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Numbers 1:54 - Israel obeys divine command perfectly

Numbers 1:54 - במדבר 1:54

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה כֵּן עָשׂוּ׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el did according to all that the Lord commanded Moshe, so they did.

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu b'nei Yisra'el k'chol asher tziva Adonai et Moshe, ken asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֖ה כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֖ה כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

The verse states that Bnei Yisrael meticulously fulfilled all the commandments that Hashem had conveyed through Moshe. This emphasizes their complete obedience and attention to detail in carrying out divine instructions, particularly in the context of constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle), as this verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 39:32.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Shemot 39:32) highlights the repetition of the phrase "כֵּן עָשׂוּ" ("so they did"). He explains that this repetition teaches that Bnei Yisrael not only fulfilled the commandments but did so with the same intention and exactness as they were commanded—without adding or omitting anything. This reflects their unwavering commitment to divine will.

Midrashic Insight (Aggadah)

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) elaborates that this verse underscores the unity of Bnei Yisrael in their service. Just as they were "כאיש אחד בלב אחד" ("like one person with one heart") at Har Sinai (Rashi, Shemot 19:2), they similarly acted in unison when fulfilling the Mishkan's construction. Their collective obedience demonstrated their readiness to serve Hashem as a unified nation.

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot Meilah 8:8) derives from this verse the principle of "לא תסור" (Devarim 17:11)—the prohibition against deviating from Torah commandments. Bnei Yisrael's exact adherence to Moshe's instructions serves as a model for future generations in following halachic authority without alteration.

Symbolic Interpretation (Kedushah)

The Kli Yakar (Shemot 39:32) notes that the double language "כְּכֹל... כֵּן עָשׂוּ" alludes to both physical action and spiritual intent. Their deeds were not merely mechanical but infused with reverence, embodying the ideal of "לשם שמים" (for the sake of Heaven). This duality is essential in avodat Hashem (divine service).

  • Lesson in Emunah: Their unwavering compliance reflects absolute trust in Moshe's prophecy and Hashem's commandments.
  • Model for Mitzvah Observance: The verse sets a precedent for performing mitzvot with precision and wholeheartedness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 87a
The verse is cited to illustrate the obedience of the Israelites in following God's commandments, particularly in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle.
📖 Menachot 99a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the meticulousness with which the Israelites carried out God's commandments, emphasizing their exact compliance with divine instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 1:54 mean?
A: Numbers 1:54 means that the Israelites faithfully followed all the commandments that Hashem gave through Moshe. This verse emphasizes their complete obedience in setting up the Mishkan (Tabernacle) exactly as instructed, showing their dedication to fulfilling divine will.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the ideal relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem—one of trust and precise fulfillment of mitzvot (commandments). Rashi explains that this obedience was especially praiseworthy because they carried out the instructions without adding or omitting anything, setting a model for future generations.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 1:54 today?
A: We learn the importance of following Torah commandments with care and exactness. The Rambam teaches that performing mitzvot as prescribed, without deviation, demonstrates our commitment to Hashem's will. This applies today in observing halacha (Jewish law) with sincerity and attention to detail.
Q: How does this verse relate to the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: This verse concludes the section describing the construction and arrangement of the Mishkan. The Midrash notes that the repetition of 'so they did' underscores that the Israelites completed every detail exactly as commanded, ensuring the divine presence would dwell among them—a lesson in the importance of holiness and precision in sacred service.