Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 2:16 mean when it says 'they shall set forth in the second rank'?
A: This verse describes the order in which the tribes traveled during the Israelites' journeys in the wilderness. The tribe of Reuven, along with the tribes of Shimon and Gad, camped on the south side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and traveled second when the Israelites moved (Rashi on Numbers 2:16). This was part of a divinely ordained formation with each tribe having its specific place and order.
Q: Why is the number of people in Reuven's camp mentioned specifically?
A: The Torah provides exact counts to show the organization and structure of the Israelite camp. Each tribe's population was carefully recorded (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7), demonstrating how Hashem values every individual. The large number (151,450) also highlights the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to make Avraham's descendants numerous (Bereshit 15:5).
Q: What can we learn from how the tribes were arranged around the Mishkan?
A: The arrangement teaches us about the importance of order and respect for holiness. The tribes camped in specific formations around the Mishkan (Numbers 2), showing that closeness to the Divine Presence requires structure. The Mishkan was at the center, reminding us that Torah and mitzvot should be the focus of our lives (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:1).
Q: How does the concept of traveling in formation apply to Jewish life today?
A: Just as the tribes had assigned positions, Jewish tradition teaches that every person has a unique role in serving Hashem (Midrash Tanchuma, Nasso 16). The orderly travel also reminds us that Jewish communal life requires structure - like set prayer times, holiday observances, and study schedules - while maintaining focus on Torah values at the center.
Q: Why did Reuven's tribe travel second? What's the significance of their position?
A: Reuven traveled second after Yehuda's group because, although Reuven was Yaakov's firstborn, he lost the leadership position due to his earlier actions (Bereshit 35:22, Rashi). However, he still maintained an honorable position, teaching that even when we make mistakes, we can retain dignity through repentance and proper conduct (Talmud, Berachot 7a).
Overview of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 2:16) details the census count of the tribe of Reuven and their position in the Israelite encampment during their travels in the wilderness. Reuven's camp, along with the tribes of Shimon and Gad, formed the southern division ("machaneh Reuven"), totaling 151,450 men eligible for military service. The verse also specifies that this group would travel second when the Israelites journeyed.
Commentary on the Census Count
Rashi explains that the precise numbering of each tribe reflects the divine love for the Jewish people—Hashem counts them frequently to demonstrate their importance. The large number of Reuven's descendants (151,450) is notable, considering Reuven's earlier missteps (e.g., the incident with Bilhah). This teaches that teshuvah (repentance) is powerful, and Reuven's descendants still merited a significant role among the tribes.
The Order of Travel
The verse states that Reuven's camp traveled second ("u'sheniym yisa'u"). Rashi clarifies that this refers to the order after Yehudah's camp (which led first). The positioning reflects divine wisdom in organizing the nation:
Spiritual Significance
The Sforno teaches that the structured encampment and travel order mirrored the spiritual harmony of the Jewish people, with each tribe contributing its unique qualities. Reuven's position—following Yehudah—symbolizes the importance of unity under Torah leadership while maintaining individual tribal identities.