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Numbers 1:14 - Gad's leader: Elyasaf's divine connection

Numbers 1:14 - במדבר 1:14

Hebrew Text

לְגָד אֶלְיָסָף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵל׃

English Translation

Of Gad; Elyasaf the son of De῾u᾽el,

Transliteration

LeGad Elyasaf ben-Deuel.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְגָ֕ד אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵֽל׃
לְגָ֕ד אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse "לְגָד אֶלְיָסָף בֶּן־דְּעוּאֵל" (Of Gad; Elyasaf the son of De῾u᾽el) appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:14 as part of the census of the Israelites in the wilderness. This verse identifies Elyasaf ben De'uel as the representative of the tribe of Gad.

Meaning of the Names

Traditional Jewish commentators often derive deeper meaning from the names mentioned in the Torah:

  • Elyasaf (אֶלְיָסָף): Rashi explains that the name means "God has added," reflecting divine blessing and increase (Rashi on Bamidbar 1:14). The Midrash further suggests that names in the Torah often hint at the character or destiny of the individual (Bereishit Rabbah 37:7).
  • De'uel (דְּעוּאֵל): Some commentators, such as the Ibn Ezra, note that this name can be interpreted as "knowledge of God," indicating a connection to wisdom and divine understanding (Ibn Ezra on Bamidbar 1:14).

The Role of Elyasaf

Elyasaf served as the nasi (prince or leader) of the tribe of Gad during the wilderness journey. The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes in Hilchot Sanhedrin that tribal leaders were chosen for their wisdom, righteousness, and ability to guide their people (Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:7). The Talmud also notes that leaders like Elyasaf were responsible for representing their tribes in matters of judgment and communal affairs (Sanhedrin 16b).

Gad's Representation in the Census

The tribe of Gad was known for its strength and military prowess, as later seen in their role in conquering the land (Bamidbar 32). The Kli Yakar suggests that Elyasaf's leadership reflected the tribe's unique qualities—combining spiritual devotion (symbolized by his name's meaning) with physical strength (Kli Yakar on Bamidbar 1:14).

Spiritual Lessons

  • Divine Providence: The names in the verse remind us of God's involvement in the lives of the Israelites, as seen in the meaning of "Elyasaf" ("God has added").
  • Leadership Qualities: Elyasaf's role teaches that true leadership requires both wisdom ("De'uel") and a connection to divine values.
  • Tribal Unity: Each tribe had a unique role, and Gad's representation highlights the importance of every group's contribution to Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Elyasaf ben De'uel mentioned in Numbers 1:14?
A: Elyasaf ben De'uel was the representative leader of the tribe of Gad during the census in the wilderness, as recorded in Numbers 1. According to Rashi, he was chosen for his wisdom and leadership qualities to assist Moses and Aaron in counting the Israelite men eligible for military service.
Q: Why is the tribe of Gad mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: Each tribe had a designated leader for the census, and Numbers 1:14 highlights Gad's representative, Elyasaf ben De'uel. The Torah lists all tribal leaders to emphasize the orderly and respectful way the census was conducted, as explained in the Midrash. Each tribe's participation was crucial for the collective responsibility of the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of listing the names of tribal leaders in the Torah?
A: The Torah lists the names of the tribal leaders to teach us the importance of individual roles within the community. Rambam notes that every leader had a unique responsibility, and their mention honors their contribution. This also shows that every tribe—and by extension, every individual—has a distinct purpose in fulfilling the collective mission of the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from Elyasaf ben De'uel's role in the census?
A: Elyasaf ben De'uel's role teaches us about the value of communal responsibility and leadership. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) explains that leaders must act with integrity and dedication for the benefit of their community. His appointment reminds us that true leadership involves serving others with humility and purpose.