Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Eli'av ben Chelon mentioned in Numbers 1:9?
A: Eli'av ben Chelon was the representative leader (nasi) of the tribe of Zevulun during the census in the wilderness, as recorded in Numbers 1. The Torah lists the leaders of each tribe who assisted Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) in counting the Israelites.
Q: Why is the tribe of Zevulun mentioned in this verse?
A: Zevulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Yaakov's (Jacob's) son Zevulun. This verse highlights their participation in the census, showing that every tribe had an important role in the nation. Zevulun is later known for supporting Torah study through commerce (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 11).
Q: What is the significance of listing tribal leaders in Numbers 1?
A: Listing the leaders emphasizes the organization and dignity of each tribe. Rashi explains that these leaders were chosen for their righteousness and ability to represent their tribes faithfully during the census. This teaches the importance of proper leadership in Jewish communal life.
Q: Does the name 'Eli'av ben Chelon' have any special meaning?
A: Names in the Torah often carry significance. 'Eli'av' means 'My G-d is Father,' showing devotion, and 'Chelon' may relate to 'strength' (from 'chayil'). The Midrash often finds hints in names, but the simple meaning is that he was the son of Chelon from Zevulun.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: This verse reminds us that every Jew has a role in the community, just as each tribe had its leader. The tribe of Zevulun later partnered with Yissachar in Torah study (Rashi on Bereishis 49:13), teaching the value of supporting Torah—a lesson still practiced today through donations to yeshivos and scholars.
Context in the Torah
The verse "לִזְבוּלֻן אֱלִיאָב בֶּן־חֵלֹן׃" appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:9, listing Eli᾽av ben Ḥelon as the representative of the tribe of Zevulun during the census of the Israelites in the wilderness. This census was commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Aharon to count the men eligible for military service.
Meaning of the Names
Rashi notes that names in the Torah often carry significance. Eli᾽av (אֱלִיאָב) can be broken down into Eli (my God) and Av (father), suggesting a connection to divine fatherhood or leadership. Ḥelon (חֵלֹן) may relate to the word ḥayil (strength), implying strength or valor, fitting for a tribal leader.
Zevulun's Role
The tribe of Zevulun was known for its involvement in commerce and support of Torah study (as seen in Bereishit 49:13 and Devarim 33:18–19). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:17) highlights that Zevulun partnered with Yissachar, enabling Torah scholars to focus on learning while Zevulun engaged in trade. Eli᾽av, as Zevulun's representative, thus symbolizes this communal dedication to sustaining Torah.
Leadership Qualities
The selection of Eli᾽av reflects the qualities desired in a tribal leader:
Connection to Later Events
Though Eli᾽av is not prominently mentioned elsewhere, the name reappears in Bamidbar 26:8–9 as the father of Datan and Aviram, who rebelled against Moshe. Some commentators (e.g., Ibn Ezra) differentiate between the two Eli᾽avs, while others see a thematic lesson about leadership and its challenges.