Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Yig'al ben Yosef mentioned in Numbers 13:7?
A: Yig'al ben Yosef was the representative from the tribe of Yissakhar chosen to be one of the twelve spies sent by Moshe to scout the Land of Israel (Bamidbar 13:7). The Talmud (Sotah 34b) explains that each tribe's representative was a leader of stature. Rashi notes that the Torah lists the spies' names to teach that they were originally righteous men, though they later sinned with their negative report about the land.
Q: Why does the Torah specify which tribe each spy came from?
A: The Torah lists each spy with their tribal affiliation to show that they were respected leaders representing their entire tribe (Rashi on Bamidbar 13:3). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:5) explains that each was chosen for qualities that reflected their tribe's unique characteristics. Yissakhar was known for Torah scholarship, suggesting Yig'al possessed wisdom.
Q: What can we learn from Yig'al being called 'ben Yosef' (son of Yosef)?
A: The mention of his father's name teaches that Yig'al came from a distinguished lineage. Ramban explains that listing fathers' names emphasizes these were prominent families. Some commentaries suggest 'Yosef' may connect to the quality of overcoming challenges, as Yosef did in Egypt, hinting Yig'al should have shown similar strength in facing the Land's challenges.
Q: How is the tribe of Yissakhar connected to the story of the spies?
A: Yissakhar was known for Torah scholarship (Divrei Hayamim I 12:33), so their representative's failure is particularly striking. The Kli Yakar notes this teaches that even great Torah knowledge doesn't guarantee proper judgment when separated from faith in Hashem. Yissakhar's usual wisdom makes their spy's mistake more glaring.
Q: Why is this verse about Yig'al important to remember today?
A: This verse reminds us that even respected leaders can err, teaching humility. The Sforno notes that the spies' initial righteousness makes their later failure a warning about maintaining proper values. Today, we learn that positions of leadership require constant spiritual vigilance, and that one's good lineage or reputation doesn't guarantee correct decisions without ongoing effort.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bamidbar 13:7) lists Yig'al ben Yosef as the representative of the tribe of Yissakhar among the twelve spies sent to scout the Land of Canaan. This mission is pivotal in Sefer Bamidbar, as the spies' report later leads to the decree of wandering in the wilderness for forty years.
Yissakhar's Tribe and Its Role
Yissakhar is traditionally associated with Torah scholarship and wisdom (see Bereishit 49:14-15 and Divrei Hayamim I 12:33). Rashi (Bereishit 49:15) notes that Yissakhar accepted the "yoke of Torah" diligently. The choice of a representative from Yissakhar for this mission may reflect the tribe's intellectual and spiritual stature.
The Name "Yig'al"
The name Yig'al (יִגְאָל) means "he will redeem." The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:7) suggests that names in the Torah often reflect destiny or character traits. Here, the name may hint at the potential for redemption, tragically unfulfilled due to the spies' collective failure. Alternatively, the Sforno notes that Yig'al's personal righteousness (had he not joined the sinful report) could have brought merit to the generation.
Patronymic: "Ben Yosef"
The mention of his father Yosef is significant. Ramban (Bamidbar 13:4) observes that most spies are listed without patronymics, suggesting Yig'al's lineage carried special importance. Some commentators (see Malbim) propose this connects him to Yosef HaTzaddik, emphasizing the expectation of righteousness in his mission.
Lessons from Yig'al's Story