Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 2:11 mean when it mentions 'his host'?
A: In Numbers 2:11, 'his host' refers to the tribe of Reuben's military division as they camped and traveled in the wilderness. According to Rashi, this was part of the organized structure of the Israelite camp, where each tribe had its designated place and role.
Q: Why is the number 46,500 significant in Numbers 2:11?
A: The number 46,500 represents the total count of men aged 20 and older from the tribe of Reuben who were eligible for military service. The Torah emphasizes precise counting to show the importance of each individual's role in the community, as explained in the Midrash.
Q: How does the counting of tribes in Numbers 2:11 apply to us today?
A: While we no longer count tribes for military purposes, the principle of valuing each individual's contribution remains. The Rambam teaches that every person has a unique role in fulfilling Torah and mitzvot, just as each tribe had its place in the camp.
Q: What can we learn from the detailed numbering in Numbers 2:11?
A: The detailed numbering teaches us about the precision and care Hashem showed in organizing the Israelites. As the Talmud (Bamidbar Rabbah) explains, this reflects how every detail in the Torah has meaning and purpose, even population counts.
Q: Why does the Torah list the numbers of each tribe separately?
A: The Torah lists each tribe's numbers separately to emphasize both the unity of the Jewish people and the unique identity of each tribe. As Rashi explains, while all tribes served Hashem together, each had its own characteristics and role in the nation's spiritual mission.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 1:41) describes the census count of the tribe of Asher during the wilderness journey. The total number of men eligible for military service from Asher was 46,500. This count was part of the broader census of the twelve tribes commanded by Hashem through Moshe.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bamidbar 1:41) notes that the phrase "וּצְבָאוֹ וּפְקֻדָיו" ("his host and those that were numbered of it") emphasizes that the count was conducted meticulously, with each individual being accounted for as part of the collective army of Israel. The term "צבא" (host) refers to their role as soldiers, while "פקדיו" (those numbered) highlights the personal significance of each person in the tally.
Symbolism of the Number
The number 46,500 is not arbitrary. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:10) suggests that the size of each tribe reflected its spiritual and physical strengths. Asher's count signifies its unique role among the tribes:
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 12:3) explains that the census was not merely for military purposes but also to demonstrate the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Each tribe's count was a testament to divine providence and the growth of Bnei Yisrael.
Practical Implications
The Talmud (Yoma 22b) derives from this verse that counting individuals directly is discouraged unless absolutely necessary (as in this case, where Hashem commanded it). Instead, indirect methods (like counting half-shekels) should be used to avoid the "evil eye." This principle is rooted in the sanctity of each individual life and the danger of reducing people to mere numbers.