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Numbers 2:31 - Dan's rear guard significance?

Numbers 2:31 - במדבר 2:31

Hebrew Text

כָּל־הַפְּקֻדִים לְמַחֲנֵה דָן מְאַת אֶלֶף וְשִׁבְעָה וַחֲמִשִּׁים אֶלֶף וְשֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת לָאַחֲרֹנָה יִסְעוּ לְדִגְלֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were a hundred and fifty seven thousand, six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.

Transliteration

Kol-hapkudim lemakhane Dan me'at elef vesheva vachamishim elef veshesh me'ot la'achrona yis'u ledigleihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־הַפְּקֻדִים֙ לְמַ֣חֲנֵה דָ֔ן מְאַ֣ת אֶ֗לֶף וְשִׁבְעָ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת לָאַחֲרֹנָ֥ה יִסְע֖וּ לְדִגְלֵיהֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
כׇּל־הַפְּקֻדִים֙ לְמַ֣חֲנֵה דָ֔ן מְאַ֣ת אֶ֗לֶף וְשִׁבְעָ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת לָאַחֲרֹנָ֥ה יִסְע֖וּ לְדִגְלֵיהֶֽם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 2:31) describes the census of the tribe of Dan and their position in the Israelite encampment during their travels in the wilderness. Dan was the largest tribe at the time, numbering 157,600 men, and they were assigned to travel last, serving as the rear guard (l’acharonah yis’u) among the four camps of Israel.

Significance of Dan's Position

Rashi explains that Dan was placed at the rear because they were numerous and strong, capable of gathering any lost or fallen items from the other tribes. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:10) elaborates that Dan was like a "gatherer" (me’asef), ensuring nothing was left behind as the nation journeyed. This role highlights their responsibility to protect and assist the entire camp.

Symbolism of Dan's Size and Role

  • Strength in Numbers: The large population of Dan (157,600) reflects their physical and spiritual resilience, as noted by the Ramban. Their size allowed them to serve as protectors for the entire nation.
  • Rear Guard Duty: The Talmud (Sotah 11a) connects Dan’s role to the concept of kibbutz galuyot (gathering the exiles), suggesting that just as Dan gathered the stragglers in the wilderness, they will play a role in the future redemption.
  • Leadership in Humility: Despite their size, Dan accepted the role of traveling last, demonstrating humility—a trait praised by the Ba’al HaTurim.

Connection to the Messiah

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 14:6) links Dan’s position to the future redemption, citing Yaakov’s blessing (Bereishit 49:17) that Dan will "judge his people." Some commentators, like the Malbim, suggest that Dan’s role as the rear guard symbolizes their eventual role in gathering the scattered remnants of Israel at the end of days.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the tribe of Dan traveled 'hindmost with their standards'?
A: Rashi explains that the tribe of Dan traveled last in the formation of the Israelite camp. They served as the 'rear guard,' protecting the nation from any threats that might come from behind during their journey through the wilderness. Their large numbers (157,600 men) gave them strength to fulfill this role.
Q: Why was the tribe of Dan so large compared to other tribes?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:16) notes that Dan was one of the most populous tribes. Some commentaries suggest this was a blessing because Dan's ancestor (Jacob's son Dan) showed unity by joining his brothers in the sale of Joseph (though he wasn't the main instigator), and unity brings abundance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the tribe of Dan's position in the camp?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 100b) derives from here that every role in the community is important. Though Dan traveled last, their role as protectors was vital. This teaches us that in Jewish life, whether one has a prominent or behind-the-scenes role, every contribution is valuable to the community's wellbeing.