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Numbers 1:2 - Count Israel's holy warriors.

Numbers 1:2 - במדבר 1:2

Hebrew Text

שְׂאוּ אֶת־רֹאשׁ כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת כָּל־זָכָר לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם׃

English Translation

Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el, after their families, by the houses of their fathers, by the number of names, every male by their polls;

Transliteration

Se'u et-rosh kol-adat bnei-Yisrael lemishpechotam leveit avotam bemispar shemot kol-zachar legulgilotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׂא֗וּ אֶת־רֹאשׁ֙ כׇּל־עֲדַ֣ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמ֔וֹת כׇּל־זָכָ֖ר לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָֽם׃
שְׂא֗וּ אֶת־רֹאשׁ֙ כׇּל־עֲדַ֣ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמ֔וֹת כׇּל־זָכָ֖ר לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 1:2) opens the commandment to conduct a census of Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. This is the first of several censuses recorded in the Torah, each serving a unique purpose in the spiritual and national development of Klal Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "שְׂאוּ אֶת־רֹאשׁ" (literally "lift the head") implies counting through an elevated method—not by direct headcount, but rather through the contribution of half-shekels (as later done in Shemos 30:12). This method avoids the potential ayin hara (evil eye) associated with direct counting. Additionally, Rashi notes that this census was an expression of Hashem's love for Bnei Yisrael, counting them at significant moments—after the Mishkan's construction and after tragedies (like the sin of the golden calf).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam explains that the census was necessary for military and logistical organization as Bnei Yisrael prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael. The detailed counting by families and households ensured proper delegation of responsibilities and tribal roles in both warfare and camp arrangements.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah (1:4) teaches that counting by name signifies each individual's unique importance before Hashem—unlike a generic tally where personal identity is lost.
  • Sforno adds that the phrase "לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם" emphasizes lineage as a spiritual inheritance, connecting each person to the merits of their ancestors.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Yoma 22b) derives from this verse that direct headcounts are discouraged, leading to the halachic practice of counting people indirectly (e.g., via a pasuk or object). The Tur (Orach Chaim 156) codifies this as a safeguard against calamity, rooted in the precedent of this pasuk.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar highlights that "לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם" (by their polls) alludes to the divine image (tzelem Elokim) in each person—their "head" representing intellect and spiritual potential. Thus, the census was not merely physical but a reaffirmation of Bnei Yisrael's collective mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 22b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the counting of the Israelites and the importance of each individual in the community.
📖 Bava Batra 109b
Mentioned in the context of inheritance laws and the division of land among the tribes of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Take the sum of all the congregation' mean in Numbers 1:2?
A: This verse refers to the commandment to conduct a census of the Israelite men eligible for military service (ages 20 and up). Rashi explains that counting each person individually shows G-d's love for the Jewish people, as one counts precious possessions carefully.
Q: Why was the census in Numbers 1 taken by families and fathers' houses?
A: The Torah emphasizes lineage because family identity is central in Judaism. Ramban notes that counting by families preserved the tribal structure and inheritance rights, which were tied to ancestral land portions in Israel.
Q: What is the significance of counting 'every male by their polls'?
A: The phrase 'by their polls' (לגולגלותם) literally means 'by their heads.' The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches this emphasizes that each individual has intrinsic value before G-d - not just as part of a group, but as a unique soul.
Q: How does this census relate to Jewish identity today?
A: Just as the Torah values each Jew's connection to their family and tribe, Jewish law (halacha) today still places importance on knowing one's lineage, especially regarding marriage laws and priestly (Kohen) status. The Rambam writes that maintaining family purity is a foundational mitzvah.
Q: Why does the verse say 'by the number of names' when counting people?
A: Rashi explains that each person was counted by name to show their individual importance. The Sforno adds that this reflects how every Jew has a unique role in fulfilling the Torah's mission - we're not just numbers, but named individuals with purpose.