share torah logo

Numbers 1:24 - Gad's warriors: how many?

Numbers 1:24 - במדבר 1:24

Hebrew Text

לִבְנֵי גָד תּוֹלְדֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא׃

English Translation

Of the children of Gad, their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Transliteration

Livnei Gad toldotam lemishpechotam leveit avotam bemispar shemot miben esrim shana vama'ala kol yotzei tzava.

Hebrew Leining Text

לִבְנֵ֣י גָ֔ד תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמ֗וֹת מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃
לִבְנֵ֣י גָ֔ד תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמ֗וֹת מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:24, as part of the census of the Israelites taken in the wilderness. The Torah enumerates the tribes, beginning with Reuven, Shimon, and here, Gad. The counting was conducted by family lineage, focusing on men of military age (20 years and older) who were fit for war.

Commentary on the Tribe of Gad

Rashi explains that the phrase "לִבְנֵי גָד תּוֹלְדֹתָם" ("Of the children of Gad, their generations") emphasizes that the census was conducted according to lineage, ensuring that each individual's tribal and familial identity was preserved. This was crucial for maintaining the integrity of inheritance laws and tribal distinctions in Eretz Yisrael.

Military Readiness and Spiritual Significance

The Or HaChaim notes that the phrase "כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא" ("all that were able to go forth to war") implies not just physical capability but also spiritual preparedness. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that the Israelites' strength in battle was contingent upon their adherence to Torah and mitzvot. Thus, the census was not merely a military tally but a reflection of the nation's spiritual state.

Age of Twenty and Maturity

The Rambam (Hilchot Shemita v’Yovel 10:8) explains that twenty years old marks the age of full accountability in Jewish law, particularly for matters of war and communal responsibility. The Sforno adds that this age signifies the transition to independent judgment, necessary for those entering battle.

Gad’s Unique Role

The Baal HaTurim highlights that Gad, along with Reuven and half of Menashe, later settled east of the Jordan. Despite this, they pledged to fight alongside their brethren in conquering Canaan (Bamidbar 32). This verse foreshadows their commitment to national unity, even before their request for land was granted.

  • Lineage: The census preserved tribal identity, ensuring proper inheritance and land distribution.
  • Spiritual Readiness: Military service was tied to moral and religious fitness.
  • Age of Accountability: Twenty years marked maturity for communal obligations.
  • Gad’s Loyalty: Their later actions reflected the dedication expected in this census.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 1:24 mean?
A: Numbers 1:24 describes the counting of the tribe of Gad among the Israelites. It specifies that all males aged 20 and older, who were fit for military service, were registered by name according to their families and ancestral houses. This was part of the census taken in the wilderness to organize the Israelite camp and prepare for their journey.
Q: Why was the census in Numbers 1:24 limited to men 20 years and older?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, the age of 20 was chosen because it marks the age of maturity for military service and communal responsibility. Before this age, a person was not considered ready for the obligations of war or the full duties of the community.
Q: Why is the tribe of Gad mentioned specifically in Numbers 1:24?
A: The Torah lists each tribe individually in the census to emphasize their unique identities and roles within the nation of Israel. Gad, like the other tribes, had its own distinct family lineages and responsibilities. This verse highlights the importance of every tribe's contribution to the collective mission of the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from the census in Numbers 1:24 today?
A: The census teaches us the value of recognizing each individual's role within the community. Just as every member of the tribe of Gad was counted and valued for their potential contribution, we learn that every person has a unique purpose and responsibility in serving Hashem and strengthening the Jewish people.
Q: How does the concept of 'going forth to war' in Numbers 1:24 apply spiritually?
A: The Midrash and Jewish teachings often interpret 'war' in a spiritual sense, referring to the battle against the yetzer hara (evil inclination). Just as the men of Gad were prepared for physical battle, we are encouraged to cultivate strength and discipline in our spiritual lives, fighting against negative influences and striving for moral growth.