeness in judgment (middat hadin), as Midian's punishment was measure-for-measure for their role in leading Israel astray (Bamidbar 25:1-9).

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:1-2) derives from this episode the laws governing the distribution of war spoils. He emphasizes that a portion must always be set aside for terumah (sacred contribution) to Hashem, reinforcing the principle that military success is ultimately granted by Divine will.

Numerological Significance

Some commentators, such as the Baal HaTurim, note that the number 16 (שִׁשָּׁה עָשָׂר) corresponds to the gematria (numerical value) of certain Divine attributes, hinting at Hashem's involvement in the Israelites' victory. Additionally, 16,000 as a multiple of 16 may allude to the idea of chessed (kindness) being extended even in the context of war.