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Numbers 10:16 - Zevulun's leader: Divine appointment?

Numbers 10:16 - במדבר 10:16

Hebrew Text

וְעַל־צְבָא מַטֵּה בְּנֵי זְבוּלֻן אֱלִיאָב בֶּן־חֵלוֹן׃

English Translation

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zevulun was Eli᾽av the son of Ḥelon.

Transliteration

Ve'al-tzeva mateh bnei Zvulun Eliyav ben Chelon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י זְבוּלֻ֑ן אֱלִיאָ֖ב בֶּן־חֵלֹֽן׃
וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י זְבוּלֻ֑ן אֱלִיאָ֖ב בֶּן־חֵלֹֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 1:9) lists Eli'av ben Chelon as the leader of the tribe of Zevulun during the census in the wilderness. This appointment reflects the divine selection of tribal leaders, as each was chosen for their wisdom and righteousness (Rashi, Bamidbar 1:5).

Eli'av's Role and Significance

Eli'av's leadership over Zevulun highlights the tribe's unique role among the Israelites. Zevulun was known for its partnership with Yissachar—while Yissachar engaged in Torah study, Zevulun supported them financially (Midrash Tanchuma, V'Zot HaBerachah 11). Eli'av, as their leader, facilitated this sacred partnership.

Eli'av's Lineage

The name "Chelon" (חֵלוֹן), Eli'av's father, is interpreted by the Ba'al HaTurim as hinting at the tribe's connection to commerce (from the root "חיל," meaning wealth). This aligns with Zevulun's coastal territory and their role in trade (Devarim 33:18-19).

Leadership Qualities

  • Humility: The Sforno notes that tribal leaders were chosen for their humility and ability to serve the community selflessly.
  • Wisdom: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) emphasizes that leaders must possess discernment to guide their people in both spiritual and practical matters.

Symbolism of Zevulun's Position

In the encampment, Zevulun was positioned near Yehuda and Yissachar (Bamidbar 2:3-7), symbolizing unity among tribes with different roles—kingship (Yehuda), Torah (Yissachar), and commerce (Zevulun). Eli'av's leadership reinforced this harmony (Ohr HaChaim, Bamidbar 2:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Eli'av ben Chelon mentioned in Numbers 10:16?
A: Eli'av ben Chelon was the appointed leader (nasi) over the tribe of Zevulun during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. The Torah lists each tribal leader to show the importance of organized leadership among the tribes (Rashi on Numbers 10:16).
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 10?
A: The Torah lists the leaders to teach us the value of structure and representation. Each tribe had its own leader to ensure orderly travel and to represent their tribe's needs before Moshe (Moses) and Hashem (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:3).
Q: What can we learn from the mention of Eli'av ben Chelon and the other tribal leaders?
A: We learn that every community needs responsible leaders. Just as each tribe had a nasi (leader), Jewish communities today also appoint rabbis and leaders to guide them in Torah and mitzvot (Rambam, Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:1).
Q: Why is the tribe of Zevulun specifically mentioned with its leader in this verse?
A: Each tribe's role was important. Zevulun was known for supporting Torah study (through commerce), showing that both spiritual and material contributions are valued in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people) (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 11).