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Numbers 1:36 - Benjamin's warriors counted meticulously

Numbers 1:36 - במדבר 1:36

Hebrew Text

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

English Translation

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

Hebrew Leining Text

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

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 1:36) is part of the census taken of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness, specifically focusing on the tribe of Binyamin. The Torah enumerates the tribes by their families, households, and names, counting men aged twenty and older who were fit for military service.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "תּוֹלְדֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם" (their generations, after their families) emphasizes that the census was conducted with meticulous attention to lineage. This ensured that each individual's tribal affiliation was verified, as tribal purity was essential for inheritance and other halachic matters.

Regarding "כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָא" (all that were able to go forth to war), Rashi notes that this excludes those who were physically or halachically unfit for battle, such as the elderly, the ill, or those with certain deformities (based on Talmud Yoma 72b).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:4) derives from this verse that military service is obligatory for men above the age of twenty, provided they meet the physical and spiritual requirements. He emphasizes that the army of Israel must be composed of those who are morally upright and dedicated to the sanctity of the nation.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) highlights that the tribe of Binyamin was unique because they were the only tribe to remain entirely loyal to the House of David during the split of the kingdoms. This loyalty is hinted at in the careful counting of their warriors.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Bamidbar 5) teaches that the census was not merely for military purposes but also to demonstrate Hashem's love for each individual, as each person was counted by name.

Halachic Implications

The age of twenty, as specified in the verse, is significant in Halacha. The Talmud (Chagigah 6a) explains that this is the age when a man reaches full physical and spiritual maturity, making him eligible for communal obligations, including military service and participation in public mitzvot.

Symbolism of Binyamin's Tribe

The tribe of Binyamin is often associated with the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), as it was located in their territory. The careful counting of their warriors may allude to their future role in defending and upholding the sanctity of the Temple (see Zevachim 118b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah count the tribe of Binyamin separately?
A: The Torah counts each tribe separately to show the unique role and strength of each one. Binyamin was the youngest son of Yaakov (Jacob), and his tribe had a special portion in the Land of Israel near the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). The counting also prepared them for their duties, including military service.
Q: Why were only men over 20 years old counted for the army?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 44b), age 20 marks physical and emotional maturity needed for warfare. Before this age, a person may not have the full strength or judgment required for battle. This teaches us the importance of responsibility and readiness in serving the Jewish people.
Q: What does 'according to the number of names' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that each person was counted by name to show their individual importance. Even in a large census, every Jew matters. This teaches that each person has a unique role in fulfilling the mission of the Jewish nation.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have a biblical army, the principle of being counted teaches that every Jew has value and responsibility. Just as Bnei Yisrael prepared for their national role, we must also prepare ourselves spiritually through Torah study and mitzvot to strengthen the Jewish people.