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Numbers 10:20 - Gad's leader: Elyasaf appointed

Numbers 10:20 - במדבר 10:20

Hebrew Text

וְעַל־צְבָא מַטֵּה בְנֵי־גָד אֶלְיָסָף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵל׃

English Translation

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Elyasaf the son of De῾u᾽el.

Transliteration

Ve'al-tzeva mateh bnei-Gad Elyasaf ben-De'uel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַל־צְבָ֖א מַטֵּ֣ה בְנֵי־גָ֑ד אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵֽל׃
וְעַל־צְבָ֖א מַטֵּ֣ה בְנֵי־גָ֑ד אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 10:20) appears in the context of the arrangement of the Israelite camp during their travels in the wilderness. Each tribe had a designated leader (נשיא) who was responsible for organizing and leading his respective tribe. Elyasaf ben De'uel was the appointed leader of the tribe of Gad.

Elyasaf's Leadership Role

Rashi (on Bamidbar 10:20) explains that Elyasaf was chosen as the נשיא (prince) of the tribe of Gad, responsible for assembling and directing his tribe during their journeys. The term "צְבָא" (host) refers to the military-like formation in which the tribes traveled, emphasizing order and discipline under divine command.

The Meaning of "De'uel"

The name De'uel (דְּעוּאֵל) is significant. Rashi notes that in an earlier verse (Bamidbar 1:14), the name appears as "Re'uel" (רְעוּאֵל). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) and Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) explain that the variation reflects a change in his name due to his righteous deeds—"De'uel" meaning "knowledge of G-d," indicating his piety and devotion. Alternatively, some commentators suggest scribal differences or linguistic variations.

The Tribe of Gad's Position

According to Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:7), the tribes were arranged in a specific formation around the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Gad was part of the southern camp, alongside Reuven and Shimon, led by the tribe of Reuven. Elyasaf's role was thus crucial in maintaining the unity and discipline of his tribe within this structure.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Leadership with Humility: The fact that Elyasaf's father's name is emphasized ("ben De'uel") teaches that leadership must be rooted in yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) and humility, as seen in De'uel's name ("knowledge of G-d").
  • Order in Divine Service: The structured encampment reflects the importance of order and unity in serving Hashem, a principle applicable to communal life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Elyasaf ben De'uel mentioned in Numbers 10:20?
A: Elyasaf ben De'uel was the appointed leader (nasi) over the tribe of Gad during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to Rashi, he was chosen to represent his tribe in matters of leadership and organization, particularly when the camp traveled or encamped.
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 10?
A: The Torah lists the leaders to emphasize the importance of orderly leadership and the unique role each tribe played in the journey through the wilderness. Rambam teaches that structured leadership is essential for a functioning community, and each tribe's representative ensured unity and direction under Moshe's overall guidance.
Q: What can we learn from Elyasaf ben De'uel's role as a tribal leader?
A: Elyasaf's role teaches us the value of responsible leadership and communal responsibility. The Midrash highlights that tribal leaders were chosen for their wisdom and integrity, showing that leadership in Judaism requires both capability and moral character to serve the people faithfully.
Q: How does the concept of tribal leadership apply today?
A: While we no longer have the same tribal structure, the principle of appointed leaders (like rabbis or community heads) remains vital. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 2a) discusses the importance of having qualified leaders to guide communities, just as Elyasaf and the other tribal leaders did for Bnei Yisrael.