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Numbers 2:20 - Menasseh's honored tribal leader

Numbers 2:20 - במדבר 2:20

Hebrew Text

וְעָלָיו מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה וְנָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי מְנַשֶּׁה גַּמְלִיאֵל בֶּן־פְּדָהצוּר׃

English Translation

And by him shall be the tribe of Menashshe: and the captain of the children of Menashshe shall be Gamli᾽el the son of Pedażur.

Transliteration

Ve'alav mateh Menashe venasi livnei Menashe Gamliel ben-Pedahzur.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָלָ֖יו מַטֵּ֣ה מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה גַּמְלִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־פְּדָהצֽוּר׃
וְעָלָ֖יו מַטֵּ֣ה מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה גַּמְלִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־פְּדָהצֽוּר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 2:20) describes the arrangement of the Israelite camp during their travels in the wilderness. The tribe of Menashe (מְנַשֶּׁה) was positioned next to the tribe of Ephraim under the banner of the camp of Ephraim, as both were descendants of Yosef. Gamliel ben Pedahzur served as their nasi (tribal leader).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְעָלָיו מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה" ("and by him shall be the tribe of Menashe") indicates that Menashe was placed adjacent to Ephraim, as both were part of the camp led by Ephraim (Rashi on Bamidbar 2:20). This arrangement fulfilled Yaakov Avinu's blessing (Bereishit 48:20) that Ephraim would be greater than Menashe, hence Ephraim's banner took precedence.

The Role of Gamliel ben Pedahzur

Gamliel is identified in the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) as a righteous leader who faithfully represented his tribe. His name, גַּמְלִיאֵל, means "G-d is my reward," suggesting his devotion to divine service. The Talmud (Sotah 11b) also associates him with the protection of Jewish identity in Egypt, as some Midrashim link his family to those who resisted assimilation.

Symbolism of Tribal Arrangement

  • Unity of Yosef's Descendants: Menashe and Ephraim camped together, reinforcing Yaakov's designation of them as equal tribes (Bereishit 48:5).
  • Leadership Hierarchy: Though Menashe was the firstborn, Ephraim's banner led, fulfilling Yaakov's prophecy (Bereishit 48:19).

Rambam's Perspective on Leadership

In Hilchot Melachim (1:7), Rambam emphasizes that tribal leaders like Gamliel were chosen for wisdom and righteousness. Gamliel's role as nasi reflects the Torah's model of decentralized leadership, where each tribe maintained its identity while contributing to national unity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Gamliel ben Pedahzur mentioned in Numbers 2:20?
A: Gamliel ben Pedahzur was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Menashe during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to Rashi, he was a respected leader chosen to represent his tribe in matters of governance and the census (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7).
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 2?
A: The Torah lists the tribal leaders to emphasize the organization and dignity of the Israelite camp in the wilderness. Ramban explains that each tribe had its designated place and leader to maintain order, reflecting the Divine wisdom in structuring the nation (Ramban on Numbers 2:2).
Q: What is the significance of the tribe of Menashe's position in the camp?
A: Menashe camped on the west side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) alongside Ephraim and Binyamin, under the banner of Rachel's descendants. The Midrash teaches that their placement symbolized unity among the tribes and their connection to the Divine presence (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:10).
Q: How does the role of tribal leaders like Gamliel apply to leadership today?
A: Jewish tradition teaches that leaders must serve with humility and responsibility, as Gamliel did. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) states that a leader is entrusted with the welfare of the community, emphasizing the enduring value of selfless leadership in Jewish life.