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Numbers 2:29 - Who leads Naftali's tribe?

Numbers 2:29 - במדבר 2:29

Hebrew Text

וּמַטֵּה נַפְתָּלִי וְנָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי נַפְתָּלִי אֲחִירַע בֶּן־עֵינָן׃

English Translation

Then the tribe of Naftali: and the captain of the children of Naftali shall be Aĥira the son of ῾Enan.

Transliteration

U'mateh Naftali v'nasi livnei Naftali Achira ben-Einan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמַטֵּ֖ה נַפְתָּלִ֑י וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י נַפְתָּלִ֔י אֲחִירַ֖ע בֶּן־עֵינָֽן׃
וּמַטֵּ֖ה נַפְתָּלִ֑י וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י נַפְתָּלִ֔י אֲחִירַ֖ע בֶּן־עֵינָֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Tribe of Naftali and Its Leader

The verse (Bamidbar 2:29) mentions the tribe of Naftali and its leader, Aĥira ben ῾Enan, in the context of the arrangement of the Israelite camp. According to Rashi, the placement of Naftali in the camp was to the north, alongside the tribes of Dan and Asher, forming the camp of "Maĥane Dan." This positioning reflects the divine order given to Moshe for organizing the tribes around the Mishkan.

Aĥira ben ῾Enan: Leadership and Character

The name "Aĥira" (אחירע) can be broken down into "aĥi" (my brother) and "ra" (evil), which the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:8) interprets as a reference to his righteous character—he transformed potential evil into good through his deeds. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) notes that leaders like Aĥira were chosen for their humility and wisdom, essential qualities for guiding their tribes.

Naftali's Role Among the Tribes

Naftali was known for its swiftness and productivity, as Yaakov's blessing (Bereishit 49:21) describes: "Naftali is a deer let loose, who delivers beautiful words." The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayechi 11) elaborates that Naftali's descendants were swift messengers and skilled in Torah discourse. Aĥira's leadership thus embodied these traits, ensuring his tribe's alignment with their spiritual and communal duties.

  • Camp Position: North side, alongside Dan and Asher (Rashi, Bamidbar 2:25).
  • Leader's Name: Symbolizes turning evil to good (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:8).
  • Tribal Legacy: Associated with swiftness and eloquence (Bereishit 49:21, Tanchuma).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Aĥira ben ῾Enan mentioned in Numbers 2:29?
A: Aĥira ben ῾Enan was the leader (nasi) of the tribe of Naftali during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to Rashi, he was chosen to represent his tribe when the census was taken and when the tribes camped around the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Midrash also notes that he was a righteous and capable leader.
Q: Why is the tribe of Naftali mentioned in this verse?
A: Numbers 2 describes the arrangement of the Israelite camp around the Mishkan. The tribe of Naftali was part of the camp of Dan, which camped to the north. This verse highlights their leader, Aĥira, showing that each tribe had a designated representative, emphasizing order and unity among the Israelites.
Q: What can we learn from the leadership of Aĥira ben ῾Enan?
A: Aĥira ben �Enan teaches us the importance of dedicated leadership. The Rambam explains that a leader must serve with humility and responsibility. Aĥira faithfully represented his tribe, showing that true leadership involves commitment to one's community and adherence to Torah values.
Q: How does the arrangement of the tribes apply to Jewish life today?
A: Just as the tribes camped in an orderly fashion around the Mishkan, Jewish communities today strive for unity and structure. The Talmud (Berachot 58a) teaches that proper organization fosters harmony. Each person, like Aĥira, has a role to play in strengthening the community.