share torah logo

Numbers 2:28 - Dan's mighty tribal count

Numbers 2:28 - במדבר 2:28

Hebrew Text

וּצְבָאוֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם אֶחָד וְאַרְבָּעִים אֶלֶף וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty one thousand, five hundred.

Transliteration

Utsva'o uf'kudeihem echad v'arba'im elef vachamesh me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּצְבָא֖וֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם אֶחָ֧ד וְאַרְבָּעִ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃
וּצְבָא֖וֹ וּפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם אֶחָ֧ד וְאַרְבָּעִ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 1:41) is part of the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness, specifically detailing the count of the tribe of Asher. The Torah enumerates each tribe's military-aged men (20 years and older) to organize the Israelite camp and prepare for their journey.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the phrase "וּצְבָאוֹ" (and his host) refers to the military divisions of the tribe of Asher, organized under their leader Pagiel ben Ochran (Numbers 1:13). The count of 41,500 represents the men fit for warfare, emphasizing their role in defending the nation and participating in the Divine plan for conquering the Land of Israel.

Symbolism of the Number

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:10) notes that the number 41,500 reflects the tribe of Asher's unique blessing. Yaakov had blessed Asher with abundance (Genesis 49:20), and this large military count signifies their strength and prosperity. The Talmud (Yoma 26a) also associates Asher with fertility and wealth, suggesting their numbers were a result of Divine blessing.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 7:1) highlights the importance of military counts in Jewish leadership. The precise numbering reflects the Torah's emphasis on order and accountability, ensuring each tribe contributed proportionally to the collective mission.

Additional Insights from Ba'al HaTurim

  • The Ba'al HaTurim observes that the numerical value (gematria) of "וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת" (and five hundred) (505) hints at the tribe's future role in providing olive oil for the Menorah (as Asher's land was rich in olives).
  • The total count (41,500) is exactly 1,000 less than the tribe of Dan (42,500), which some commentators link to Asher's more peaceful nature compared to Dan's warrior legacy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 2:28 mean when it mentions 'his host'?
A: In Numbers 2:28, 'his host' refers to the army or military division of the tribe of Asher, as this verse is part of the census of the Israelites in the wilderness. According to Rashi, each tribe had its own flag and encampment position around the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and this verse specifies the number of men eligible for military service from the tribe of Asher.
Q: Why is the number 41,500 significant in Numbers 2:28?
A: The number 41,500 represents the count of men from the tribe of Asher who were of fighting age (20 years and older) as recorded in the wilderness census. The Rambam explains that such counts were important for organizing the camp, military readiness, and understanding the strength of each tribe as they journeyed toward the Land of Israel.
Q: How does the counting of tribes in Numbers 2 apply to us today?
A: While we no longer count tribes for military purposes, the Torah's emphasis on organization and unity teaches us the importance of community structure. The Midrash notes that each tribe had a unique role, reminding us that every individual and group has a distinct purpose in serving Hashem and contributing to the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from the detailed census in Numbers 2?
A: The detailed census teaches us that every individual counts in the eyes of Hashem. As the Talmud (Bava Batra 8a) explains, just as each tribe was carefully counted, we learn that every person has inherent value and a role to play in the Jewish nation. The precision also shows the importance of order and accountability in communal life.