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Numbers 1:26 - Judah's warriors counted meticulously

Numbers 1:26 - במדבר 1:26

Hebrew Text

לִבְנֵי יְהוּדָה תּוֹלְדֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמֹת מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

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

Hebrew Leining Text

לִבְנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמֹ֗ת מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃
לִבְנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר שֵׁמֹ֗ת מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כֹּ֖ל יֹצֵ֥א צָבָֽא׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 1:26) appears in the context of the census of Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness, specifically detailing the count of the tribe of Yehuda. This census was commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Aharon to organize the nation for military and encampment purposes.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "לִבְנֵי יְהוּדָה תּוֹלְדֹתָם" ("Of the children of Yehuda, their generations") refers to the genealogical records of the tribe, ensuring that each individual's lineage was verified. This was crucial for maintaining the purity of tribal identity, especially regarding inheritance and tribal roles.

Military Readiness

The phrase "כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא" ("all that were able to go forth to war") is interpreted by Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:4) as referring to physically capable men who could bear arms. The age of twenty was chosen because, as the Talmud (Sotah 44b) states, this is when a man reaches full physical strength for battle.

Spiritual Significance of the Census

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:4) teaches that counting Bnei Yisrael was an expression of Hashem's love for them, likening it to a king who repeatedly counts his treasured possessions. The meticulous recording of names and families also reflects the value of each individual in Klal Yisrael.

Yehuda's Prominence

Yehuda is listed first among the tribes in this census, which Chazal (Bereishit Rabbah 99:1) connect to the tribe's future role in leadership, particularly through the Davidic dynasty. This foreshadows Yehuda's eventual status as the royal tribe.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The age of twenty for military service sets a halachic precedent for adulthood in certain contexts (see Rambam, Hilchot Ishut 2:2 regarding marriage maturity).
  • The emphasis on family lineage reinforces the importance of yichus (lineage) in Jewish tradition, particularly for tribal affiliation and inheritance laws.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah count the tribes of Israel by name and family?
A: The Torah counts each tribe by name and family to show the importance of every individual in the Jewish nation. Rashi explains that counting by name demonstrates G-d's love for the Jewish people, just as a person counts their valuables carefully. Each family and individual has a unique role in fulfilling the mission of the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the verse specify counting men from age 20 and up?
A: According to Jewish tradition, age 20 marks the point when a person is physically and spiritually mature enough to serve in the army (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 7:5). The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) also teaches that this was the age when the generation of the Exodus was held accountable for their actions in the wilderness.
Q: What does 'able to go forth to war' mean in this context?
A: The phrase refers not only to physical ability but also spiritual readiness. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:3) explains that true strength in battle comes from Torah study and mitzvah observance. A Jewish soldier must be strong in both body and faith to be considered truly 'able' for war.
Q: Why is the tribe of Yehuda mentioned first in this counting?
A: Yehuda is listed first because of its leadership role among the tribes. Rashi notes that Yehuda merited this position because of the tribe's willingness to take responsibility (as seen with Yehuda and Tamar) and because kingship would eventually come from this tribe (Genesis 49:10). The Midrash teaches that each tribe's order reflects their spiritual significance.
Q: How does this census apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer conduct military censuses, the principles remain relevant. The Talmud (Megillah 12b) teaches that every Jew counts and has value. Just as each person was counted for a holy purpose then, today every Jew has a unique role in serving G-d through Torah and mitzvot. The age of 20 still marks spiritual maturity in Jewish law for certain obligations.