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Numbers 2:13 - Counting Israel's faithful warriors

Numbers 2:13 - במדבר 2:13

Hebrew Text

וּצְבָאוֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם תִּשְׁעָה וַחֲמִשִּׁים אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty nine thousand, three hundred.

Transliteration

Utsva'o uf'kudeihem tish'a vachamishim elef ushlosh me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּצְבָא֖וֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם תִּשְׁעָ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃
וּצְבָא֖וֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם תִּשְׁעָ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 2:16, as part of the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness. It refers to the count of the tribe of Reuven, led by Elitzur ben Shedeur. The Torah meticulously records the numbers of each tribe to emphasize their individual and collective roles in Klal Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 2:16) notes that the phrase "וּצְבָאוֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם" ("his host and those that were numbered of them") refers to the military divisions of the tribe of Reuven. The term צבא (host) indicates their readiness for battle, while פקודים (those numbered) refers to the census count of men eligible for war (from age 20 and up, as per Bamidbar 1:3).

Symbolism of the Number

The number 59,300 holds significance in Jewish thought:

  • The Baal HaTurim (Bamidbar 2:16) points out that the gematria (numerical value) of צבא (host) is 93 (צ=90, ב=2, א=1), hinting at the military nature of this count.
  • The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 2:16) suggests that the precision of the number teaches that every individual in Israel is accounted for and valued in the Divine plan.

Comparison to Other Tribes

The Ohr HaChaim (Bamidbar 2:16) contrasts Reuven's count with Yehuda's larger number (74,600 in 2:9), noting that Reuven, though the firstborn, did not receive the largest portion—a lesson in humility and the Divine allocation of roles.

Military Significance

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:1) derives from such verses that a Jewish army must be organized and counted precisely, reflecting the importance of order in fulfilling mitzvot related to national defense.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 2:13 mean when it mentions the count of the tribe of Asher?
A: Numbers 2:13 records the census count of the tribe of Asher during their journey in the wilderness. The verse states they had 59,300 men eligible for military service (aged 20-60). This shows the size and strength of the tribe, as counted by Moshe and Aharon under Hashem's command (Rashi on Numbers 1:3).
Q: Why is the counting of the tribes important in the Book of Numbers?
A: The counting of the tribes demonstrates Hashem's love for the Jewish people, like a shepherd counting his flock (Rashi on Numbers 1:1). It also organized the camp structure and military readiness as they traveled toward Eretz Yisrael. Each tribe's count reflects their unique role in Klal Yisrael.
Q: How does the number 59,300 for Asher compare to other tribes?
A: Asher's count of 59,300 was the 5th largest among the tribes. Yehuda was largest with 74,600 (Numbers 2:9), while Menashe was smallest with 32,200 (Numbers 2:34). The Midrash teaches each tribe's size reflected their spiritual qualities and future destiny in Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What can we learn today from the census in the wilderness?
A: The census teaches that every Jew counts and has a unique role in the community (Rambam, Mishneh Torah). Just as each tribe had its place around the Mishkan, today every individual contributes to Klal Yisrael's spiritual mission.