Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the number 603,550 represent in Numbers 1:46?
A: The number 603,550 represents the total count of Israelite men aged 20 and older who were eligible for military service in the wilderness. This census was commanded by Hashem to Moshe (Numbers 1:1-3) and reflects the strength of the Israelite nation at that time. Rashi explains that this count demonstrated Hashem's love for the Jewish people, as He frequently 'counted' them like a treasured possession.
Q: Why was a census taken in the wilderness?
A: According to Ramban (Nachmanides), the census in the wilderness served multiple purposes: 1) To organize the camp and assign roles for travel and warfare, 2) To demonstrate the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be numerous (Genesis 15:5), and 3) To prepare for the upcoming entry into Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) adds that counting shows something is valued and important.
Q: How does this large number of Israelites relate to the Exodus from Egypt?
A: The number 603,550 shows the miraculous growth of the Jewish people from 70 souls who descended to Egypt (Exodus 1:5) to a great nation in just a few generations. As Rashi notes on Exodus 1:7, the Israelites multiplied exceptionally fast ('like fish') despite Egyptian oppression, fulfilling Hashem's promise to the Avot (Patriarchs). This demonstrates divine providence in Jewish history.
Q: Why does the Torah give such precise numbers in the census?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 22b) teaches that precise counting shows the importance of every individual. The Maharal explains that each person counted had unique value in the collective mission of Klal Yisrael. The exact number also reflects the Torah's commitment to truth and accuracy in recording history. Additionally, Jewish tradition sees significance in numbers - the gematria (numerical value) of certain phrases relating to the Jewish people equals 603,550.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from the wilderness census?
A: The census teaches that every Jew counts - both literally and figuratively. Just as each individual was important in forming the nation in the wilderness, today each Jew has a unique role in the Jewish people. The Lubavitcher Rebbe often emphasized how this idea applies to our generation - that every mitzvah and every Jewish soul matters. Additionally, seeing how Hashem multiplied our ancestors reminds us of His ongoing providence over the Jewish nation.
The Count of Bnei Yisrael in the Wilderness
The verse (Bamidbar 1:46) records the total count of Bnei Yisrael as 603,550 men of military age (20 years and older). This number holds deep significance in Jewish tradition and is analyzed by our commentators in several ways:
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi notes that this count demonstrates Hashem's fulfillment of His promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Bereishit 15:5). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:12) elaborates that just as the stars appear small but are actually enormous, so too Bnei Yisrael's true spiritual greatness cannot be measured by physical numbers alone.
Symbolic Meaning of the Numbers
The Significance of Counting
The Ramban explains that this census served multiple purposes:
Mathematical Precision
The Sforno notes the exact count (down to the individual) teaches that every Jew is precious before Hashem. The Baal HaTurim points out that the gematria of "וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים" (550) equals "כל נשמה" (every soul), emphasizing each individual's importance.