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Numbers 1:34 - Menasseh's warriors counted faithfully

Numbers 1:34 - במדבר 1:34

Hebrew Text

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

English Translation

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

Hebrew Leining Text

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

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 1:34) is part of the census taken of the Israelites in the wilderness, specifically detailing the count of the tribe of Menashe. The census was commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Elazar the Kohen to organize the nation for military and encampment purposes.

Grammatical and Structural Analysis

  • "לִבְנֵי מְנַשֶּׁה תּוֹלְדֹתָם" – Rashi explains that "תולדותם" refers to genealogical records, emphasizing the importance of lineage in tribal identity (Rashi on Bamidbar 1:20).
  • "לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם" – The counting was done by families and paternal households, reinforcing the tribal structure (Ibn Ezra).
  • "מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה" – The age of twenty signifies maturity for military service, as the Midrash notes that before this age, one lacks full strength (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:9).

Purpose of the Census

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:4) explains that the census was not merely for military organization but also to demonstrate Hashem's love for Bnei Yisrael, counting them like a cherished possession. The Sforno adds that the detailed count ensured fairness in land distribution in Eretz Yisrael.

Spiritual Significance of Military Readiness

The phrase "כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא" ("all that were able to go forth to war") is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as both a physical and spiritual readiness. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 3) teaches that true strength in battle comes from merit in Torah and mitzvot, not merely physical prowess.

Exclusion of Women and Minors

The exclusion of women and those under twenty is discussed in the Talmud (Sotah 44b), which states that only those with full legal and physical capacity were counted. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that this reflects the principle of responsibility in communal obligations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 1:34 mean?
A: Numbers 1:34 describes the census of the tribe of Menashe (Menashshe) taken in the wilderness. It lists all men aged 20 and older who were fit for military service, organized by their families and ancestral houses. This was part of the larger census of the Israelites commanded by Hashem to prepare for their journey and potential battles.
Q: Why was the census in Numbers 1:34 only for men 20 years and older?
A: According to Rashi and other Jewish commentaries, the age of 20 was chosen because it marks the transition to full adulthood and physical readiness for military service. The Talmud (Sotah 44b) also explains that this age represents spiritual maturity, as those under 20 were not yet held fully accountable for their actions in the same way.
Q: Why is the tribe of Menashe mentioned separately in Numbers 1:34?
A: Each tribe was counted individually to emphasize their unique identity and role within the nation of Israel. Menashe, as one of the tribes descended from Yosef (Joseph), had a special status. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that each tribe contributed distinct qualities to the Jewish people, and the separate counting honored their individual importance.
Q: What can we learn from the census in Numbers 1:34 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of organization, responsibility, and recognizing each individual's role in the community. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that counting the people showed their value to Hashem and to one another. Today, this reminds us that every Jew has a unique purpose in serving G-d and contributing to the Jewish nation.
Q: Why were only those 'able to go forth to war' counted in Numbers 1:34?
A: Rashi explains that the census focused on those fit for battle because the Israelites needed to prepare for the challenges of entering and conquering the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Yoma 22b) also teaches that the term 'able to go forth to war' implies spiritual readiness—only those free of sin were truly prepared for battle, as righteousness determines success in war.