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Numbers 1:37 - Benjamin's mighty census count

Numbers 1:37 - במדבר 1:37

Hebrew Text

פְּקֻדֵיהֶם לְמַטֵּה בִנְיָמִן חֲמִשָּׁה וּשְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Binyamin, were thirty five thousand, four hundred.

Transliteration

Pekudeihem lemateh Vin-yamin chamisha ushloshim elef ve'arba me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

פְּקֻדֵיהֶ֖ם לְמַטֵּ֣ה בִנְיָמִ֑ן חֲמִשָּׁ֧ה וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
פְּקֻדֵיהֶ֖ם לְמַטֵּ֣ה בִנְיָמִ֑ן חֲמִשָּׁ֧ה וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 1:37) records the census count of the tribe of Binyamin during the wilderness encampment. This count was part of the larger census commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Elazar the Kohen (Bamidbar 1:1-3). The tribe of Binyamin was the smallest of the tribes, as reflected in this count of 35,400 males aged 20 and older.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi notes that the tribe of Binyamin was the last to be counted among the tribes, following the order established in Bamidbar 1:20-43. He explains that this sequence follows the birth order of Yaakov's sons, with Binyamin being the youngest. Rashi also points out that the count of Binyamin is significantly smaller than other tribes, which he attributes to the tragic incident involving the concubine in Givah (Shoftim 19-21), where the tribe suffered heavy losses.

Numerical Significance

The number 35,400 holds significance in Jewish numerology:

  • The gematria (numerical value) of "Binyamin" (בִּנְיָמִין) is 162 (2+10+50+10+40+50).
  • The count of 35,400 represents the tribe's military strength, as this census was taken to organize the Israelite camp and prepare for entering Eretz Yisrael.
  • Compared to other tribes, Binyamin's numbers were modest, reflecting their smaller population size.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) comments on the humility of the tribe of Binyamin, noting that despite being the tribe from which the first Jewish king (Shaul) would come, they remained modest in their position among the tribes. The Midrash also connects this to the future placement of the Beit Hamikdash in Binyamin's territory, showing that quality is more important than quantity.

Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) derives from these census numbers that military strength is measured not just in numbers but in the righteousness of the people. The smaller count of Binyamin did not diminish their importance in Jewish history or their role in the future Davidic dynasty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the number 35,400 represent in Numbers 1:37?
A: In Numbers 1:37, the number 35,400 represents the count of men from the tribe of Binyamin (Benjamin) who were eligible for military service (ages 20 and up) during the census taken in the wilderness. This is part of the larger census of the Israelites described in the beginning of Sefer Bamidbar (Book of Numbers). Rashi explains that these counts were important for organizing the camp and preparing for their journey.
Q: Why is the tribe of Binyamin mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: The tribe of Binyamin is mentioned here as part of the detailed census of all twelve tribes. Each tribe's count is listed individually to show their strength and importance within the nation. The Midrash teaches that every tribe had a unique role in Klal Yisrael (the community of Israel), and Binyamin later became significant as the tribe from which the first Jewish king, Shaul (Saul), would come.
Q: How does this census apply to us today?
A: While we no longer count tribes for military purposes, the idea of taking stock of our community's strengths remains relevant. The Rambam teaches that every Jew has a unique role to play, just as each tribe did. Additionally, the precision of the census reminds us of the importance of every individual in the Jewish people—each person counts and contributes to the whole.
Q: Why were only men aged 20 and up counted in this census?
A: According to Jewish tradition, men aged 20 and up were counted because this was the age when they were eligible for military service (Rashi on Numbers 1:3). The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) also connects this age to the concept of being fully accountable and able to contribute to the community's needs. Women, children, and the elderly were not included in this particular count.