share torah logo

Numbers 1:22 - Shim'on's warriors: counted for battle?

Numbers 1:22 - במדבר 1:22

Hebrew Text

לִבְנֵי שִׁמְעוֹן תּוֹלְדֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם פְּקֻדָיו בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם כָּל־זָכָר מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא׃

English Translation

Of the children of Shim῾on, their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Transliteration

Livnei Shim'on toldotam lemishpechotam leveit avotam p'kudav bemispar shemot legulg'lotam kol-zachar miben esrim shanah vama'lah kol yotzei tzava.

Hebrew Leining Text

לִבְנֵ֣י שִׁמְע֔וֹן תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם פְּקֻדָ֗יו בְּמִסְפַּ֤ר שֵׁמוֹת֙ לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָ֔ם כׇּל־זָכָ֗ר מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃
לִבְנֵ֣י שִׁמְע֔וֹן תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם פְּקֻדָ֗יו בְּמִסְפַּ֤ר שֵׁמוֹת֙ לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָ֔ם כׇּל־זָכָ֗ר מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 1:22) is part of the census taken of the Israelites in the wilderness, specifically detailing the counting of the tribe of Shimon. The census was commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Elazar the Kohen (Bamidbar 1:1-3) to organize the camp and prepare for military service.

Structure of the Counting

  • "תּוֹלְדֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם" (their generations, after their families) - Rashi explains that this emphasizes lineage was verified through witnesses to ensure pure tribal descent (Rashi on Bamidbar 1:18).
  • "פְּקֻדָיו בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת" (those that were numbered, according to the number of names) - The Ramban notes that each individual was counted by name, showing their personal importance to Hashem (Ramban on Bamidbar 1:45).

Age and Military Service

The verse specifies that only males "מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה" (from twenty years old and upward) were counted for military service. The Talmud (Sotah 44b) derives from here that physical and spiritual maturity for war begins at twenty, as younger men lack full strength. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:10) adds that twenty is the age when divine judgment becomes fully applicable.

Purpose of the Census

According to the Malbim, the census served multiple purposes:

  • Military readiness: To organize the tribes for defense and conquest.
  • Divine love: Hashem counts Bnei Yisrael out of affection, like one who repeatedly counts cherished possessions (Malbim on Bamidbar 1:1).

Significance of Shimon's Placement

The tribe of Shimon is listed second in the census (after Reuven). The Kli Yakar notes that this reflects their eventual integration with Yehuda (later in Sefer Bamidbar), hinting at their diminished tribal identity due to the incident with Zimri (Bamidbar 25:14).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah count the tribe of Shimon separately?
A: The Torah counts each tribe separately to show the unique importance of every tribe in Israel. Rashi explains that each tribe had its own role and mission, and counting them individually highlights their distinct contributions to the nation.
Q: Why were only men aged 20 and up counted in the census?
A: According to Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:4), men from age 20 were counted because this was the age when they were physically capable of serving in the army. The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) also notes that 20 is when a person reaches full strength for military service.
Q: What does 'according to the number of names' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that each person was counted by name to show that every individual is important before Hashem. Unlike other nations who might just count numbers, in Israel each person was recognized by name, demonstrating their personal value.
Q: Why is the tribe of Shimon mentioned second in the counting?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) explains that the order of counting follows the birth order of Yaakov's sons, with some exceptions based on importance. Shimon was the second son of Leah, which is why his tribe is counted second here.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from this census of the Israelites?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 22b) teaches that just as each person was counted in the desert, we learn that every Jew matters. Today, this teaches us that each individual has a unique role to play in the Jewish people, and no one should feel insignificant.