share torah logo

Numbers 1:3 - Warriors counted at twenty?

Numbers 1:3 - במדבר 1:3

Hebrew Text

מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה כָּל־יֹצֵא צָבָא בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל תִּפְקְדוּ אֹתָם לְצִבְאֹתָם אַתָּה וְאַהֲרֹן׃

English Translation

from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Yisra᾽el: thou and Aharon shall number them by their hosts.

Transliteration

Miben esrim shana vama'la kol-yotze tzava b'Yisrael tifkedu otam l'tzivotam atah v'Aharon.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כׇּל־יֹצֵ֥א צָבָ֖א בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל תִּפְקְד֥וּ אֹתָ֛ם לְצִבְאֹתָ֖ם אַתָּ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃
מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה כׇּל־יֹצֵ֥א צָבָ֖א בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל תִּפְקְד֥וּ אֹתָ֛ם לְצִבְאֹתָ֖ם אַתָּ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 1:3) is part of Hashem's command to Moshe and Aharon to conduct a census of Bnei Yisrael, specifically counting men from the age of twenty and older who were fit for military service. This census was taken in preparation for their journey through the wilderness and eventual entry into Eretz Yisrael.

Age of Twenty and Military Service

Rashi explains that the age of twenty is significant because it marks the point when a person is physically capable of bearing arms and participating in battle. The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) further elaborates that twenty is the age when divine punishment begins to be administered, indicating a level of maturity and accountability.

  • Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:4) notes that only those physically fit for war were counted, excluding those with disabilities or illnesses.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 5) connects this age to the earlier sin of the Meraglim (spies), who were punished at twenty and above, suggesting a link between accountability and military readiness.

Role of Moshe and Aharon

The verse emphasizes that Moshe and Aharon were personally involved in the counting. The Kli Yakar explains that their participation lent sanctity and legitimacy to the census, ensuring it was conducted with purity of intent rather than for personal or political motives.

Spiritual Dimensions of Military Service

The Or HaChaim highlights that the term "צָבָא" (host/army) also alludes to spiritual service. Just as soldiers serve their king, Bnei Yisrael were to serve Hashem with the same dedication. The census was not merely a military tally but a reminder of their collective mission as a holy nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 121b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the age of eligibility for various communal responsibilities and roles, including military service.
📖 Sotah 8b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the criteria for military service and the exemptions from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah specify counting men from age 20 and up for the army?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 1:3), age 20 is when a person reaches full physical strength for military service. The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) also explains this as the age when one becomes fully accountable for their actions before Hashem.
Q: Why were only men counted for the army in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources explain that men were primarily responsible for military defense (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 7:4). Additionally, the Torah assigns different roles to men and women in building the nation, with women's primary domain being the home and family (see Midrash Tanchuma, Pekudei 9).
Q: What is the significance of Aaron helping Moses count the people?
A: The Kli Yakar (Numbers 1:3) explains that Aaron's participation showed this wasn't just a military census, but a sacred counting. The Ohr HaChaim adds that Aaron's presence brought blessing to prevent any harm that might come from counting people directly (based on Exodus 30:12).
Q: Does this verse about military service apply to Jews today?
A: While the specific commandment was for that generation in the desert, the Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) derives from this verse that defending the Jewish people remains an obligation. Modern halachic authorities apply this principle to Israel's defense forces today.
Q: Why does the Torah say 'able to go forth to war' instead of just counting everyone?
A: The Sforno explains this teaches that only those physically and spiritually prepared should serve. The Talmud (Sotah 44b) elaborates that certain individuals (like those who just built a home or planted a vineyard) were exempt to maintain proper priorities in Jewish life.