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Numbers 1:11 - Benjamin's leader: Avidan's lineage

Numbers 1:11 - במדבר 1:11

Hebrew Text

לְבִנְיָמִן אֲבִידָן בֶּן־גִּדְעֹנִי׃

English Translation

Of Binyamin; Avidan the son of Gid῾oni.

Transliteration

Levin'yamin Avidan Ben-Gid'oni.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְבִ֨נְיָמִ֔ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃
לְבִ֨נְיָמִ֔ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse "לְבִנְיָמִן אֲבִידָן בֶּן־גִּדְעֹנִי" (Of Binyamin; Avidan the son of Gid῾oni) appears in Bamidbar 1:11 as part of the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness. Avidan ben Gidoni was the appointed leader of the tribe of Binyamin during this count.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 1:11) explains that Avidan's role as a leader of Binyamin signifies his prominence and righteousness. The name "Avidan" (אֲבִידָן) can be interpreted as "My Father is Judge", reflecting his commitment to justice and divine service. The patronymic "ben Gidoni" (בֶּן־גִּדְעֹנִי) may allude to his lineage or personal traits, as names in Torah often carry deeper meanings.

Midrashic Insights

Midrashic sources (e.g., Bamidbar Rabbah) highlight that tribal leaders like Avidan were chosen for their wisdom and ability to guide their people. The tribe of Binyamin was known for its fierce loyalty to Hashem and the unity of the Jewish people, as seen later in the narrative of the Pilegesh b'Givah (Shoftim 19-21). Avidan's leadership thus reflects the tribe's unique spiritual qualities.

Rambam on Leadership

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) discusses the qualities of Jewish leaders, emphasizing wisdom, humility, and fear of Heaven. Avidan, as a representative of Binyamin, likely embodied these traits, ensuring his tribe's adherence to Torah values during the wilderness journey.

Symbolism of Names

  • Avidan (אֲבִידָן): Suggests divine justice, as "Avi" (my Father) refers to Hashem, and "Dan" (judge) denotes righteousness.
  • Gidoni (גִּדְעֹנִי): May relate to "Gidon" (גִּדְעוֹן), symbolizing strength or cutting away evil (as in the root gada, to cut down).

Legacy in Jewish Tradition

Avidan's role is memorialized in the Torah as part of the sacred census, underscoring the importance of every tribe's contribution to Klal Yisrael. His leadership during the formative years in the wilderness set a precedent for future leaders of Binyamin, including Shaul HaMelech, the first king of Israel.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Avidan the son of Gidoni mentioned in Numbers 1:11?
A: Avidan ben Gidoni was the leader of the tribe of Binyamin (Benjamin) during the census taken in the wilderness, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. He represented his tribe when Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) counted the Israelites. Rashi explains that each tribal leader was chosen for their prominence and righteousness.
Q: Why is the tribe of Binyamin mentioned in Numbers 1:11?
A: The verse lists Binyamin among the twelve tribes of Israel to show their participation in the census. Each tribe had a leader appointed to assist in counting the men eligible for military service. The tribe of Binyamin held a special place among the tribes, as the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) was later built in their territory (Jerusalem).
Q: What is the significance of recording tribal leaders in the Torah?
A: Recording the names of tribal leaders teaches the importance of leadership and accountability in Jewish tradition. Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that proper leadership ensures the spiritual and physical well-being of the nation. Each leader was responsible for guiding their tribe in accordance with Torah values.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish identity today?
A: This verse reminds us that every Jew is part of a greater family—the twelve tribes of Israel. Though tribal identities are not as prominent today, the Midrash teaches that each Jew has a unique role in fulfilling the Torah's mission. The census highlights that every individual counts in the Jewish people's collective destiny.