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Numbers 13:9 - Benjamin's scout: Palti's hidden role?

Numbers 13:9 - במדבר 13:9

Hebrew Text

לְמַטֵּה בִנְיָמִן פַּלְטִי בֶּן־רָפוּא׃

English Translation

Of the tribe of Binyamin, Palti, son of Rafu.

Transliteration

Lemateh Viniamin Palti ben Rafu.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְמַטֵּ֣ה בִנְיָמִ֔ן פַּלְטִ֖י בֶּן־רָפֽוּא׃
לְמַטֵּ֣ה בִנְיָמִ֔ן פַּלְטִ֖י בֶּן־רָפֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse "לְמַטֵּה בִנְיָמִן פַּלְטִי בֶּן־רָפוּא" (Of the tribe of Binyamin, Palti, son of Rafu) appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 13:9 as part of the listing of the twelve spies sent by Moshe to scout the Land of Israel. Palti ben Rafu was the representative from the tribe of Binyamin.

Meaning of the Names

  • Palti (פַּלְטִי): Derived from the root פלט, meaning "to escape" or "deliverance." Rashi (Bamidbar 13:9) notes that names in the Torah often reflect character traits or destiny. Some Midrashic sources suggest that Palti's name hints at his righteousness, as he was "delivered" from the sinful counsel of the other spies.
  • Rafu (רָפוּא): From the root רפא, meaning "healing." The Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) discusses how names can indicate spiritual qualities—perhaps suggesting that Palti inherited a legacy of moral or spiritual healing from his father.

Role in the Incident of the Spies

Though Palti is not mentioned elsewhere in the narrative of the spies, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:11) identifies him as one of the two spies (along with Kalev ben Yefuneh from Yehudah) who resisted the evil report. Some commentaries, such as the Kli Yakar, suggest that Palti's silence in the Torah's account implies he did not join the rebellion but also did not openly protest like Kalev and Yehoshua.

Connection to the Tribe of Binyamin

The tribe of Binyamin was known for its loyalty and bravery (as seen later with Shaul and Mordechai). The Malbim notes that Binyamin's descendants often displayed steadfastness, which may explain why Palti, despite pressure, did not fully align with the other spies' rebellion.

Lessons from Palti ben Rafu

  • Silent Resistance: Palti's example teaches that even passive resistance to sin can be meritorious (see Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 6:1 on avoiding bad influences).
  • Legacy of Names: The names Palti ("deliverance") and Rafu ("healing") remind us of the power of spiritual heritage and personal integrity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Palti ben Rafu mentioned in Numbers 13:9?
A: Palti ben Rafu was a representative from the tribe of Binyamin chosen to be one of the twelve spies sent by Moshe to scout the Land of Israel (Bamidbar 13:9). According to Rashi, his full name highlights his lineage and role as a leader of his tribe during this mission.
Q: Why is the tribe of Binyamin specifically mentioned in this verse?
A: Each of the twelve tribes had a representative among the spies, and the Torah lists them to show the equal importance of every tribe in this mission. Binyamin, though one of the smaller tribes, was given equal representation, teaching us that every Jew has a role in fulfilling Hashem's commandments, regardless of their background or size (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim).
Q: What can we learn from the mention of Palti ben Rafu's name in the Torah?
A: The Torah records the names of all the spies to teach us that every individual's actions have significance. Even though most spies later sinned by giving a negative report, their initial selection shows that they were righteous leaders at the time, reminding us that people have the potential for greatness but must choose the right path (Midrash Tanchuma, Shelach).
Q: How does the story of the spies apply to us today?
A: The episode of the spies teaches us the importance of having faith in Hashem's promises and not being swayed by fear or external appearances. Just as the spies were sent to prepare the way for entering Israel, we must approach challenges with trust in Hashem and confidence in our mission as Jews (Talmud, Sotah 34b).