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Numbers 1:8 - Tribal leader's divine appointment

Numbers 1:8 - במדבר 1:8

Hebrew Text

לְיִשָּׂשכָר נְתַנְאֵל בֶּן־צוּעָר׃

English Translation

Of Yissakhar; Netan᾽el the son of Żu῾ar.

Transliteration

Le'Yissakhar Netanel ben-Tzu'ar.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְיִ֨שָּׂשכָ֔ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר׃
לְיִ֨שָּׂשכָ֔ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse "לְיִשָּׂשכָר נְתַנְאֵל בֶּן־צוּעָר" (Of Yissakhar; Netan᾽el the son of Żu῾ar) appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:8, as part of the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness. Netanel ben Tzuar is identified as the leader of the tribe of Yissakhar during this period.

Meaning of the Names

  • Netanel (נְתַנְאֵל): The name means "gift of God." Rashi (on Bamidbar 1:8) notes that Netanel was chosen for his wisdom and piety, fitting for a leader of Yissakhar, a tribe known for Torah scholarship (see Bereshit 49:14-15).
  • Tzuar (צוּעָר): The name may derive from the root צָעַר, meaning "small" or "humble." Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) suggests that humility was a key trait of the leaders of Israel, as true leadership requires submission to Hashem.

The Tribe of Yissakhar

The tribe of Yissakhar was renowned for its dedication to Torah study. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:9) describes Yissakhar as the tribe that "bowed its shoulder to bear" the yoke of Torah, emphasizing their role as scholars who supported the spiritual needs of Israel. Netanel, as their leader, embodied this commitment.

Netanel’s Leadership

Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:7) teaches that tribal leaders were selected based on wisdom, righteousness, and fear of Heaven. Netanel’s appointment reflects his suitability for guiding Yissakhar in both worldly and spiritual matters. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) further notes that leaders of Israel were often chosen for their ability to unify the people under Torah values.

Symbolism in the Verse

  • Yissakhar’s Blessing: In Yaakov’s blessing (Bereshit 49:14-15), Yissakhar is compared to a "strong-boned donkey," symbolizing endurance in Torah study. Netanel, as their leader, upheld this legacy.
  • Humility and Wisdom: The combination of "Netanel" (divine gift) and "ben Tzuar" (son of humility) underscores that true Torah leadership requires both divine inspiration and personal modesty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Netanel ben Tzuar mentioned in Numbers 1:8?
A: Netanel ben Tzuar was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Yissachar during the census in the wilderness. According to Rashi, he was chosen for his wisdom and leadership qualities to represent his tribe before Moshe and Aharon.
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers?
A: The Torah lists the tribal leaders to show the importance of each tribe's role in the Jewish people. As Ramban explains, this demonstrates how every tribe had its unique contribution, and leadership was necessary for organizing the camp during the journey in the wilderness.
Q: What can we learn from Netanel ben Tzuar being named as Yissachar's leader?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yissachar's tribe was known for Torah scholarship (as mentioned in Divrei Hayamim I 12:33). Netanel's selection reminds us that Torah leaders deserve honor and that wisdom is an important quality for leadership in Jewish tradition.