share torah logo

Numbers 1:5 - Leaders named for divine census

Numbers 1:5 - במדבר 1:5

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת הָאֲנָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר יַעַמְדוּ אִתְּכֶם לִרְאוּבֵן אֱלִיצוּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאוּר׃

English Translation

And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Re᾽uven; Eliżur the son of Shede᾽ur.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh shemot ha'anashim asher ya'amdu itchem l'Reuven Elitzur ben-Shediur.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ שְׁמ֣וֹת הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַֽעַמְד֖וּ אִתְּכֶ֑ם לִרְאוּבֵ֕ן אֱלִיצ֖וּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ שְׁמ֣וֹת הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַֽעַמְד֖וּ אִתְּכֶ֑ם לִרְאוּבֵ֕ן אֱלִיצ֖וּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 1:5) introduces the leaders of each tribe who were appointed to assist Moshe and Aharon in the census of Bnei Yisrael. Eliẓur ben Shede'ur is named as the representative of the tribe of Re'uven.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר יַעַמְדוּ אִתְּכֶם" ("that shall stand with you") emphasizes that these leaders were chosen to stand alongside Moshe and Aharon in their sacred task. Their role was not merely administrative but also spiritual, assisting in matters of leadership and judgment.

Significance of the Name "Eliẓur"

The name Eliẓur (אֱלִיצוּר) means "My G-d is a rock," symbolizing strength and steadfastness in faith. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:5) notes that the names of the tribal leaders often reflected their virtues or the divine providence guiding their roles.

Father's Name: "Shede'ur"

Rashi and the Midrash highlight that Shede'ur (שְׁדֵיאוּר) can be interpreted as "the Almighty is my light" (from "Shaddai" and "or"). This suggests a lineage rooted in divine illumination, fitting for a leader chosen to represent his tribe before Hashem.

Role of Tribal Leaders

  • The Ramban explains that these leaders were not just census-takers but also served as judges and intermediaries for their tribes, ensuring unity and adherence to Torah law.
  • The Talmud (Yoma 73b) compares their role to that of the Sanhedrin, emphasizing their wisdom and righteousness.

Re'uven's Representation

Despite Re'uven's past missteps (e.g., the incident with Bilhah), the selection of Eliẓur demonstrates that each tribe—regardless of history—had a dignified role in Klal Yisrael. The Sforno notes that this reflects the principle of teshuvah and the enduring value of every tribe.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 1:5 mean?
A: Numbers 1:5 introduces Eliẓur ben Shede'ur as the representative leader of the tribe of Re'uven during the census in the wilderness. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes the importance of each tribe having a designated leader to assist Moses and Aaron in organizing the Israelites.
Q: Why is it important to list the names of the tribal leaders?
A: The Torah lists the names of the tribal leaders to show the honor and responsibility given to them (Ramban). Each leader played a crucial role in representing their tribe during the census and in communal matters, as explained in the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah).
Q: What can we learn from Eliẓur being named as Re'uven's leader?
A: Eliẓur's appointment teaches us that leadership in Judaism is based on merit and divine selection. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) explains that tribal leaders were chosen for their wisdom and righteousness, not just their lineage.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish leadership today?
A: Just as each tribe had a leader, Jewish communities today rely on rabbis and communal leaders to guide them. The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin) derives principles of leadership from such verses, emphasizing fairness and responsibility.
Q: Why does the verse mention Eliẓur's father's name (Shede'ur)?
A: In Jewish tradition, mentioning a person's father establishes their identity and lineage, which was important for tribal roles (Rashi). The Midrash (Sifrei) also suggests that a person's name and their father's name reflect their character and mission.