share torah logo

Numbers 2:34 - Divine order in tribal unity

Numbers 2:34 - במדבר 2:34

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה כֵּן־חָנוּ לְדִגְלֵיהֶם וְכֵן נָסָעוּ אִישׁ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָיו עַל־בֵּית אֲבֹתָיו׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el did according to all that the Lord commanded Moshe: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, everyone after their families, according to the houses of their fathers.

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu b'nei Yisrael k'chol asher-tziva Adonai et-Moshe ken-chanu l'diglehem v'chen nasa'u ish l'mishp'chotav al-beit avotav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֗ה כֵּֽן־חָנ֤וּ לְדִגְלֵיהֶם֙ וְכֵ֣ן נָסָ֔עוּ אִ֥ישׁ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖יו עַל־בֵּ֥ית אֲבֹתָֽיו׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֗ה כֵּֽן־חָנ֤וּ לְדִגְלֵיהֶם֙ וְכֵ֣ן נָסָ֔עוּ אִ֥ישׁ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖יו עַל־בֵּ֥ית אֲבֹתָֽיו׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Obedience to Divine Command

The verse emphasizes the complete obedience of Bnei Yisrael to Hashem's commandments through Moshe. Rashi (Bamidbar 2:34) notes that this phrase "כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה ה'" appears repeatedly in the Torah to highlight the nation's meticulous adherence to divine instruction, particularly in the arrangement of the camp and travel formations. This reflects the principle of kabbalat ol malchut shamayim (accepting the yoke of Heaven) as a foundational Jewish value.

The Order of the Encampment

The phrase "כֵּן־חָנוּ לְדִגְלֵיהֶם" refers to the precise tribal formations around the Mishkan. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:8) teaches that each tribe's flag had unique colors corresponding to the stones on the Kohen Gadol's breastplate, symbolizing their distinct spiritual qualities while maintaining unity. Ramban (Bamidbar 2:2) explains that this organization reflected the divine heavenly order, mirroring the camps of angels.

Family and Ancestral Structure

The conclusion of the verse - "אִישׁ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָיו עַל־בֵּית אֲבֹתָיו" - underscores the importance of familial and tribal identity. The Sforno notes that maintaining these divisions during travel preserved:

  • The transmission of mesorah (tradition) through family lines
  • Accountability within smaller communal units
  • The fulfillment of ancestral blessings given to each tribe

Spiritual Significance of Movement

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 2:34) draws a parallel between physical travel and spiritual growth. Just as the tribes journeyed in precise formation, a Jew must progress in Torah and mitzvot with both individual dedication (אִישׁ) and communal responsibility (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָיו). The Ohr HaChaim adds that the dual mention of camping and traveling teaches that spiritual consistency is required in both stationary and transitional life phases.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 2:34 teach us about the Israelites' obedience?
A: Numbers 2:34 highlights the complete obedience of the Israelites to Hashem's commandments through Moshe. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes their meticulous adherence to the divine instructions regarding their encampment and travel arrangements by their tribes, families, and ancestral houses.
Q: Why were the Israelites organized by tribes and families in the desert?
A: The organization by tribes and families (as seen in Numbers 2:34) maintained order and identity among the Israelites. The Midrash teaches that each tribe had its unique role and dignity, and this structure reflected the divine wisdom in preserving unity while honoring individual distinctions within the nation.
Q: What is the significance of the 'standards' (דגלים) mentioned in Numbers 2:34?
A: The 'standards' (flags or banners) symbolized the identity and unity of each tribe. Rambam notes that these banners helped the tribes maintain their positions during encampment and travel, fostering discipline and reverence for Hashem's precise instructions in the wilderness.
Q: How does Numbers 2:34 apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of order, unity, and adherence to Torah principles within the Jewish community. Just as the Israelites followed Hashem's commands with precision, Jews today are encouraged to uphold halachic (Jewish law) and communal structures with dedication and harmony.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' travel arrangements in this verse?
A: The verse teaches that every individual and family has a divinely ordained place and purpose. The Talmud (Shabbat 92a) derives from this that respect for one's role and the roles of others—within family and community—is essential for collective spiritual success.