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Numbers 10:24 - Binyamin's leader: Avidan's role?

Numbers 10:24 - במדבר 10:24

Hebrew Text

וְעַל־צְבָא מַטֵּה בְּנֵי בִנְיָמִן אֲבִידָן בֶּן־גִּדְעוֹנִי׃

English Translation

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Binyamin was Avidan the son of Gid῾oni.

Transliteration

Ve'al-tzeva mateh bnei vin-yamin Avidan ben-Gid'oni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־גִּדְעוֹנִֽי׃
וְעַ֨ל־צְבָ֔א מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־גִּדְעוֹנִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Commentary on Bemidbar 2:22

The verse states: "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Binyamin was Avidan the son of Gid῾oni." This is part of the enumeration of the leaders of each tribe during their encampment in the wilderness.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bemidbar 2:22) notes that Avidan's lineage is traced back to his father, Gidoni, rather than his grandfather or earlier ancestors. This follows the pattern seen with the other tribal leaders listed in this section, where each is identified as "son of [father's name]." Rashi explains that this emphasizes the immediate familial connection rather than distant ancestry, highlighting the personal merit of these leaders.

Significance of the Tribe of Binyamin

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) comments on the unique position of Binyamin among the tribes. As the youngest son of Yaakov, Binyamin's tribe was given the honor of being positioned near the Mishkan (Tabernacle), together with Yehudah and Yissachar. Avidan's leadership over Binyamin's host reflects the tribe's special role in the encampment.

Avidan's Name and Character

  • The name Avidan (אֲבִידָן) can be interpreted as "My Father is Judge," suggesting a connection to divine justice and leadership.
  • Gidoni (גִּדְעוֹנִי) may allude to strength or cutting down (from the root גדע), possibly indicating a family known for decisive leadership.

Leadership in the Wilderness

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:3) discusses the qualities of Jewish leadership, emphasizing wisdom, humility, and fear of Heaven. Avidan, like the other tribal leaders, was chosen for these traits, ensuring the tribes were guided properly during their journey.

Symbolism in the Encampment

The Sforno (Bemidbar 2:22) explains that the orderly arrangement of the tribes, each under its designated leader, reflects the harmony and unity of Israel when they follow divine command. Avidan's role as leader of Binyamin underscores the importance of every tribe's contribution to the collective mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Avidan ben Gidoni mentioned in Numbers 10:24?
A: Avidan ben Gidoni was the leader appointed over the tribe of Binyamin during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to Rashi, he was chosen as the נשיא (nasi), or prince, representing his tribe in matters of leadership and organization during the travels.
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 10?
A: The Torah lists the leaders of each tribe to emphasize the importance of orderly leadership and the unique role each tribe played in the journey through the wilderness. The Ramban explains that this highlights the honor and responsibility given to each tribe's representative, ensuring unity and structure among Bnei Yisrael.
Q: What can we learn from Avidan ben Gidoni's leadership in this verse?
A: Avidan ben Gidoni's role teaches us the value of appointed leadership and communal responsibility. The Midrash notes that each tribal leader had to care for their tribe's needs, showing that effective leadership requires dedication to the welfare of others, a principle that applies in all generations.
Q: How does the tribe of Binyamin's role here connect to its later history?
A: Binyamin, though one of the smaller tribes, was given equal standing among the tribes in the wilderness. Later, in the times of the Judges and Kings, Binyamin produced significant leaders like King Shaul. This verse reminds us that every tribe—and by extension, every individual—has a unique role in Klal Yisrael.