Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 2:23 mean when it mentions 'thirty five thousand, four hundred'?
A: This verse refers to the census count of the tribe of Ephraim during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. The number 35,400 represents the men of fighting age (20 years and older) from the tribe of Ephraim, as counted by Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) under Hashem's command (Rashi on Numbers 1:3).
Q: Why is the counting of each tribe important in Numbers 2?
A: The counting of each tribe shows the organization of the Israelite camp and demonstrates that every tribe had a specific role and position around the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This teaches us about order, unity, and the importance of each individual's contribution to the community (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7).
Q: How does the number of Ephraim's soldiers compare to other tribes?
A: Ephraim's count of 35,400 was smaller than some tribes like Yehuda (74,600) but larger than others like Binyamin (35,400). The differences show that each tribe had unique strengths, and all were equally important in forming the complete nation (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim 12:3).
Q: What can we learn from the detailed counting in Numbers 2?
A: The detailed counting teaches that every individual matters to Hashem. Just as each person was counted in the wilderness, we learn that every Jew has intrinsic value and a unique role in serving Hashem (Talmud, Sanhedrin 17b).
Q: Why does the Torah list exact numbers instead of approximations?
A: The Torah gives precise numbers to emphasize the accuracy of the census and the importance of every individual. In Jewish tradition, exact counts reflect Hashem's care for each person and the significance of every soul (Baal HaTurim on Numbers 1:2).
Context in the Torah
This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:41, as part of the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness. It specifically refers to the count of the tribe of Asher. The counting was commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Elazar the Kohen (Bamidbar 26:2), emphasizing the importance of each individual in Klal Yisrael.
Numerical Significance
Rashi notes that the count of 35,400 men of military age from Asher reflects the tribe's growth since their descent to Egypt (see Shemot 1:5). The Baal HaTurim points out that the gematria (numerical value) of "Asher" (אָשֵׁר) is 501, hinting at the tribe's blessedness, as Asher's name means "happiness" or "blessing" (Bereishit 30:13).
Spiritual Lessons
Military Implications
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the counting of men "from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go forth to war" (Bamidbar 1:3) reflects the dual role of Am Yisrael: to engage in physical defense when necessary, but primarily to wage spiritual warfare through Torah and mitzvot. The number 35,400 represents Asher's readiness to fulfill both roles.