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Numbers 1:28 - Yissakhar's warriors counted meticulously

Numbers 1:28 - במדבר 1:28

Hebrew Text

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

English Translation

Of the children of Yissakhar, 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 Yissakhar toldotam lemishpechotam leveit avotam bemispar shemot miben esrim shana vama'ala kol yotzei tzava.

Hebrew Leining Text

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

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 1:28) describes the census of the tribe of Yissakhar, counting all males aged twenty and above who were fit for military service. This aligns with the broader context of the census in the wilderness, where each tribe was counted to organize the Israelite camp and prepare for their journey toward Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the phrase "לִבְנֵי יִשָּׂשכָר תּוֹלְדֹתָם" ("Of the children of Yissakhar, their generations") emphasizes lineage and familial purity. The counting was not merely numerical but also reinforced the tribal structure based on ancestral houses ("לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם"). Rashi notes that this meticulous recording ensured that each individual’s tribal identity was preserved, a critical factor for inheritance and tribal responsibilities.

Military Readiness and Spiritual Significance

The phrase "כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא" ("all that were able to go forth to war") refers to physical fitness for battle, but the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) also interprets this spiritually. The tribe of Yissakhar was known for Torah scholarship (Divrei Hayamim I 12:33), suggesting that their "warfare" included intellectual and spiritual battles—defending Torah values and disseminating wisdom.

Age of Twenty: A Threshold for Responsibility

The age of twenty ("מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה") marks a transition to full communal responsibility. Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Shemitah v’Yovel (10:8) explains that this age signifies maturity in judgment and strength, making one accountable for national duties, including military service and participation in communal obligations.

Yissakhar’s Unique Role

The Talmud (Berachot 17a) highlights Yissakhar’s dedication to Torah study, supported by their partnership with Zevulun (who engaged in commerce to sustain them). Thus, while the verse emphasizes military service, the tribe’s true strength lay in their Torah scholarship, which fortified the nation spiritually.

Key Takeaways

  • The census preserved tribal lineage and identity, ensuring proper inheritance and communal structure.
  • Military readiness had both physical and spiritual dimensions, especially for Yissakhar.
  • Age twenty marked a threshold for full participation in national responsibilities.
  • Yissakhar’s scholarly legacy complemented their role in the collective mission of Bnei Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah count the tribe of Yissakhar specifically from age 20 and up?
A: The Torah counts men from age 20 and up because this was the age when they were considered physically and spiritually mature enough to serve in the army (Rashi on Numbers 1:3). The tribe of Yissakhar was known for their Torah scholarship (Divrei Hayamim I 12:33), but they were still included in the military census because every Jew has a role in both spiritual and physical protection of the nation.
Q: What is the significance of counting the tribes 'by their families' and 'by their fathers' houses'?
A: Counting by families and fathers' houses emphasizes the importance of lineage and tribal identity in Judaism. Each tribe had unique qualities and roles (Ramban on Numbers 1:45). The Torah maintains these distinctions to preserve the special contributions of each tribe, as seen later with the tribal flags in the wilderness (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7).
Q: Why does the verse mention 'all that were able to go forth to war' for the tribe of Yissakhar?
A: Even though Yissakhar was known as a tribe dedicated to Torah study (Bereishit Rabbah 99:9), they still had an obligation to contribute to national defense when needed. This teaches that Torah scholars must also be involved in communal responsibilities (Talmud Sotah 44a). The phrase shows that every Jew, regardless of their primary occupation, has a role in protecting the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn today from how the Torah counts the tribe of Yissakhar?
A: We learn that every Jew counts and has value, whether their primary role is spiritual (like Yissakhar's Torah study) or physical (like military service). The counting teaches that a complete Jewish nation needs all types of people working together (Midrash Tanchuma Bamidbar 12). This applies today in how we value different roles in Jewish communities.
Q: Why does the Torah list each tribe separately instead of just giving a total count?
A: Listing each tribe individually shows that every tribe had unique qualities and purposes in serving Hashem (Rashi on Numbers 1:18). The Sages teach that just as each star has its own place in the sky, each tribe had its unique role in the Jewish people (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7). This teaches us to appreciate diversity within Jewish unity.