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Numbers 1:6 - Shimon's leader: Divine protection's son?

Numbers 1:6 - במדבר 1:6

Hebrew Text

לְשִׁמְעוֹן שְׁלֻמִיאֵל בֶּן־צוּרִישַׁדָּי׃

English Translation

Of Shim῾on; Shelumi᾽el the son of Żurishadday.

Transliteration

Leshimon Shelumiel ben-Tzurishadai.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְשִׁמְע֕וֹן שְׁלֻמִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃
לְשִׁמְע֕וֹן שְׁלֻמִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּרִֽישַׁדָּֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse, "לְשִׁמְעוֹן שְׁלֻמִיאֵל בֶּן־צוּרִישַׁדָּי" ("Of Shim῾on; Shelumi᾽el the son of Żurishadday"), appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:6 as part of the listing of the leaders of the tribes of Israel. Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai was the appointed prince (nasi) of the tribe of Shimon during the wilderness journey.

Meaning of the Names

  • Shelumiel (שְׁלֻמִיאֵל): The name means "God is my peace" or "my peace is God." Rashi (on Bamidbar 1:6) notes that names in the Torah often reflect the character or mission of the individual. Shelumiel’s role as a leader required him to foster peace (shalom) within his tribe.
  • Zurishaddai (צוּרִישַׁדָּי): This name means "my Rock is the Almighty" (from Tzur, "Rock," and Shaddai, a name of God). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:6) suggests that names containing divine references indicate righteousness, as the parents invoked God’s name in their child’s identity.

Shelumiel’s Role as Nasi

Shelumiel was chosen as the representative of the tribe of Shimon, one of the twelve princes (nesi’im) who assisted Moshe and Aharon in the census and leadership of Bnei Yisrael. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) discusses the significance of tribal leadership, emphasizing that each nasi was selected for their wisdom and ability to guide their people.

Zurishaddai’s Legacy

The mention of Shelumiel’s father, Zurishaddai, highlights the importance of lineage in Jewish leadership. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) teaches that leadership qualities often derive from righteous ancestors, and Zurishaddai’s name suggests a family dedicated to faith in Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 5) connects Shelumiel’s name to the idea of divine protection, noting that leaders must rely on God’s strength to govern justly. Additionally, the name Zurishaddai is interpreted as a reminder that true leadership is anchored in trust in Hashem, the "Rock" of Israel.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai mentioned in Numbers 1:6?
A: Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Shimon during the time of the census in the wilderness, as recorded in the Torah. He represented his tribe in matters of leadership and offerings (Rashi on Numbers 1:6).
Q: Why is the name 'Zurishaddai' significant in this verse?
A: The name 'Zurishaddai' means 'My Rock is the Almighty,' highlighting the faith in Hashem as the foundation of strength. Names in the Torah often reflect divine attributes or the spiritual mission of the individual (Midrash Tanchuma, Haazinu 7).
Q: What role did the tribal princes like Shelumiel play in the wilderness?
A: The tribal princes, including Shelumiel, were leaders appointed to assist Moshe in organizing the Israelites, conducting the census, and representing their tribes in communal matters (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8).
Q: Why does the Torah list the names of tribal leaders in Numbers?
A: Listing the leaders emphasizes the importance of each tribe's unique role in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people). It also teaches that proper leadership is essential for the nation's spiritual and physical journey (Talmud, Horayot 10a).
Q: Is there a lesson we can learn from Shelumiel ben Zurishaddai today?
A: Yes, his name and role remind us that true leadership is rooted in faith in Hashem ('Zurishaddai') and dedication to communal responsibility, values that remain timeless (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 1:10).