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Numbers 2:14 - Gad's leader: Elyasaf appointed.

Numbers 2:14 - במדבר 2:14

Hebrew Text

וְמַטֵּה גָּד וְנָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי גָד אֶלְיָסָף בֶּן־רְעוּאֵל׃

English Translation

Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Elyasaf the son of Re῾u᾽el.

Transliteration

Ve'mateh Gad ve'nasi livnei Gad Elyasaf ben-Re'uel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמַטֵּ֖ה גָּ֑ד וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י גָ֔ד אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־רְעוּאֵֽל׃
וּמַטֵּ֖ה גָּ֑ד וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י גָ֔ד אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־רְעוּאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Tribe of Gad and Its Leader

The verse (Numbers 2:14) lists the tribe of Gad and its appointed leader, Elyasaf ben Re'uel, as part of the encampment arrangement of the Israelites in the wilderness. According to Rashi, this follows the Divine command to organize the tribes around the Mishkan (Tabernacle), with each tribe having a designated position and leader.

Elyasaf ben Re'uel: Leadership Qualities

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) teaches that Jewish leaders must embody wisdom, humility, and fear of Heaven. The selection of Elyasaf as nasi (prince) of Gad suggests he possessed these traits. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) adds that tribal leaders were chosen based on merit, not lineage alone, indicating Elyasaf's righteousness.

The Significance of Gad's Placement

The tribe of Gad camped to the south of the Mishkan alongside Reuven and Shimon. Rabbeinu Bachya notes that Gad's position corresponds to the attribute of gevurah (strength), as Gad was known for its warriors (Genesis 49:19). This aligns with Rashi's comment (Numbers 2:10) that the southern camps symbolized might in serving Hashem.

Elyasaf's Lineage: Re'uel

The name Re'uel (רְעוּאֵל) means "friend of G-d," as explained by Ibn Ezra. The Sforno highlights that a leader's ancestry matters, as righteous parents instill values in their children. Thus, Elyasaf's leadership was rooted in his father's spiritual legacy.

  • Rashi: Elyasaf was appointed by Divine command, not human selection.
  • Ramban: Each tribe's leader represented their unique spiritual role in Klal Yisrael.
  • Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 2:10): The leaders' names hinted at their virtues—Elyasaf ("G-d has added") reflected his role in increasing the tribe's holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Elyasaf ben Re'uel mentioned in Numbers 2:14?
A: Elyasaf ben Re'uel was the appointed leader (nasi) of the tribe of Gad during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. The Torah lists him as one of the tribal representatives who assisted Moshe (Moses) in organizing the camp. Rashi explains that these leaders were chosen for their wisdom and ability to guide their tribes.
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 2?
A: The Torah lists the leaders to show the orderly arrangement of the Israelite camp in the wilderness. Each tribe had a designated place and a leader responsible for its organization. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:12) teaches that this structure reflects the importance of unity and proper leadership within the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from the role of Elyasaf as a tribal leader?
A: Elyasaf's role teaches us about the importance of responsible leadership in Jewish tradition. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:3) explains that tribal leaders were chosen for their righteousness and ability to serve their people selflessly. This sets an example for leadership roles in Jewish communities today.
Q: Why is the tribe of Gad mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: The tribe of Gad is mentioned here as part of the detailed arrangement of the Israelite camp. According to the Talmud (Yoma 54a), each tribe's position reflected its unique spiritual qualities. Gad was placed on the south side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which our sages connect with certain divine attributes.
Q: How does the concept of tribal leadership apply to Judaism today?
A: While we no longer have the same tribal structure, the principle of appointed leadership remains important in Jewish life. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 1:1) rules that every Jewish community must have proper leadership, following the model established in the Torah where each tribe had its responsible leaders like Elyasaf.